Hazard, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Hazard; the city enforces the Kentucky Building Code, Residential Code, Plumbing Code, Standards of Safety, and the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code with certified inspection personnel.

Department

City of Hazard Building Inspection program (City Manager's Office)

Address

700 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701

Phone

(606) 436-3171

Email

mail@hazardky.gov

Website

https://hazardky.gov

Application Process

1. Assemble a scaled plan set showing lot dimensions, all existing/proposed structures, uses, and yard depths.
2. Obtain County Health Department approval of potable water and sewerage facilities when required.
3. Submit the packet to the City Manager (Administrative Officer) for completeness review.
4. City Manager has two weeks to act on the application; issues permit if compliant or written refusal if deficiencies exist.
5. Begin construction before permit becomes void (six months from issuance unless extended in writing).

Typical processing time: Approximately 2 weeks from submission to permit issuance for compliant applications.

Source: City of Hazard Building Inspection program (City Manager's Office)

General Requirements

Any excavation, construction, or alteration of a structure within the city limits, unless specifically excluded in the zoning/building chapter.

Required Documents

• Scaled lot/site plan
• Building dimensions
• Intended use description
• County Health Officer certificate approving existing water/sewer service (when applicable)

Permit validity

Permits automatically expire six months after issuance unless the Administrative Officer grants a written extension; permanent files must be maintained for all applications and permits.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code (815 KAR 7:120), Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125), Kentucky Plumbing Code (815 KAR 20:039), Kentucky Standards of Safety (815 KAR 10:060), and the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code/1996 as amended.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder work is not treated differently; the same inspection program and statewide registration/licensure requirements apply to every applicant.

Contractor requirements

All building inspections must be performed by DHBC-certified inspectors; electrical work must be inspected by a certified electrical inspector approved by the city.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$1.50 for projects estimated at $50–$250

Permit fee formula

Tiered, valuation-based: $15 for first $3,000 plus $2.50 per $1,000 to $15,000; $45 for first $15,000 plus $2 per $1,000 thereafter; $215 for first $100,000 plus $1 per $1,000 thereafter; $815 for first $500,000 plus $0.15 per $1,000 over $500,000; $10 flat fee for moving structures.

Payment note

Payments are collected through City Hall; no online payment gateway is publicly published.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Local public utility structures distributing/collecting services (pipes, meters, transformers, etc.)
• Public streets and appurtenances for traffic safety
• Private drives, private parking areas, and parking incidental to the principal use on the same premises
• Real estate signs on property listed for sale/rent up to 10 square feet
• Signs up to four square feet for approved home occupations
• Horticulture and landscaping on any premises
• Agriculture (excluding agricultural structures)

Inspections

How to Schedule

• City Hall – (606) 436-3171 (phone)

Inspection hours

City Hall staffed during normal business hours

Typical inspection sequence: The inspector enforces the Kentucky Building and Residential Codes before issuing certificates of occupancy, covering foundation, framing, systems, and final phases.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Building Code (815 KAR 7:120), Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125), Kentucky Plumbing Code (815 KAR 20:039), Kentucky Standards of Safety (815 KAR 10:060), and the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code/1996 as amended.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Hazard Official Website
• Open Records – Historical Permits
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Hazard Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Hazard, KY?

Any excavation, construction, or alteration of a structure within the city limits, unless specifically excluded in the zoning/building chapter.

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

The minimum permit fee is $1.50 for projects estimated at $50–$250. Fees are calculated as: Tiered, valuation-based: $15 for first $3,000 plus $2.50 per $1,000 to $15,000; $45 for first $15,000 plus $2 per $1,000 thereafter; $215 for first $100,000 plus $1 per $1,000 thereafter; $815 for first $500,000 plus $0.15 per $1,000 over $500,000; $10 flat fee for moving structures..

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

1. Assemble a scaled plan set showing lot dimensions, all existing/proposed structures, uses, and yard depths. 2. Obtain County Health Department approval of potable water and sewerage facilities when required. 3. Submit the packet to the City Manager (Administrative Officer) for completeness review. 4. City Manager has two weeks to act on the application; issues permit if compliant or written refusal if deficiencies exist. 5. Begin construction before permit becomes void (six months from issuance unless extended in writing).

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

Typical processing time is Approximately 2 weeks from submission to permit issuance for compliant applications..

What work is exempt from building permits in Hazard, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Local public utility structures distributing/collecting services (pipes, meters, transformers, etc.); Public streets and appurtenances for traffic safety; Private drives, private parking areas, and parking incidental to the principal use on the same premises; Real estate signs on property listed for sale/rent up to 10 square feet; Signs up to four square feet for approved home occupations; Horticulture and landscaping on any premises; Agriculture (excluding agricultural structures).

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: City Hall – (606) 436-3171.

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