Unincorporated Powell County

Any new construction, alterations, or code-covered work in unincorporated Powell County requires an appropriate DHBC permit under KRS 198B.

Note: No exempt-work list published on SmartGov landing page; contact assigned DHBC inspector to confirm whether specific small-scale work is excluded.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code (KRS 198B) uniform statewide code enforced by DHBC

Permit validity

Not published; check issued permit record for expiration dates.

Owner-builder

DHBC lists licensing and certification responsibilities for plumbers, electricians, boiler, sprinkler/fire alarm contractors, and inspectors; owners should verify self-perform allowances under statewide rules.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold relevant state license for plumbing, electrical, boiler, sprinkler/fire alarm, or building inspector work.

1. 01
   Confirm whether the project falls under local, expanded, or state jurisdiction per KRS 198B guidance; projects outside Stanton or Clay City are state jurisdiction.
2. 02
   Click Sign Up within SmartGov, create an account, and verify email via Kentucky Online Gateway.
3. 03
   Select the appropriate permit type (building, HVAC, electrical, manufactured housing, plumbing, or fire prevention) and upload required documentation through SmartGov workflow.
4. 04
   Pay applicable fees; a $1 ACH/e-check surcharge applies through the portal.
5. 05
   Request inspections or track reviews directly through SmartGov dashboard.

Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) ↗

$1 flat fee applies to ACH/electronic check payments through SmartGov

• SmartGov permit dashboard (online)

Typical sequence: Inspection requests follow division-specific workflows in SmartGov.