Scott County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The zoning ordinance defines 'Scott County' to include Georgetown, Sadieville, Stamping Ground, and the unincorporated areas. The joint department issues permits for the county areas that fall outside municipal limits.

Department

Georgetown / Scott County Building Inspection Department

Address

125 W Clinton Street, Georgetown, KY 40324

Phone

502-863-9802

Email

Inspector@georgetownky.gov

Website

https://www.georgetownky.gov/2157/Building-Inspection

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Pick the appropriate residential, commercial, or specialty PDF from the Forms & Applications list and fill in all applicant/contractor information, structure dimensions, construction cost, and the certification that a complete set of construction documents is included.
2. Assemble the supporting materials required by the zoning ordinance: scaled plans showing the lot dimensions, existing structures, yard depths, required screening, and a County Health Officer certificate approving water and sewage when applicable.
3. Submit the application, drawings, and fees (fast-track option doubles the fee for residential/sign projects); the building inspection staff plan reviews the package for compliance with the Kentucky codes, zoning ordinance, and local policies, then issues the permit after those submittals are approved.
4. After the plan review clears, the permit is issued, and the job can proceed; major revisions trigger an additional plan-review fee and the office retains a permanent file of the approval.

Typical processing time: The enforcement officer is required to act on permit applications within ten days of submission.

Source: Georgetown / Scott County Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

Excavation, construction, moving, or alteration (including accessory buildings) and the installation of permanent electrical, plumbing, or fuel connections must wait until the Building Inspector issues a permit.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application with applicant/contractor information, structure dimensions, and construction cost
• Scaled plan with lot and structure dimensions, yard depths, uses, and screening
• County Health Officer's certificate for water and sewage approval when applicable
• Applicant's attestation that a complete set of construction documents is enclosed

Permit validity

A permit becomes void six months after issuance unless substantial progress has been made, but it can be renewed before it lapses.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code

Owner-builder

The standard application lets the applicant check Owner, Contractor, or Both and requires a signed acknowledgement that the information and construction documents are accurate, so owner-builders must meet the same documentation and affidavit requirements as contractors.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must submit proof of insurance, workers compensation, and affidavits on the application. The local office coordinates with the DHBC state inspectors for building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and manufactured housing work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$103

Plan check fee

Residential projects charged per square foot ($0.23 with a $360 minimum); commercial plan review charged per square foot by occupancy type (15 cents for assembly, business, factory/industrial, mercantile, and residential; 12 cents for storage; 10 cents for utility/miscellaneous)

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based 'Cost of Construction' tiers; fast-track processing doubles the permit fee for eligible projects

Reinspection fee

$52 for second reinspection; each additional reinspection doubles the last fee

Penalty (no permit)

Starting work without a permit doubles the permit fee; HVAC violations carry escalating penalties up to $500 per offense

Payment note

Permits issue only after the application, drawings, and payment are approved. Fees can be refunded at 60% prior to the first inspection; after that point all fees are nonrefundable.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Local public utility distributing and collecting structures such as pipes, transmission lines, transformers, and meters
• Public streets and necessary appurtenances for traffic control (signs must meet the Kentucky Department of Highways code)
• Private drives, private parking areas, and parking incident to the principal use on the same premises
• Horticulture, landscaping, and normal accessory fences
• Agricultural structures other than dwelling units in A-1 or C-1 districts
• Recurring maintenance work and subdivision-imposed improvements

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 502-863-9802 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, closing for lunch from noon to 1:30 pm

Typical inspection sequence: Standard inspections cover footing, foundation, slab, framing, insulation, and final; the first inspection of each type is included in the permit fee.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Forms & Applications
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Scott County Building Permit FAQ

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

Excavation, construction, moving, or alteration (including accessory buildings) and the installation of permanent electrical, plumbing, or fuel connections must wait until the Building Inspector issues a permit.

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

The minimum permit fee is $103. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based 'Cost of Construction' tiers; fast-track processing doubles the permit fee for eligible projects. Plan check fee: Residential projects charged per square foot ($0.23 with a $360 minimum); commercial plan review charged per square foot by occupancy type (15 cents for assembly, business, factory/industrial, mercantile, and residential; 12 cents for storage; 10 cents for utility/miscellaneous).

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

1. Pick the appropriate residential, commercial, or specialty PDF from the Forms & Applications list and fill in all applicant/contractor information, structure dimensions, construction cost, and the certification that a complete set of construction documents is included. 2. Assemble the supporting materials required by the zoning ordinance: scaled plans showing the lot dimensions, existing structures, yard depths, required screening, and a County Health Officer certificate approving water and sewage when applicable. 3. Submit the application, drawings, and fees (fast-track option doubles the fee for residential/sign projects); the building inspection staff plan reviews the package for compliance with the Kentucky codes, zoning ordinance, and local policies, then issues the permit after those submittals are approved. 4. After the plan review clears, the permit is issued, and the job can proceed; major revisions trigger an additional plan-review fee and the office retains a permanent file of the approval.

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

Typical processing time is The enforcement officer is required to act on permit applications within ten days of submission..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Local public utility distributing and collecting structures such as pipes, transmission lines, transformers, and meters; Public streets and necessary appurtenances for traffic control (signs must meet the Kentucky Department of Highways code); Private drives, private parking areas, and parking incident to the principal use on the same premises; Horticulture, landscaping, and normal accessory fences; Agricultural structures other than dwelling units in A-1 or C-1 districts; Recurring maintenance work and subdivision-imposed improvements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 502-863-9802.