Robertson County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Robertson County, including unincorporated communities such as Kentontown and Piqua. The state building official (Ric McNees) handles permits and field visits through the county health department.

Department

Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement (DHBC)

Address

500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601-1987 (DHBC headquarters) and Robertson County Health Department, 45 McDowell Street, Mt. Olivet, KY 41064 (local field office)

Phone

(502) 573-0373

Email

HBC.plans@ky.gov

Website

https://dhbc.ky.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the local planning/zoning authority to verify that the proposed site is properly zoned.
2. Confirm that DHBC has jurisdiction because Robertson County does not maintain a local building department.
3. Call or email the Division of Building Codes Enforcement at (502) 573-0373 or HBC.plans@ky.gov to understand required documentation.
4. Submit the completed application, fee sheet, plan review worksheet, and all construction documents through SmartGov. Corrected sheets may be emailed to HBC.plans@ky.gov.
5. After plan approval and fee payment, schedule the required inspections, request the final inspection, and obtain a certificate of occupancy once work complies with approved documents.

Typical processing time: Contact (502) 573-0373 for current review timelines.

Source: Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement (DHBC)

General Requirements

Section 105.1 requires permits for any owner or owner's authorized agent planning to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, change occupancy, or install regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Required Documents

• Application form
• Construction documents
• Site survey
• Special inspection statements
• Geotechnical reports
• Fee sheet
• Plan review payment

Permit validity

Applicants should contact the DHBC building official for the applicable validity period or expiration in the absence of a local program.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code (based on 2015 International Building Code) and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (based on 2015 IRC), plus 2015 IMC, 2015 IFC, 2012/2009 IECC, and NFPA standards

Owner-builder

The owner or owner's authorized agent must apply for the permit and request the final inspection, taking responsibility for correcting deficiencies noted at inspection before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Contractor requirements

General construction does not require a state license. Trades such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire suppression, elevators, and boilers must be licensed by DHBC before performing work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$285

Plan check fee

Included with permit submission; must be paid before approval

Permit fee formula

Table 121.3.1: charges based on occupancy type (cents per square foot); alterations use 0.003 times valuation; fast-track submissions add 50% (not less than $400, not more than $3,000) for early site/foundation review

Reinspection fee

Section 121.2 authorizes additional fees for inspections, certificates, or other related services; confirm with DHBC

Payment note

Fees are payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer, with project name and location noted on check or SmartGov payment; amounts rounded to nearest dollar

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
• Fences under seven feet
• Retaining walls under four feet
• Water tanks no larger than 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratios of 2:1 or less
• Sidewalks/drives not more than 30 inches above grade
• Finish work such as painting/cabinets
• Temporary theater sets
• Tents up to 400 square feet
• Agricultural shade cloth
• Playground swings
• Limited awnings and non-fixed fixtures or partitions
• Electrical: minor repairs (lamp replacements, portable equipment hookups), radio/television transmitter equipment (excluding supply wiring), temporary testing systems
• Gas/mechanical: portable heating, ventilation, and cooling units, piping inside regulated equipment, part replacements that do not alter approvals, portable evaporative coolers, small self-contained refrigeration systems
• Plumbing: stopping leaks, clearing stoppages, reinstalling fixtures without replacing valves or pipes

Important: Confirm exempt work status with DHBC before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (502) 573-0373 (phone)
• (859) 595-0689 (State Building Inspector Ric McNees) (phone)
• Robertson County Health Department, 45 McDowell Street, Mt. Olivet, KY 41064 (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Call ahead before visiting inspectors, health department, or Frankfort office.

Inspection hours

DHBC offices: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST. State inspectors visit Robertson County Health Department on Thursdays from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Typical inspection sequence: After plan approval the owner or agent requests a final inspection. The building official schedules it and issues the certificate of occupancy if the work complies. The official coordinates with the fire code official plus any required special inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 Kentucky Building Code (based on 2015 International Building Code) and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (based on 2015 IRC), plus 2015 IMC, 2015 IFC, 2012/2009 IECC, and NFPA standards
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• DHBC Plan Submission Application Guide (PDF)
• DHBC Home Page
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Robertson County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Robertson County, KY?

Section 105.1 requires permits for any owner or owner's authorized agent planning to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, change occupancy, or install regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Robertson County, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $285. Fees are calculated as: Table 121.3.1: charges based on occupancy type (cents per square foot); alterations use 0.003 times valuation; fast-track submissions add 50% (not less than $400, not more than $3,000) for early site/foundation review. Plan check fee: Included with permit submission; must be paid before approval.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Robertson County, KY?

1. Contact the local planning/zoning authority to verify that the proposed site is properly zoned. 2. Confirm that DHBC has jurisdiction because Robertson County does not maintain a local building department. 3. Call or email the Division of Building Codes Enforcement at (502) 573-0373 or HBC.plans@ky.gov to understand required documentation. 4. Submit the completed application, fee sheet, plan review worksheet, and all construction documents through SmartGov. Corrected sheets may be emailed to HBC.plans@ky.gov. 5. After plan approval and fee payment, schedule the required inspections, request the final inspection, and obtain a certificate of occupancy once work complies with approved documents.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Robertson County, KY?

Typical processing time is Contact (502) 573-0373 for current review timelines..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Robertson County, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; Fences under seven feet; Retaining walls under four feet; Water tanks no larger than 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratios of 2:1 or less; Sidewalks/drives not more than 30 inches above grade; Finish work such as painting/cabinets; Temporary theater sets; Tents up to 400 square feet; Agricultural shade cloth; Playground swings; Limited awnings and non-fixed fixtures or partitions; Electrical: minor repairs (lamp replacements, portable equipment hookups), radio/television transmitter equipment (excluding supply wiring), temporary testing systems; Gas/mechanical: portable heating, ventilation, and cooling units, piping inside regulated equipment, part replacements that do not alter approvals, portable evaporative coolers, small self-contained refrigeration systems; Plumbing: stopping leaks, clearing stoppages, reinstalling fixtures without replacing valves or pipes. Note: Confirm exempt work status with DHBC before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Robertson County, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (502) 573-0373, (859) 595-0689 (State Building Inspector Ric McNees), Robertson County Health Department, 45 McDowell Street, Mt. Olivet, KY 41064. Call ahead before visiting inspectors, health department, or Frankfort office..