Unincorporated Meade County

No excavation, construction, movement, or exterior alteration of buildings—including accessory structures—may begin without the Planning Commission or its authorized agent issuing the appropriate building, electrical, or HVAC permit.

• Exempt Recurring maintenance work
• Exempt Agricultural buildings solely used for farming, dairying, or stock raising (provided setbacks are met and any structure in a floodway/floodplain is reviewed by the Planning Commission)

Note: All other structures must comply with normal zoning requirements.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code (the 2015 IBC with Kentucky's amendments plus the Kentucky Residential Code)

Permit validity

Permits expire six months (180 days) after issuance, with a free 90-day extension available if filed within two weeks of expiration. The permit must remain displayed until completion.

Owner-builder

The owner must sign the application (or provide written consent), and the applicant agrees to allow inspections for Kentucky Building Code and local zoning compliance.

Contractor requirements

General, electrical, low voltage, and mechanical contractor information must be provided on the form, and the county enforces the Kentucky Building Code (which includes state licensing) for every trade.

1. 01
   Verify the property's zoning, setbacks, and easements, and assemble the required site layout, floor plans, septic approval, deed/survey/plat, subdivision covenants (if any), sinkhole acknowledgement, and other attachments listed on the checklist.
2. 02
   Complete the building permit application with owner, applicant, and contractor data, describe the proposed work (new construction, addition, renovation, manufactured home, accessory structure, etc.), provide dimensions/costs, and ensure the structure is staked so Public Works can confirm utility easements.
3. 03
   Submit the packet through the iWorQ portal or deliver it to MCPZ; the administrator reviews the materials for code and zoning compliance and issues the permit if the work conforms.
4. 04
   Once the application is approved (typically within 1–3 days but no more than 14), the office emails an invoice, the applicant pays the fee, picks up the placard, posts it on site, and schedules inspections (call at least one day in advance, Tuesdays/Thursdays are electrical inspection days, and plumbing/HVAC inspections are handled by the listed inspectors).

Typical processing time: 1–3 days, with a hard cap of 14 days before issuance

Source: Meade County Planning & Zoning ↗

After approval the office emails an invoice, and applicants are contacted to pick up and post the permit once payment is made.

• 270-422-4676 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Call at least one day ahead; the office does not normally schedule same-day inspections and holidays can delay availability.

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. plus Friday mornings until noon (afternoons by appointment)

Time windows

Electrical inspections run Tuesday/Thursday; plumbing inspections are scheduled with County Plumbing Inspector Dale Osborne; HVAC inspections are scheduled with state inspector John Deaton

Typical sequence: The building inspector checks compliance with the approved plans, electrical inspections occur Tuesday and Thursday, plumbing inspections are scheduled with County Plumbing Inspector Dale Osborne, and HVAC inspections are scheduled with state inspector John Deaton.