How much does a building permit cost in Mount Sterling, KY?

Fees are calculated as: Calculated by exterior square footage—primary residential new construction or additions at $0.15/sf, alterations $0.10/sf, accessory buildings $0.12/sf, decks $0.15/sf, plus flat fees for demolition, in-ground pools and signage.

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

1. Call or email the inspector to describe the scope, review zoning/setback requirements and request the plan-review packet before submitting. 2. Submit the completed building permit application along with two sets of drawings, two site plans, the contractor's Affidavit of Assurances (per KRS 198B.060(10)) and proof of a Mount Sterling business license. 3. Pay the valuation-based fee, any required refundable bond, and await plan review; the inspector issues the permit once the documents and fee are accepted, then schedules the required inspections as construction progresses. 4. After an approved final inspection the refundable bond is returned within 30 days, with unclaimed bonds reverting to the city after one year.

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

Typical processing time is Not published; contact the office for current lead times..

What work is exempt from building permits in Mount Sterling, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet used for tools, storage, playhouses, etc., unless they serve as the exit door; Fences up to 7 feet; Retaining walls under 4 feet measured from grade; Water storage tanks ≤5,000 gallons with a height-to-width ratio of 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work; Swings and other playground equipment; Window awnings projecting ≤54 inches and requiring no additional support; Decks ≤200 square feet, unattached to dwellings, <30 inches above grade and not serving an exit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Mount Sterling, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 498-8725.

City Building Permits

Mount Sterling, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Q: Do I need a building permit in Mount Sterling, KY?

Most projects that involve siding, windows and roofs require a permit; city ordinance and Kentucky law mandate permits for most construction.

Q: How do I schedule a building inspection in Mount Sterling, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 498-8725.

How to apply for a building permit in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kentucky Montgomery County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Mount Sterling.

Department: City of Mount Sterling Building Inspector's Office
Address: 33 N. Maysville Street, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353
Phone: (859) 498-8725
Email: jamesk.johnson@ky.gov
Website: https://mtsterling.ky.gov/Government/Pages/Building-Inspector.aspx

Application Process

Call or email the inspector to describe the scope, review zoning/setback requirements and request the plan-review packet before submitting.
Submit the completed building permit application along with two sets of drawings, two site plans, the contractor's Affidavit of Assurances (per KRS 198B.060(10)) and proof of a Mount Sterling business license.
Pay the valuation-based fee, any required refundable bond, and await plan review; the inspector issues the permit once the documents and fee are accepted, then schedules the required inspections as construction progresses.
After an approved final inspection the refundable bond is returned within 30 days, with unclaimed bonds reverting to the city after one year.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact the office for current lead times.

Source: City of Mount Sterling Building Inspector's Office

General Requirements

Most projects that involve siding, windows and roofs require a permit; city ordinance and Kentucky law mandate permits for most construction.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Two sets of drawings
Two site plans
Contractor Affidavit of Assurances
Proof of Mount Sterling business license

Permit validity: Not specified beyond the implicit life of the permit through final inspection and bond return.
Building code: 2015 International Residential Code with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code amendments
Owner-builder: The application must be authorized by the owner of record; the contractor affidavit references KRS 198B.060(10) for worker assurance statements.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a Mount Sterling business license and sign the Affidavit of Assurances before their application is accepted.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Calculated by exterior square footage—primary residential new construction or additions at $0.15/sf, alterations $0.10/sf, accessory buildings $0.12/sf, decks $0.15/sf, plus flat fees for demolition, in-ground pools and signage
Reinspection fee: Work started without a permit adds 50% to the permit fee
Payment note: Refundable bonds due at permit issuance and refunded within 30 days of a passed final inspection, with unclaimed funds becoming city property after one year.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet used for tools, storage, playhouses, etc., unless they serve as the exit door
Fences up to 7 feet
Retaining walls under 4 feet measured from grade
Water storage tanks ≤5,000 gallons with a height-to-width ratio of 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work
Swings and other playground equipment
Window awnings projecting ≤54 inches and requiring no additional support
Decks ≤200 square feet, unattached to dwellings, <30 inches above grade and not serving an exit

Inspections

How to Schedule

(859) 498-8725 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Not published online; follow the inspector's guidance once the permit is issued.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2015 International Residential Code with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code amendments
Zoning information: View zoning info
License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Mount Sterling Building Inspector's Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mount Sterling Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Mount Sterling, KY?: Most projects that involve siding, windows and roofs require a permit; city ordinance and Kentucky law mandate permits for most construction.
How much does a building permit cost in Mount Sterling, KY?: Fees are calculated as: Calculated by exterior square footage—primary residential new construction or additions at $0.15/sf, alterations $0.10/sf, accessory buildings $0.12/sf, decks $0.15/sf, plus flat fees for demolition, in-ground pools and signage.
How do I apply for a building permit in Mount Sterling, KY?: 1. Call or email the inspector to describe the scope, review zoning/setback requirements and request the plan-review packet before submitting. 2. Submit the completed building permit application along with two sets of drawings, two site plans, the contractor's Affidavit of Assurances (per KRS 198B.060(10)) and proof of a Mount Sterling business license. 3. Pay the valuation-based fee, any required refundable bond, and await plan review; the inspector issues the permit once the documents and fee are accepted, then schedules the required inspections as construction progresses. 4. After an approved final inspection the refundable bond is returned within 30 days, with unclaimed bonds reverting to the city after one year.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Mount Sterling, KY?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact the office for current lead times..
What work is exempt from building permits in Mount Sterling, KY?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet used for tools, storage, playhouses, etc., unless they serve as the exit door; Fences up to 7 feet; Retaining walls under 4 feet measured from grade; Water storage tanks ≤5,000 gallons with a height-to-width ratio of 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work; Swings and other playground equipment; Window awnings projecting ≤54 inches and requiring no additional support; Decks ≤200 square feet, unattached to dwellings, <30 inches above grade and not serving an exit.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Mount Sterling, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 498-8725.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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