County Building Permits

Owsley County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of Owsley County (e.g., Arnett, Blake, Conkling, Cow Creek, Lerose, Levi, and other communities). Owsley County has no local building inspector; the state inspector provides all review and inspections.

Department
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC), Division of Building Code Enforcement
Address
Owsley County Health Department, 501 KY Highway 28, Booneville, KY 41314
Phone
(859) 358-4467
Website
https://dhbc.ky.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open Kentucky DHBC eServices

Platform: Kentucky DHBC eServices • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Contact the DHBC inspector for Owsley County (Alison Joyce) to confirm permit triggers, submit project data, and learn which forms apply.
  2. Complete the appropriate DHBC plan-review application(s) (refer to the Plan Review Fee Schedule page) and assemble required attachments.
  3. Submit the packet with the applicable DHBC fees (electrical, plumbing, elevator, etc.) through the DHBC portal or by following the payment instructions on the invoice.
  4. After DHBC issues the permit, schedule inspections with Alison Joyce using the contact details provided.

Typical processing time: Simple residential permits often issue within 1–3 weeks; commercial projects requiring full plan review can take 3–8 weeks. Confirm with the inspector.

Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC), Division of Building Code Enforcement

General Requirements

DHBC enforces the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code. A plumbing installation permit is required for almost any water/sewer fixture, service, or water heater mentioned in the plumbing law.

Required Documents

  • Plan submissions following the DHBC Plan Review Fee Schedule
  • Trade-specific application (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.) as identified by the inspector
Permit validity
Not detailed online for the county; verify term and expiration directly with the state inspector.
Building code
2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (mandatory mini/maxi codes derived from 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments)
Owner-builder
General erection/construction work has no state license requirement, but owner-builders must still use licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC/mechanical contractors when those trades are involved.
Contractor requirements
DHBC licenses/certifies electricians, plumbers, boiler/HVAC, fire protection, and elevator contractors. Those trades must be engaged where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Plumbing: $50 plus $14 per opening for one- and two-family units; Electrical under $8,000: $125
Plan check fee
Listed on the DHBC Plan Review Fee Schedule page for each trade and project type
Permit fee formula
Plumbing fees add a flat amount per opening/service; electrical permits over $25,000 use a percentage (2.0% down to 1.0%) of the complete value
Reinspection fee
Elevator permits include two inspections (final and supplemental) at no extra cost; any additional inspections are billed at the original permit fee. Inquire for other reinspection policies.
Payment note
DHBC's main site explains how to purchase a permit via the portal and highlights the license portal needed for tracking payments and renewals.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC), Division of Building Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (859) 358-4467 — Alison Joyce (phone)
  • alison.joyce@ky.gov (email)
Inspection hours
Wednesday office hours: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST

Typical inspection sequence: DHBC plan review leads into required inspections (electrical/plumbing permits include the plan review and field inspection; elevator permits include two inspections by default).

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC), Division of Building Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Owsley County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Owsley County, KY?
DHBC enforces the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code. A plumbing installation permit is required for almost any water/sewer fixture, service, or water heater mentioned in the plumbing law.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Owsley County, KY?
The minimum permit fee is Plumbing: $50 plus $14 per opening for one- and two-family units; Electrical under $8,000: $125. Fees are calculated as: Plumbing fees add a flat amount per opening/service; electrical permits over $25,000 use a percentage (2.0% down to 1.0%) of the complete value. Plan check fee: Listed on the DHBC Plan Review Fee Schedule page for each trade and project type.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Owsley County, KY?
1. Contact the DHBC inspector for Owsley County (Alison Joyce) to confirm permit triggers, submit project data, and learn which forms apply. 2. Complete the appropriate DHBC plan-review application(s) (refer to the Plan Review Fee Schedule page) and assemble required attachments. 3. Submit the packet with the applicable DHBC fees (electrical, plumbing, elevator, etc.) through the DHBC portal or by following the payment instructions on the invoice. 4. After DHBC issues the permit, schedule inspections with Alison Joyce using the contact details provided.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Owsley County, KY?
Typical processing time is Simple residential permits often issue within 1–3 weeks; commercial projects requiring full plan review can take 3–8 weeks. Confirm with the inspector..
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Owsley County, KY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 358-4467 — Alison Joyce, alison.joyce@ky.gov.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Owsley County (Unincorporated) can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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