County Building Permits
Montgomery County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Serves the unincorporated portions of Montgomery County; commercial work may be routed to the state building inspector (Ric McNees) per DHBC guidance.
- Department
- Montgomery County Building Inspector
- Address
- 44 W. Main Street, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353
- Phone
- (859) 498-8709
Application Process
- Call the county building inspector to determine whether the proposed project falls under county jurisdiction or should be handled by the city offices; commercial projects are referred to the Kentucky DHBC inspector (Ric McNees).
- Submit the building permit application, drawings, site plan and required documentation to the inspector's office once jurisdiction is confirmed.
- Schedule inspections (footing, framing, final, etc.) through the same office after the permit is issued.
Typical processing time: Not published on the county page; call for current turnarounds.
General Requirements
Kentucky law (KRS 198B.060) requires local governments to employ a building official to enforce the statewide building code, so any work that alters structures, mechanical or plumbing systems needs a permit from the county inspector.
- Permit validity
- Not detailed on the county site.
- Building code
- 2015 International Residential Code with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code amendments
- Owner-builder
- Not listed publicly.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must comply with the state licensing and affidavit rules under KRS 198B.060 when working under the county's authority.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Montgomery County Building Inspector to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (859) 498-8709 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Not published; follow the inspector's instructions once the permit is issued.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2015 International Residential Code with 2018 Kentucky Residential Code amendments
- 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 Montgomery County Building Inspector before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Montgomery County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, KY?
- Kentucky law (KRS 198B.060) requires local governments to employ a building official to enforce the statewide building code, so any work that alters structures, mechanical or plumbing systems needs a permit from the county inspector.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, KY?
- 1. Call the county building inspector to determine whether the proposed project falls under county jurisdiction or should be handled by the city offices; commercial projects are referred to the Kentucky DHBC inspector (Ric McNees). 2. Submit the building permit application, drawings, site plan and required documentation to the inspector's office once jurisdiction is confirmed. 3. Schedule inspections (footing, framing, final, etc.) through the same office after the permit is issued.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, KY?
- Typical processing time is Not published on the county page; call for current turnarounds..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Montgomery County, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 498-8709.
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