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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Franklin
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.
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
- Exempt Recurring maintenance work
- Exempt Uses that the zoning regulations specifically exempt
- Exempt Installation of required improvements shown on an approved subdivision plat
- Exempt Agricultural excavation, public utility work, or excavation within an approved subdivision
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
- Building code
- Kentucky Residential Code (2013 edition) and Kentucky Building Code Regulation
- Permit validity
- Permits become void 180 days after issuance unless substantial progress is made. Renewal after six months carries a $30 renewal fee.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Two weeks from submission for administrative official review and compliance determination.
- 01 Gather a plan drawn to scale showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed building footprints, uses, yard depths, easements, and utility locations.
- 02 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.
- 03 Complete the contractor information form with city business license numbers if available.
- 04 File the application with the administrative official at the planning office or through the PermitsOnline portal.
- 05 The administrative official reviews for completeness and compliance, acting within two weeks of submission.
- 06 Upon confirmation of compliance, the building inspector issues the building permit.
- 07 Schedule inspections and the certificate of occupancy before occupancy begins.
Typical processing time: Two weeks from submission for administrative official review and compliance determination.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Franklin building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30
02
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)
03
Reinspection fee
$75 mileage fee per building inspection; fees double if construction starts without a permit
04
Penalty (no permit)
Double the permit fee for construction started without a permit
After submitting online, contact the Planning & Zoning office for the invoice and payment instructions.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Franklin permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Franklin, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in Franklin, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Franklin, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Franklin, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Franklin, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Franklin, KY typically run Two weeks from submission for administrative official review and compliance determination.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Franklin, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Franklin, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Franklin, KY via: Call 24 hours in advance with the address or lot number, InspectNet portal. Call 24 hours in advance to request an inspection..
last verified April 2026
source Franklin-Simpson Planning & Zoning Commission ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/simpson/franklin
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Franklin-Simpson Planning & Zoning Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.