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

The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: $0.20 per square foot for residential and commercial buildings; single-family new construction or additions start at $225; accessory structures over 1,000 square feet at $150; 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.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Nelson County, 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.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (502) 348-1862.

County Building Permits

Nelson County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Nelson County, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kentucky Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers the unincorporated county and acts as the local enforcement agent inside Bardstown, Bloomfield, Fairfield, and New Haven under the Joint City-County Planning Commission framework. Enforces the Kentucky Building Code (815 KAR 7:120) and Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125).

Department: Nelson County Code Enforcement Department
Address: One Court Square, Second Floor, Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: (502) 348-1862
Email: codesclerk@nelsoncountyky.gov
Website: https://nelsoncountyky.gov/code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Open Building & Zoning Compliance Permit Application

Platform: PDF download submitted in person or via mail • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Joint City-County Planning Commission

Application Process

Submit the Building & Zoning Compliance Permit application with plot plan, drainage, entrance, septic, and any development/site approvals plus fees to the JCCPC (Old Courthouse, 2nd Floor) for zoning compliance review.
Take the approved zoning compliance packet to Nelson County Code Enforcement (One Court Square, 2nd Floor) with the same application and documentation to trigger the building-permit plan review.
Once the building permit is issued, pull the required trade permits (electrical, HVAC, plumbing).
Keep historic, drainage, or conditional-use approvals current.
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: Nelson County Code Enforcement Department

General Requirements

All 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.

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

Permit validity: Building permits remain active through the final inspection and certificate of occupancy as long as work follows the approved plans.
Building code: Kentucky Building Code (815 KAR 7:120) and Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125)
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 county or city business/occupational license, and submit a copy of the license with the zoning compliance permit.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $75
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; single-family new construction or additions start at $225; accessory structures over 1,000 square feet at $150; 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
Payment note: Checks go to Nelson County Fiscal Court; debit or credit card payments incur a 3% convenience fee

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

(502) 348-1862 (phone)

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

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

Additional Resources

Building code: Kentucky Building Code (815 KAR 7:120) and Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125)
Zoning information: View zoning info
Joint City-County Planning Commission Resources
Bardstown Historic Review Board Design Guidelines
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 Nelson County Code Enforcement Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nelson County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Nelson County, KY?: All 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.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Nelson County, KY?: The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: $0.20 per square foot for residential and commercial buildings; single-family new construction or additions start at $225; accessory structures over 1,000 square feet at $150; 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.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Nelson County, KY?: 1. Submit the Building & Zoning Compliance Permit application with plot plan, drainage, entrance, septic, and any development/site approvals plus fees to the JCCPC (Old Courthouse, 2nd Floor) for zoning compliance review. 2. Take the approved zoning compliance packet to Nelson County Code Enforcement (One Court Square, 2nd Floor) 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.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Nelson County, KY?: Typical processing time is 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..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Nelson County, 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.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Nelson County, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (502) 348-1862.

Need help with your project?

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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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