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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mount Sterling
Most projects that involve siding, windows and roofs require a permit; city ordinance and Kentucky law mandate permits for most construction.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet used for tools, storage, playhouses, etc., unless they serve as the exit door
- Exempt Fences up to 7 feet
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet measured from grade
- Exempt Water storage tanks ≤5,000 gallons with a height-to-width ratio of 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings projecting ≤54 inches and requiring no additional support
- Exempt Decks ≤200 square feet, unattached to dwellings, <30 inches above grade and not serving an exit
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Two sets of drawings
- Two site plans
- Contractor Affidavit of Assurances
- Proof of Mount Sterling business license
- Building code
- 2015 International Residential Code with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code amendments
- Permit validity
- Not specified beyond the implicit life of the permit through final inspection and bond return.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; contact the office for current lead times.
- 01 Call or email the inspector to describe the scope, review zoning/setback requirements and request the plan-review packet before submitting.
- 02 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.
- 03 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.
- 04 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
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
02
Reinspection fee
Work started without a permit adds 50% to the permit fee
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (859) 498-8725 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Not published online; follow the inspector's guidance once the permit is issued.
Source: City of Mount Sterling Building Inspector's Office ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Mount Sterling permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Mount Sterling, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in Mount Sterling, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Mount Sterling, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Mount Sterling, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Mount Sterling, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Mount Sterling, KY typically run Not published; contact the office for current lead times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Mount Sterling, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Mount Sterling, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Mount Sterling, KY via: (859) 498-8725.
last verified April 2026
source City of Mount Sterling Building Inspector's Office ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/montgomery/mount-sterling
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Mount Sterling Building Inspector's Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.