On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Simpson County
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.
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
- Exempt Recurring maintenance
- Exempt Uses exempted explicitly in the zoning regulations
- Exempt Installation of improvements already approved on a subdivision plat
- Exempt Agricultural or public utility excavation or work 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 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
- Building code
- Kentucky Residential Code (2013 edition) and Kentucky Building Code Regulation
- Permit validity
- 180 days without substantial progress. Renewal after six months carries a $30 renewal fee.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Two weeks from submission for administrative official review.
- 01 Assemble a scaled plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed building footprints, uses, yard depths, easements, and utility locations.
- 02 Obtain county-specific utility forms from Simpson County Health Department, Simpson County Water Service, Warren Rural Electric, and phone service.
- 03 Secure documentation of state and county road connections and a state plumbing permit.
- 04 Complete the contractor information form (county version does not require business license numbers but captures contractor, electrician, HVAC, and plumbing license and bond details).
- 05 Submit the application to the administrative official via the portal or office for review.
- 06 The administrative official reviews for compliance and acts within two weeks, providing written reasons if the project fails to comply.
- 07 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Simpson County 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 inspection; doubled fees for starting without a permit
04
Penalty (no permit)
Doubled fees for starting construction without a permit
Contact the Planning & Zoning office after portal submission 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 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 sequence: Typical sequence: footings, foundation, framing, then final inspections. Final inspection must pass before occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Simpson County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Simpson County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Simpson County, 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 unincorporated Simpson County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Simpson County, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Simpson County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Simpson County, KY typically run Two weeks from submission for administrative official review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Simpson County, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Simpson County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Simpson County, KY 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..
last verified April 2026
source Franklin-Simpson Planning & Zoning Commission ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/simpson/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Franklin-Simpson Planning & Zoning Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.