County Building Permits
Owen County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Owen County, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Monterey was administratively dissolved by the Kentucky Department for Local Government under SB 106 (public hearing October 26, 2023). Owen County now provides services, including building permits, for properties within the former city.
- Department
- Owen County Building Department
- Address
- Owen County Health Department, 1005 Highway 22 East, Owenton, KY 40359
- Phone
- 502-639-3218
- Website
- https://www.owencountyky.us/faq
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Call 502-639-3218 to initiate the permit for a property now under Owen County jurisdiction.
- Submit the project information, plans, and KRS 198B.060 affidavit guaranteeing contractor insurance compliance.
- The inspector reviews under 815 KAR 7:120/7:125 and arranges inspections; fees are confirmed at that time.
Typical processing time: Not published; ask the inspector.
Source: Owen County Building Department
General Requirements
KRS 198B.060 covers the former Monterey area through the county now, so building/renovation/demolition work requires a permit before beginning.
Required Documents
- Plans
- Plot plan
- State affidavit per KRS 198B.060
- Permit validity
- Not publicly posted; verify with the inspector.
- Building code
- The Uniform State Building Code (815 KAR 7:120) and Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125) remain in force under the county program.
- Owner-builder
- Owners must attest to contractor insurance compliance and consent to inspections pursuant to KRS 198B.060.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors/subcontractors must comply with the workers' compensation and unemployment statutes referenced in KRS 198B.060.
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact 502-639-3218 for the county's current fees and payment procedures.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Owen County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 502-639-3218 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Tuesday mornings; other times arranged by appointment.
Typical inspection sequence: The county follows the state codes for trade inspections, and applying for a permit is treated as consent to those visits.
Additional Resources
- Building code: The Uniform State Building Code (815 KAR 7:120) and Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125) remain in force under the county program.
- Owen County FAQ
- 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 Owen County Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owen County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Owen County, KY?
- KRS 198B.060 covers the former Monterey area through the county now, so building/renovation/demolition work requires a permit before beginning.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Owen County, KY?
- 1. Call 502-639-3218 to initiate the permit for a property now under Owen County jurisdiction. 2. Submit the project information, plans, and KRS 198B.060 affidavit guaranteeing contractor insurance compliance. 3. The inspector reviews under 815 KAR 7:120/7:125 and arranges inspections; fees are confirmed at that time.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Owen County, KY?
- Typical processing time is Not published; ask the inspector..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Owen County, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 502-639-3218.
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