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

The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: One- and two-family projects: $0.12 per square foot (plus $0.03 per unfinished basement square foot); accessory buildings: $0.07 per square foot (minimum $30); commercial/industrial: 0.4% for first $500,000, down to 0.05% over $2,000,000 (minimum $75 per project).

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

1. Gather a plan drawn to scale showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed building footprints, uses, yard depths, easements, and utility locations. 2. Obtain a health officer certificate for proposed water and sewer, a state plumbing permit, and city utility availability packets for water, sewer, electric, and phone. 3. Complete the contractor information form with city business license numbers if available. 4. File the application with the administrative official at the planning office or through the PermitsOnline portal. 5. The administrative official reviews for completeness and compliance, acting within two weeks of submission. 6. Upon confirmation of compliance, the building inspector issues the building permit. 7. Schedule inspections and the certificate of occupancy before occupancy begins.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Recurring maintenance work; Uses that the zoning regulations specifically exempt; Installation of required improvements shown on an approved subdivision plat; Agricultural excavation, public utility work, or excavation within an approved subdivision.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 24 hours in advance with the address or lot number, InspectNet portal. Call 24 hours in advance to request an inspection..

City Building Permits

Franklin, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Simpson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Franklin. The appointed building inspector administers Kentucky codes for both Franklin and Simpson County through the shared commission.

Department: Franklin-Simpson Planning & Zoning Commission
Address: 100 Courthouse Sq, Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: 270-586-3356
Email: fspermits@simpsoncounty.us
Website: https://simpsoncountyky.gov/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open PermitsOnline

Platform: PermitsOnline (WindoWare) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Gather a plan drawn to scale showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed building footprints, uses, yard depths, easements, and utility locations.
Obtain a health officer certificate for proposed water and sewer, a state plumbing permit, and city utility availability packets for water, sewer, electric, and phone.
Complete the contractor information form with city business license numbers if available.
File the application with the administrative official at the planning office or through the PermitsOnline portal.
The administrative official reviews for completeness and compliance, acting within two weeks of submission.
Upon confirmation of compliance, the building inspector issues the building permit.
Schedule inspections and the certificate of occupancy before occupancy begins.

Typical processing time: Two weeks from submission for administrative official review and compliance determination.

Source: Franklin-Simpson Planning & Zoning Commission

General Requirements

It is unlawful to begin excavation, construction, addition, structural alteration, or relocation of a building until the building inspector has issued a permit, except for agricultural, public utility, or approved subdivision work that is exempt.

Required Documents

Scaled site and building plan
Documentation of lot and building dimensions
Intended uses and yard depths
Easements and utility location information
Health officer certificate for proposed utilities
State plumbing permit
City utility availability packets (water, sewer, electric, phone)
Contractor information form with business license data

Permit validity: Permits become void 180 days after issuance unless substantial progress is made. Renewal after six months carries a $30 renewal fee.
Building code: Kentucky Residential Code (2013 edition) and Kentucky Building Code Regulation
Owner-builder: Property owners or their designated representatives may apply. The application includes a homeowner waiver for owner-builders when required.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must provide contact, license, and bond information for trades listed on the form. City submittals request business license numbers when known, and trade work (electrical, HVAC, plumbing) routes to the appropriate state inspector.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $30
Permit fee formula: One- and two-family projects: $0.12 per square foot (plus $0.03 per unfinished basement square foot); accessory buildings: $0.07 per square foot (minimum $30); commercial/industrial: 0.4% for first $500,000, down to 0.05% over $2,000,000 (minimum $75 per project)
Reinspection fee: $75 mileage fee per building inspection; fees double if construction starts without a permit
Penalty (no permit): Double the permit fee for construction started without a permit
Payment note: After submitting online, contact the Planning & Zoning office for the invoice and payment instructions.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Recurring maintenance work
Uses that the zoning regulations specifically exempt
Installation of required improvements shown on an approved subdivision plat
Agricultural excavation, public utility work, or excavation within an approved subdivision

Inspections

How to Schedule

Call 24 hours in advance with the address or lot number (phone)
InspectNet portal (online)

Scheduling deadline: Call 24 hours in advance to request an inspection.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footings, foundation, framing, then final inspections. Building may not be occupied until final inspection passes and a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Additional Resources

Building code: Kentucky Residential Code (2013 edition) and Kentucky Building Code Regulation
Zoning information: View zoning info
Forms and Permits
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 Franklin-Simpson Planning & Zoning Commission before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Franklin, KY?: It is unlawful to begin excavation, construction, addition, structural alteration, or relocation of a building until the building inspector has issued a permit, except for agricultural, public utility, or approved subdivision work that is exempt.
How much does a building permit cost in Franklin, KY?: The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: One- and two-family projects: $0.12 per square foot (plus $0.03 per unfinished basement square foot); accessory buildings: $0.07 per square foot (minimum $30); commercial/industrial: 0.4% for first $500,000, down to 0.05% over $2,000,000 (minimum $75 per project).
How do I apply for a building permit in Franklin, KY?: 1. Gather a plan drawn to scale showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed building footprints, uses, yard depths, easements, and utility locations. 2. Obtain a health officer certificate for proposed water and sewer, a state plumbing permit, and city utility availability packets for water, sewer, electric, and phone. 3. Complete the contractor information form with city business license numbers if available. 4. File the application with the administrative official at the planning office or through the PermitsOnline portal. 5. The administrative official reviews for completeness and compliance, acting within two weeks of submission. 6. Upon confirmation of compliance, the building inspector issues the building permit. 7. Schedule inspections and the certificate of occupancy before occupancy begins.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Franklin, KY?: Typical processing time is Two weeks from submission for administrative official review and compliance determination..
What work is exempt from building permits in Franklin, KY?: The following work is generally exempt: Recurring maintenance work; Uses that the zoning regulations specifically exempt; Installation of required improvements shown on an approved subdivision plat; Agricultural excavation, public utility work, or excavation within an approved subdivision.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Franklin, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 24 hours in advance with the address or lot number, InspectNet portal. Call 24 hours in advance to request an inspection..

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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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