County Building Permits
Simpson County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Simpson County, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Kentucky Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
All unincorporated properties within Simpson County. Simpson County unincorporated permits are handled through the same inspector and commission, but the county packet requires forms tied to the health department, county water, Warren Rural Electric, and road connections.
- Department
- Franklin-Simpson Planning & Zoning Commission
- Address
- 100 Courthouse Sq, Franklin, KY 42134
- Phone
- 270-586-3356
Online Permit Portal
Platform: PermitsOnline (WindoWare) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Assemble a scaled plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed building footprints, uses, yard depths, easements, and utility locations.
- Obtain county-specific utility forms from Simpson County Health Department, Simpson County Water Service, Warren Rural Electric, and phone service.
- Secure documentation of state and county road connections and a state plumbing permit.
- Complete the contractor information form (county version does not require business license numbers but captures contractor, electrician, HVAC, and plumbing license and bond details).
- Submit the application to the administrative official via the portal or office for review.
- The administrative official reviews for compliance and acts within two weeks, providing written reasons if the project fails to comply.
- Upon compliance confirmation, the permit is issued, and inspections plus the certificate of occupancy follow.
Typical processing time: Two weeks from submission for administrative official review.
General Requirements
No excavation, construction, additions, structural alterations, or relocations may start before the inspector issues a permit, with exceptions for agricultural, utility, and pre-approved subdivision work.
Required Documents
- Scaled site and building plan
- Documentation of lot and building dimensions
- Intended uses and yard depths
- Easements and utility locations
- Health officer certificate for utilities
- State plumbing permit
- County utility forms (Simpson County Health Department, Simpson County Water Service, Warren Rural Electric, phone service)
- State and county road connection documentation
- Contractor information form with license and bond data
- Permit validity
- 180 days without substantial progress. 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 may file directly and use the homeowner waiver provided on the application.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors supplying services in the county fill in license, bond, and contact information on the multi-trade application. State inspectors review electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work.
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 inspection; doubled fees for starting without a permit
- Penalty (no permit)
- Doubled fees for starting construction without a permit
- Payment note
- Contact the Planning & Zoning office after portal submission 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
- Uses exempted explicitly in the zoning regulations
- Installation of improvements already approved on a subdivision plat
- Agricultural or public utility excavation or work within an approved subdivision
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Call 24 hours ahead with lot or address details (phone)
- InspectNet portal for scheduling or canceling (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. Final inspection must pass before occupancy.
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
Simpson County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Simpson County, KY?
- No excavation, construction, additions, structural alterations, or relocations may start before the inspector issues a permit, with exceptions for agricultural, utility, and pre-approved subdivision work.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Simpson County, 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 unincorporated Simpson County, KY?
- 1. Assemble a scaled plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed building footprints, uses, yard depths, easements, and utility locations. 2. Obtain county-specific utility forms from Simpson County Health Department, Simpson County Water Service, Warren Rural Electric, and phone service. 3. Secure documentation of state and county road connections and a state plumbing permit. 4. Complete the contractor information form (county version does not require business license numbers but captures contractor, electrician, HVAC, and plumbing license and bond details). 5. Submit the application to the administrative official via the portal or office for review. 6. The administrative official reviews for compliance and acts within two weeks, providing written reasons if the project fails to comply. 7. Upon compliance confirmation, the permit is issued, and inspections plus the certificate of occupancy follow.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Simpson County, KY?
- Typical processing time is Two weeks from submission for administrative official review..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Simpson County, KY?
- The following work is generally exempt: Recurring maintenance; Uses exempted explicitly in the zoning regulations; Installation of improvements already approved on a subdivision plat; Agricultural or public utility excavation or work within an approved subdivision.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Simpson County, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 24 hours ahead with lot or address details, InspectNet portal for scheduling or canceling. Call 24 hours in advance to request an inspection..
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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.