Oldham County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Oldham County and other construction, alteration, or addition covered under state building code §152.15–152.20.

Department

Oldham County Buildings & Inspections

Address

100 West Jefferson Street, La Grange, KY 40031

Phone

502-222-3967

Email

PermitsInspections@OldhamCountyKY.gov

Website

https://www.oldhamcountyky.gov/buildingsandinspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Select the correct permit packet (residential, commercial, swimming pool, energy compliance, sample site plan, framing diagrams, etc.) from the county website.
2. Prepare project narrative, site plan, and supporting documentation (workers compensation affidavits, energy compliance forms, etc.).
3. Submit the complete packet via email to PermitsInspections@OldhamCountyKY.gov or in person at 100 West Jefferson Street.
4. County inspectors review plans for compliance with the Kentucky Building Code, electrical code, and local ordinances.
5. County staff works with the fire chief or designee before issuing a permit.
6. Pay the valuation-based and flat fees per the fee schedule.
7. Receive the permit package and schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: No fixed review time published; recent monthly reports list approximately 170–180 permits per month. Call 502-222-3967 for current queue estimates.

Source: Oldham County Buildings & Inspections

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, or addition under §152.15–152.20. Failure to comply voids the permit.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application (residential, commercial, or pool packet)
• Project narrative
• Site plan
• Workers compensation affidavit
• Energy compliance form
• Trade affidavits (if applicable)
• Framing diagrams or deck cross sections (if applicable)

Permit validity

Permits that sit idle for 180 days are considered expired. Renewal costs $100 and requires reactivation of the plans.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code and local ordinances enforced by the Planning & Zoning Administrator, with fire-chief coordination and permit revocation clauses.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders follow the same statewide code requirements as licensed contractors. Plumbing, septic, and HVAC permits remain within the Kentucky DHBC portal.

Contractor requirements

Plumbing, septic, and HVAC work requires statewide contractor licenses managed via the Kentucky DHBC SmartGov portal. Electrical work remains under county inspection program.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Plan check fee

$100 for county-inspected commercial plan review

Permit fee formula

Residential permits: $0.15 per sq ft (minimum $100) for new homes and most additions. Commercial: $0.10 per sq ft (county-inspected) or $0.06 per sq ft (state-retained jurisdiction). Accessory structures, garages, and pools have flat rates per schedule.

Reinspection fee

$50 per reinspection

Penalty (no permit)

$100 renewal fee for expired permits

Payment note

Fees are handled at the 100 West Jefferson Street office. Call 502-222-3967 to confirm acceptable payment methods.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2022).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Accessory structures smaller than 120 square feet do not require a building permit (zoning standards still apply)
• Decks and balconies built with a new house fall under the same permit if submitted with the house package

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Buildings & Inspections office before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 502-222-3967 (phone)
• PermitsInspections@OldhamCountyKY.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Monthly reports show inspections grouped by single-family, multi-family, pools, electrical, and signage. Typical sequence: footing, framing, rough trades, mechanical, and final inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Building Code and local ordinances enforced by the Planning & Zoning Administrator, with fire-chief coordination and permit revocation clauses.
• Verify contractor license: Kentucky DHBC Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Construction Site Run-Off Control and Post-Construction Stormwater Control Ordinances
• Oldham County Health Department Environmental Services (Septic Permitting)
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Oldham County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Oldham County, KY?

A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, or addition under §152.15–152.20. Failure to comply voids the permit.

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

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Residential permits: $0.15 per sq ft (minimum $100) for new homes and most additions. Commercial: $0.10 per sq ft (county-inspected) or $0.06 per sq ft (state-retained jurisdiction). Accessory structures, garages, and pools have flat rates per schedule.. Plan check fee: $100 for county-inspected commercial plan review.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Oldham County, KY?

1. Select the correct permit packet (residential, commercial, swimming pool, energy compliance, sample site plan, framing diagrams, etc.) from the county website. 2. Prepare project narrative, site plan, and supporting documentation (workers compensation affidavits, energy compliance forms, etc.). 3. Submit the complete packet via email to PermitsInspections@OldhamCountyKY.gov or in person at 100 West Jefferson Street. 4. County inspectors review plans for compliance with the Kentucky Building Code, electrical code, and local ordinances. 5. County staff works with the fire chief or designee before issuing a permit. 6. Pay the valuation-based and flat fees per the fee schedule. 7. Receive the permit package and schedule required inspections.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Oldham County, KY?

Typical processing time is No fixed review time published; recent monthly reports list approximately 170–180 permits per month. Call 502-222-3967 for current queue estimates..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Oldham County, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures smaller than 120 square feet do not require a building permit (zoning standards still apply); Decks and balconies built with a new house fall under the same permit if submitted with the house package. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Buildings & Inspections office before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 502-222-3967, PermitsInspections@OldhamCountyKY.gov.