Butler, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Butler participates in the joint planning unit that shares zoning/building services with Pendleton County and Falmouth, so Butler addresses use the county's Planning & Zoning office for permitting even though Butler City Hall handles general city business.

Department

Pendleton County Department of Planning & Zoning

Address

233 Main Street, Falmouth, KY 41040

Phone

859-654-1108

Email

planningzoning@pendletoncountyky.gov

Website

https://pendletoncounty.ky.gov/Government/Pages/Planning-and-Zoning.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Pendleton County Planning & Zoning at 859-654-1108 before buying or leasing in Butler to verify zoning, conditional uses, parking, and building permit requirements (even if only changing occupancy).
2. Fill out the county's permit application with owner/applicant data, parcel info, floodplain/hillside checks, disturbances, utilities, and construction details; attach site plans/deeds consistent with the county's instructions and confirm compliance with state codes.
3. Submit the package to the county office at 233 Main Street, pay the general fund fee, and submit supplemental forms when sign, home occupation, or encroachment reviews are needed.
4. Call the county office after excavation but before pouring the foundation for setback verification, wait for the permit to be signed, and coordinate the required building/electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspections plus any utility inspections mandated for renovations or high-occupancy spaces.

Typical processing time: Not published on the county's Applications, Fees & Permits page; contact 859-654-1108 for current turnarounds.

Source: Pendleton County Department of Planning & Zoning

General Requirements

Butler uses the same triggers as the unincorporated county—new construction, new uses, additions, demolition, accessory structures, fences, parking, and signage all require a zoning permit.

Required Documents

• Completed county permit form
• Owner/applicant information
• Property identification number (PIDN)
• Zoning of the parcel
• Site dimensions
• Floodplain/hillside checkboxes
• Utility connections
• Site plans
• Plats
• Deed copies

Permit validity

Not listed on the public county materials; verify with the Planning & Zoning office.

Building code

Kentucky State Residential Code

Owner-builder

The form only lists owner or authorized agent signatures; no separate owner-builder instructions appear.

Contractor requirements

Applicants must comply with the National Electric Code and Kentucky state plumbing, HVAC, and building codes.

Fees

Plan check fee

Map amendment/Stage I development plan and Stage II plan fees apply.

Permit fee formula

Two-family, multi-family, commercial/industrial plus per-acre and valuation-based additions (per-acre for sites over 3 acres and tiered fees for successive development tiers); cell towers incur a statutory fee.

Reinspection fee

Late fees apply to work started without permits or amended without approval.

Payment note

Fees are payable to the Pendleton County General Fund and are non-refundable.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Pendleton County Department of Planning & Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 859-654-1108 (phone)

Inspection hours

Not listed; discuss scheduling with the county office.

Typical inspection sequence: Setback verification, then required state building/electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspections, with remodels needing utility inspections before occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky State Residential Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Butler City Website
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Butler Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Butler, KY?

Butler uses the same triggers as the unincorporated county—new construction, new uses, additions, demolition, accessory structures, fences, parking, and signage all require a zoning permit.

How much does a building permit cost in Butler, KY?

Fees are calculated as: Two-family, multi-family, commercial/industrial plus per-acre and valuation-based additions (per-acre for sites over 3 acres and tiered fees for successive development tiers); cell towers incur a statutory fee.. Plan check fee: Map amendment/Stage I development plan and Stage II plan fees apply..

How do I apply for a building permit in Butler, KY?

1. Contact Pendleton County Planning & Zoning at 859-654-1108 before buying or leasing in Butler to verify zoning, conditional uses, parking, and building permit requirements (even if only changing occupancy). 2. Fill out the county's permit application with owner/applicant data, parcel info, floodplain/hillside checks, disturbances, utilities, and construction details; attach site plans/deeds consistent with the county's instructions and confirm compliance with state codes. 3. Submit the package to the county office at 233 Main Street, pay the general fund fee, and submit supplemental forms when sign, home occupation, or encroachment reviews are needed. 4. Call the county office after excavation but before pouring the foundation for setback verification, wait for the permit to be signed, and coordinate the required building/electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspections plus any utility inspections mandated for renovations or high-occupancy spaces.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Butler, KY?

Typical processing time is Not published on the county's Applications, Fees & Permits page; contact 859-654-1108 for current turnarounds..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Butler, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-654-1108.

Other cities in Pendleton County