Bardstown, KY — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Bardstown Building & Electrical Inspector at City Hall, working with the Joint City-County Planning Commission (JCCPC) and Nelson County Code Enforcement

Street address

220 North Fifth Street, Bardstown, KY 40004

Phone

(502) 348-5947

codesclerk@nelsoncountyky.gov

Coverage

Applies within Bardstown city limits; the city handles stormwater and entrance approvals while JCCPC issues zoning compliance permits and Nelson County Code Enforcement performs plan review and inspections.

Online portal

Building & Zoning Compliance Permit Application

PDF download submitted in person or via mail

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Bardstown

New construction, additions, exterior or interior alterations, demolitions, HVAC work, accessory buildings, pools, fences over five feet, agricultural structures, and any change in use or occupancy require zoning compliance before a building permit is issued.

Scope of work

Permit?

Agricultural structures with an executed agricultural use affidavit

Exempt

Accessory structures under 120 square feet

Exempt

Above-ground pools

Exempt

Decks

Exempt

Exempt Agricultural structures with an executed agricultural use affidavit
Exempt Accessory structures under 120 square feet
Exempt Above-ground pools
Exempt Decks

Note: These exempt work items do not need building permits as long as they comply with zoning requirements.

Required documents

Completed Building & Zoning Compliance Permit application
One set of construction documents
Plot plan
Address request
Copies of required encroachment/entrance permits
Zoning compliance permit with drainage and septic approvals
Development/site plan approvals
Historic district Certificate of Appropriateness if applicable
Manufactured-home documentation if applicable
Variance or conditional-use approvals if applicable
Contractors' business licenses
Applicable fees

Building code: Kentucky Building Code (815 KAR 7:120) and Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125)
Permit validity: Bardstown land disturbance permits expire after 12 months; building permits remain active through the final inspection and certificate of occupancy as long as work follows the approved plans.
Owner-builder: Applicants must be the owner or someone with a valid ownership interest (sales contract, option, or letter of permission) and must certify compliance with Kentucky workers' compensation and unemployment insurance requirements for any hired subcontractors.
Contractor requirements: Every contractor and subcontractor must carry the required insurance, hold the appropriate city or county business/occupational license, and submit a copy of the license with the zoning compliance permit.

Source: City of Bardstown Building & Electrical Inspector at City Hall, working with the Joint City-County Planning Commission (JCCPC) and Nelson County Code Enforcement ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Not publicly posted; an elective fast-track early site/foundation review adds 50% of the full fee (minimum $400, maximum $3,000) on top of the normal review cost.

01

Submit the Building & Zoning Compliance Permit application with plot plan, drainage, entrance, septic, and any development/site approvals plus fees to the JCCPC for zoning compliance review.
02

Take the approved zoning compliance packet to Nelson County Code Enforcement with the same application and documentation to trigger the building-permit plan review.
03

Once the building permit is issued, pull the required trade permits (electrical, HVAC, plumbing).
04

Keep historic, drainage, or conditional-use approvals current.
05

Schedule the required inspections (footer, framing, final plus trade inspections) and obtain the certificate of occupancy after every stage passes.

Typical processing time: Not publicly posted; an elective fast-track early site/foundation review adds 50% of the full fee (minimum $400, maximum $3,000) on top of the normal review cost.

Source: City of Bardstown Building & Electrical Inspector at City Hall, working with the Joint City-County Planning Commission (JCCPC) and Nelson County Code Enforcement ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Bardstown building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$225

Plan check fee

0.003 × cost or $0.20 per square foot (minimum $300) for alterations; specialized fire protection reviews range from $275 to over $500

Permit fee formula

$0.20 per square foot for residential and commercial buildings; alterations at 0.003 times the cost or $0.20 per square foot (whichever is less) with a $300 minimum

Reinspection fee

$75 per failed or additional site inspection

Penalty (no permit)

100% of the permit fee for commencing construction without a zoning compliance permit

Checks go to Nelson County Fiscal Court; debit or credit card payments incur a 3% convenience fee

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(502) 348-1862 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: zoning compliance, building-permit review, footer, framing, final inspections, trade inspections (electrical, HVAC, plumbing), certificate of occupancy.

Source: City of Bardstown Building & Electrical Inspector at City Hall, working with the Joint City-County Planning Commission (JCCPC) and Nelson County Code Enforcement ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Bardstown permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Bardstown, KY? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Bardstown, KY? ▸

Building permit fees in Bardstown, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $225. Fees are calculated as: $0.20 per square foot for residential and commercial buildings; alterations at 0.003 times the cost or $0.20 per square foot (whichever is less) with a $300 minimum. Plan check fee: 0.003 × cost or $0.20 per square foot (minimum $300) for alterations; specialized fire protection reviews range from $275 to over $500.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bardstown, KY? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Bardstown, KY, follow these steps: 1. Submit the Building & Zoning Compliance Permit application with plot plan, drainage, entrance, septic, and any development/site approvals plus fees to the JCCPC for zoning compliance review. 2. Take the approved zoning compliance packet to Nelson County Code Enforcement with the same application and documentation to trigger the building-permit plan review. 3. Once the building permit is issued, pull the required trade permits (electrical, HVAC, plumbing). 4. Keep historic, drainage, or conditional-use approvals current. 5. Schedule the required inspections (footer, framing, final plus trade inspections) and obtain the certificate of occupancy after every stage passes.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bardstown, KY? ▸

Building permit processing times in Bardstown, KY typically run Not publicly posted; an elective fast-track early site/foundation review adds 50% of the full fee (minimum $400, maximum $3,000) on top of the normal review cost.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bardstown, KY? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Bardstown, KY. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures with an executed agricultural use affidavit; Accessory structures under 120 square feet; Above-ground pools; Decks. Note: These exempt work items do not need building permits as long as they comply with zoning requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bardstown, KY? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bardstown, KY via: (502) 348-1862.

last verified April 2026 source City of Bardstown Building & Electrical Inspector at City Hall, working with the Joint City-County Planning Commission (JCCPC) and Nelson County Code Enforcement ↗ entry id permits/kentucky/nelson/bardstown

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Bardstown Building & Electrical Inspector at City Hall, working with the Joint City-County Planning Commission (JCCPC) and Nelson County Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Bardstown

Other jurisdictions in Nelson County.