Mercer County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The building inspector covers every unincorporated Mercer County location (including Salvisa, Bondville, and other unincorporated communities) through the Greater Harrodsburg/Mercer County Joint Planning & Zoning Commission. Burgin retains separate municipal control.

Department

Mercer County Building Inspection

Address

109 Short St., Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Phone

(859) 734-3375 x102

Email

buildinginspector@mercerky.com

Website

https://mercercounty.ky.gov/departments/Pages/Building-Inspection.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Deliver a completed application plus supporting documents so planning staff can verify setbacks, use, and placement before forwarding to the building inspector.
2. The administrative official acts within a reasonable time, collects fees, and sends the package to the inspector for construction and flood-plain review.
3. After the building inspector clears the plans, the laminated permit is issued and must be posted on the property. Flood-plain projects require state Division of Water approval first.

Typical processing time: The county ordinance says permits are issued within a reasonable time once complete. Administrative review target within ten days of receiving all required documentation.

Source: Mercer County Building Inspection

General Requirements

The ordinance and inspector require permits for virtually every structure, including homes, commercial buildings, manufactured homes, additions, decks, porches, garages, docks, accessory structures over 200 sq ft, and renovations.

Required Documents

• Deed or ownership documentation
• Construction drawings
• Signed truss plans
• PVA building information sheet
• Subdivision plat or site plan (if available)
• Contractor insurance certificate
• Affidavit of exemption
• Septic evaluation (for county work outside city limits)

Permit validity

Permits must be started within one year or they expire. A six-month suspension or abandonment voids the permit.

Building code

The zoning ordinance makes the building inspector responsible for enforcing the Kentucky building codes.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders use the Affidavit of Exemption yet still supply the standard documentation.

Contractor requirements

Contractors submit insurance certificates. County work outside city limits may require septic evaluations where appropriate.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75

Permit fee formula

Residential $0.20 per sq ft. Commercial $0.26 per sq ft. Manufactured home $0.10 per sq ft. Sign permit $100. Demolition permit $100. Commercial zoning permit $0.12 per sq ft of building footprint. Renovation of existing commercial building same use group $50. Change of use $0.14 per sq ft.

Payment note

Permits cannot be acted on until all applicable fees are paid in full.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Concrete patios and driveways
• Fences under six feet in height
• Agricultural structures on tracts of at least ten acres (excluding the principal dwelling)

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (859) 734-3375 x102 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footer, foundation, framing (after plumbing, electrical, HVAC rough-ins), insulation, and final inspections. Zoning enforcement handles setback and final-use checks without appointments.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The zoning ordinance makes the building inspector responsible for enforcing the Kentucky building codes.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Mercer County Zoning Ordinance
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercer County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Mercer County, KY?

The ordinance and inspector require permits for virtually every structure, including homes, commercial buildings, manufactured homes, additions, decks, porches, garages, docks, accessory structures over 200 sq ft, and renovations.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Mercer County, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: Residential $0.20 per sq ft. Commercial $0.26 per sq ft. Manufactured home $0.10 per sq ft. Sign permit $100. Demolition permit $100. Commercial zoning permit $0.12 per sq ft of building footprint. Renovation of existing commercial building same use group $50. Change of use $0.14 per sq ft..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mercer County, KY?

1. Deliver a completed application plus supporting documents so planning staff can verify setbacks, use, and placement before forwarding to the building inspector. 2. The administrative official acts within a reasonable time, collects fees, and sends the package to the inspector for construction and flood-plain review. 3. After the building inspector clears the plans, the laminated permit is issued and must be posted on the property. Flood-plain projects require state Division of Water approval first.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Mercer County, KY?

Typical processing time is The county ordinance says permits are issued within a reasonable time once complete. Administrative review target within ten days of receiving all required documentation..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Mercer County, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Concrete patios and driveways; Fences under six feet in height; Agricultural structures on tracts of at least ten acres (excluding the principal dwelling).

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Mercer County, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 734-3375 x102.