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

Fees are calculated as: Two-family, multi-family, non-residential tiers by square footage, change of use, new sign, face change, cell towers, Board of Adjustment, map amendments, Stage I and Stage II development fees.. Plan check fee: Stage I development plan fee and Stage II development plan fee apply..

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

1. Confirm with Planning & Zoning that any commercial, multi-family, or public-use construction requires a state commercial building permit, a floodplain permit if located in the floodplain, and a zoning permit before material work begins. 2. Complete the appropriate zoning permit application, including owner/applicant data, zoning information, floodplain/hillside checkboxes, utility/sewage providers, disturbance acreage, setback measurements, and a description of the proposed work plus site plan and deed/plat attachments. 3. Submit the packet to the office at 230 Main Street, pay the applicable fee per the city's resolution, and note that fees are non-refundable. 4. Call (859) 654-6937 after excavation but before foundation to verify setbacks, wait for the Zoning Administrator signature and permit number, and coordinate the required state building/electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspections. 5. Remodeling, change of use, and projects with occupancy exceeding 100 must also plan for development-plan review and utility inspections.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 654-6937.

City Building Permits

Falmouth, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Pendleton County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The city covers development within its boundaries, requires state building permits for commercial/multi-family/public-use work, floodplain permits when applicable, and zoning permits for those projects while participating in the Pendleton County joint planning unit.

Department: City of Falmouth Planning & Zoning
Address: 230 Main Street, Falmouth, KY 41040
Phone: (859) 654-6937
Email: bthompson@cityoffalmouth.com
Website: https://cityoffalmouth.com/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Falmouth Planning & Zoning

Platform: City website hosting PDF permit packets • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm with Planning & Zoning that any commercial, multi-family, or public-use construction requires a state commercial building permit, a floodplain permit if located in the floodplain, and a zoning permit before material work begins.
Complete the appropriate zoning permit application, including owner/applicant data, zoning information, floodplain/hillside checkboxes, utility/sewage providers, disturbance acreage, setback measurements, and a description of the proposed work plus site plan and deed/plat attachments.
Submit the packet to the office at 230 Main Street, pay the applicable fee per the city's resolution, and note that fees are non-refundable.
Call (859) 654-6937 after excavation but before foundation to verify setbacks, wait for the Zoning Administrator signature and permit number, and coordinate the required state building/electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspections.
Remodeling, change of use, and projects with occupancy exceeding 100 must also plan for development-plan review and utility inspections.

Typical processing time: Not published on the planning page; contact 859-654-6937 for current lead times.

Source: City of Falmouth Planning & Zoning

General Requirements

Any construction beyond normal maintenance on commercial buildings, multi-family units, or other public-use structures must obtain a state commercial building permit, floodplain permit (if in the floodplain), and zoning permit; temporary signs in the right-of-way are prohibited.

Required Documents

Zoning permit application with owner/applicant contact info
Zoning of the parcel
Setback measurements
Floodplain/hillside status
Utility and sewage connection information
Detailed description of construction
Site plans
Plats
Deed copies

Permit validity: Not specified on the planning page or the applications, so confirm duration with the administrator.
Building code: Kentucky State Residential Code
Owner-builder: Owner/authorized agent signature is required; the city does not offer an owner-builder waiver on the form.
Contractor requirements: Applicants must meet the National Electric Code and Kentucky state plumbing, HVAC, and building codes when applicable.

Fees

Plan check fee: Stage I development plan fee and Stage II development plan fee apply.
Permit fee formula: Two-family, multi-family, non-residential tiers by square footage, change of use, new sign, face change, cell towers, Board of Adjustment, map amendments, Stage I and Stage II development fees.
Payment note: Fees are noted as non-refundable on the permit applications.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Falmouth Planning & Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(859) 654-6937 (phone)

Inspection hours: Not listed online; confirm availability with Planning & Zoning.

Typical inspection sequence: Setback verification, then the required state building/electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspections and utility inspections; remodeling and occupancy changes also require inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: Kentucky State Residential Code
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 City of Falmouth Planning & Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Falmouth Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Falmouth, KY?: Any construction beyond normal maintenance on commercial buildings, multi-family units, or other public-use structures must obtain a state commercial building permit, floodplain permit (if in the floodplain), and zoning permit; temporary signs in the right-of-way are prohibited.
How much does a building permit cost in Falmouth, KY?: Fees are calculated as: Two-family, multi-family, non-residential tiers by square footage, change of use, new sign, face change, cell towers, Board of Adjustment, map amendments, Stage I and Stage II development fees.. Plan check fee: Stage I development plan fee and Stage II development plan fee apply..
How do I apply for a building permit in Falmouth, KY?: 1. Confirm with Planning & Zoning that any commercial, multi-family, or public-use construction requires a state commercial building permit, a floodplain permit if located in the floodplain, and a zoning permit before material work begins. 2. Complete the appropriate zoning permit application, including owner/applicant data, zoning information, floodplain/hillside checkboxes, utility/sewage providers, disturbance acreage, setback measurements, and a description of the proposed work plus site plan and deed/plat attachments. 3. Submit the packet to the office at 230 Main Street, pay the applicable fee per the city's resolution, and note that fees are non-refundable. 4. Call (859) 654-6937 after excavation but before foundation to verify setbacks, wait for the Zoning Administrator signature and permit number, and coordinate the required state building/electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspections. 5. Remodeling, change of use, and projects with occupancy exceeding 100 must also plan for development-plan review and utility inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Falmouth, KY?: Typical processing time is Not published on the planning page; contact 859-654-6937 for current lead times..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Falmouth, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (859) 654-6937.

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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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