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

The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: Fees are charged per square foot based on occupancy type (Assembly 16 cents/sq ft; Business 15 cents; Educational 15 cents; Industrial 15 cents; Mercantile 15 cents; Residential 15 cents; Storage 15 cents; Utility + Miscellaneous 13 cents; Production Greenhouses 10 cents). Plan check fee: Per square foot based on occupancy type (rates listed in Plan Review Fee Worksheet).

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

1. Gather the required materials (structural drawings, lists of contractors/subcontractors with business license numbers and contact information, site plan for commercial projects, minimum plan review fee for commercial work, etc.) before contacting the office. 2. Complete and sign the building permit application, attach the structural drawings, contractor lists, business licenses, insurance certificate, permit fee, and special documents such as the Authorization to Proceed letter, inspection checklist/report, and grease interceptor or as-built documents if applicable. 3. Ensure any required site plan approvals, especially for commercial buildings, are finished and that the Uniform Building Code requirements are met prior to submitting the application. 4. After plan review and payment, the Building Inspection Department issues the permit and applicants arrange inspections (building, mechanical, and electrical) via the listed inspectors, then submit final documentation such as as-built drawings and Certificate of Occupancy letters.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 606.679.6366, Electrical inspectors: Jackie Spears, Michael Ledger, Larry Strunk, Ron Ebling.

City Building Permits

Somerset, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Pulaski County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The department is certified by the state to regulate all residential and commercial building construction in Somerset and enforces building, mechanical, and electrical systems per the Kentucky Uniform Building Code.

Department: Building Inspection Department (City of Somerset)
Address: Administrative Office, Somerset Energy Center, 306 E. Mt. Vernon St., Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: 606.679.6366
Email: jlyons@cityofsomerset.com
Website: https://www.cityofsomerset.com/building-inspection/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Somerset Building Inspection

Platform: City of Somerset official website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Gather the required materials (structural drawings, lists of contractors/subcontractors with business license numbers and contact information, site plan for commercial projects, minimum plan review fee for commercial work, etc.) before contacting the office.
Complete and sign the building permit application, attach the structural drawings, contractor lists, business licenses, insurance certificate, permit fee, and special documents such as the Authorization to Proceed letter, inspection checklist/report, and grease interceptor or as-built documents if applicable.
Ensure any required site plan approvals, especially for commercial buildings, are finished and that the Uniform Building Code requirements are met prior to submitting the application.
After plan review and payment, the Building Inspection Department issues the permit and applicants arrange inspections (building, mechanical, and electrical) via the listed inspectors, then submit final documentation such as as-built drawings and Certificate of Occupancy letters.

Typical processing time: Not published on the page; call the Building Inspection office for current timelines.

Source: Building Inspection Department (City of Somerset)

General Requirements

The Uniform Building Code requires that no building or structure regulated by the code be erected, altered, repaired, moved, improved, converted, or demolished without first obtaining a separate building permit.

Required Documents

Structural drawings
Contractor/subcontractor lists
Business licenses
Insurance certificate
Permit fee
Inspection checklist/report
Authorization to Proceed letter
As-built drawings when applicable
Certificate of Occupancy letter

Building code: Kentucky Uniform Building Code and related state construction codes
Contractor requirements: Contractors and subcontractors must obtain a City of Somerset business license, pay the occupational tax, and maintain the required workers compensation and liability insurance coverage.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $285
Plan check fee: Per square foot based on occupancy type (rates listed in Plan Review Fee Worksheet)
Permit fee formula: Fees are charged per square foot based on occupancy type (Assembly 16 cents/sq ft; Business 15 cents; Educational 15 cents; Industrial 15 cents; Mercantile 15 cents; Residential 15 cents; Storage 15 cents; Utility + Miscellaneous 13 cents; Production Greenhouses 10 cents)
Payment note: Payment methods are not detailed; call 606.679.6366 to learn how to pay fees.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Inspection Department (City of Somerset) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

606.679.6366 (phone)
Electrical inspectors: Jackie Spears, Michael Ledger, Larry Strunk, Ron Ebling (phone)

Inspection hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Typical inspection sequence: The checklist notes required documentation (inspection checklist/report, as-built drawings, Certificate of Occupancy letter) and the department reviews site plans, plan review documents, inspections, and final certifications.

Additional Resources

Building code: Kentucky Uniform Building Code and related state construction codes
Zoning information: View zoning info
Temporary Tent/Site Placement Application
Affidavit of Assurances
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 Building Inspection Department (City of Somerset) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Somerset Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Somerset, KY?: The Uniform Building Code requires that no building or structure regulated by the code be erected, altered, repaired, moved, improved, converted, or demolished without first obtaining a separate building permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Somerset, KY?: The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: Fees are charged per square foot based on occupancy type (Assembly 16 cents/sq ft; Business 15 cents; Educational 15 cents; Industrial 15 cents; Mercantile 15 cents; Residential 15 cents; Storage 15 cents; Utility + Miscellaneous 13 cents; Production Greenhouses 10 cents). Plan check fee: Per square foot based on occupancy type (rates listed in Plan Review Fee Worksheet).
How do I apply for a building permit in Somerset, KY?: 1. Gather the required materials (structural drawings, lists of contractors/subcontractors with business license numbers and contact information, site plan for commercial projects, minimum plan review fee for commercial work, etc.) before contacting the office. 2. Complete and sign the building permit application, attach the structural drawings, contractor lists, business licenses, insurance certificate, permit fee, and special documents such as the Authorization to Proceed letter, inspection checklist/report, and grease interceptor or as-built documents if applicable. 3. Ensure any required site plan approvals, especially for commercial buildings, are finished and that the Uniform Building Code requirements are met prior to submitting the application. 4. After plan review and payment, the Building Inspection Department issues the permit and applicants arrange inspections (building, mechanical, and electrical) via the listed inspectors, then submit final documentation such as as-built drawings and Certificate of Occupancy letters.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Somerset, KY?: Typical processing time is Not published on the page; call the Building Inspection office for current timelines..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Somerset, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 606.679.6366, Electrical inspectors: Jackie Spears, Michael Ledger, Larry Strunk, Ron Ebling.

Need help with your project?

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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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