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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Oldham County
A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, or addition under §152.15–152.20. Failure to comply voids the 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
- Exempt Accessory structures smaller than 120 square feet do not require a building permit (zoning standards still apply)
- Exempt 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.
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)
- Building code
- Kentucky Building Code and local ordinances enforced by the Planning & Zoning Administrator, with fire-chief coordination and permit revocation clauses.
- Permit validity
- Permits that sit idle for 180 days are considered expired. Renewal costs $100 and requires reactivation of the plans.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No fixed review time published; recent monthly reports list approximately 170–180 permits per month. Call 502-222-3967 for current queue estimates.
- 01 Select the correct permit packet (residential, commercial, swimming pool, energy compliance, sample site plan, framing diagrams, etc.) from the county website.
- 02 Prepare project narrative, site plan, and supporting documentation (workers compensation affidavits, energy compliance forms, etc.).
- 03 Submit the complete packet via email to PermitsInspections@OldhamCountyKY.gov or in person at 100 West Jefferson Street.
- 04 County inspectors review plans for compliance with the Kentucky Building Code, electrical code, and local ordinances.
- 05 County staff works with the fire chief or designee before issuing a permit.
- 06 Pay the valuation-based and flat fees per the fee schedule.
- 07 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2022
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Plan check fee
$100 for county-inspected commercial plan review
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
$50 per reinspection
05
Penalty (no permit)
$100 renewal fee for expired permits
Fees are handled at the 100 West Jefferson Street office. Call 502-222-3967 to confirm acceptable payment methods.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2022) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Oldham County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Oldham County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Oldham County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Oldham County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Oldham County, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Oldham County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Oldham County, KY typically run No fixed review time published; recent monthly reports list approximately 170–180 permits per month. Call 502-222-3967 for current queue estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Oldham County, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Oldham County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Oldham County, KY via: 502-222-3967, PermitsInspections@OldhamCountyKY.gov.
last verified April 2026
source Oldham County Buildings & Inspections ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/oldham/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Oldham County Buildings & Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.