Frenchburg, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The City of Frenchburg is governed by a mayor and commissioners but has no planning or building department. DHBC enforces the 2018 Kentucky Building and Residential Codes inside the city limits as it does for the rest of Menifee County.

Department

Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Building Code Enforcement

Address

500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone

(502) 573-0373

Email

HBC.BCE@ky.gov

Website

https://dhbc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify zoning with the Menifee County Fiscal Court or the mayor/commission, as Frenchburg does not have a planning commission.
2. Treat the project as state-jurisdiction because the city lacks its own inspector; DHBC reviews the plan set once submitted.
3. Upload the application, fee sheet, and full plan set with all required details via SmartGov, including any special occupancy, seismic, or structural information per the building plan checklist.
4. After DHBC plan review, request inspections through the SmartGov portal and/or direct contact with the assigned inspector.
5. Secure the trade certificates listed in the Before You Build checklist before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Applicants are asked to call (502) 573-0373 because DHBC does not post a fixed timeline for Frenchburg projects.

Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Building Code Enforcement

General Requirements

The same KBC requirements apply—new buildings, additions, renovations, change of occupancy, or any work needing special inspections require a permit.

Required Documents

• Title block data
• Use group classification
• Listing of all fire and structural systems
• Accessibility features documentation
• Site plan and survey
• Door and window schedules
• Interior finish schedule with flame-spread ratings
• Occupancy load data
• Special system details

Permit validity

Partial permits are available, and permits are not issued until the required fees are paid, mirroring the statewide policy.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, plus the referenced NFPA standards.

Owner-builder

The Affidavit of Assurances applies citywide, requiring owners to certify that contractors and subcontractors carry workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.

Contractor requirements

The same DHBC license table applies—plumbing, electrical, mechanical, sprinkler, elevators, boilers, tanks, and glazing all require state licensing, while general building work follows the same inspection framework without a separate state license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$285

Plan check fee

Same area-based calculation/fee is due at submittal.

Permit fee formula

Square-footage-based formula for new work, additions, and alterations with a 50% fast-track surcharge (minimum $400).

Payment note

Payment by check to the Kentucky State Treasurer or via SmartGov's payment feature, with the project name and location detailed so the fee posts correctly.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Building Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SmartGov portal (online)
• Assigned DHBC inspector or Menifee County inspector Wade Trimble at 606-359-6397 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday 8:00-9:00 a.m. EST for calls; DHBC encourages appointments.

Typical inspection sequence: The Before You Build checklist's trade certificates (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, sprinkler, elevator, boiler, fuel tank, hazardous storage, HVAC, glazing) suggest inspections progress through foundations, trade rough-ins, systems completion, and final approvals.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, plus the referenced NFPA standards.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City of Frenchburg Contact Information
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Frenchburg Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Frenchburg, KY?

The same KBC requirements apply—new buildings, additions, renovations, change of occupancy, or any work needing special inspections require a permit.

How much does a building permit cost in Frenchburg, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: Square-footage-based formula for new work, additions, and alterations with a 50% fast-track surcharge (minimum $400).. Plan check fee: Same area-based calculation/fee is due at submittal..

How do I apply for a building permit in Frenchburg, KY?

1. Verify zoning with the Menifee County Fiscal Court or the mayor/commission, as Frenchburg does not have a planning commission. 2. Treat the project as state-jurisdiction because the city lacks its own inspector; DHBC reviews the plan set once submitted. 3. Upload the application, fee sheet, and full plan set with all required details via SmartGov, including any special occupancy, seismic, or structural information per the building plan checklist. 4. After DHBC plan review, request inspections through the SmartGov portal and/or direct contact with the assigned inspector. 5. Secure the trade certificates listed in the Before You Build checklist before occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Frenchburg, KY?

Typical processing time is Applicants are asked to call (502) 573-0373 because DHBC does not post a fixed timeline for Frenchburg projects..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Frenchburg, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov portal, Assigned DHBC inspector or Menifee County inspector Wade Trimble at 606-359-6397.

Other cities in Menifee County