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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Spencer County
A construction permit is required for any building or structure erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered in Spencer County (unincorporated).
Recurring maintenance regardless of cost
Agricultural structures (non-dwelling) on plots of five acres or more
Alterations to existing buildings with a replacement value of $500 or less
Construction of service connections to publicly owned and operated utilities
Grading, streets, ditch digging, cutting/filling, and similar site improvements done before building development
Installation of required improvements shown on an approved preliminary subdivision or planned development plat
Agricultural uses that do not include dwelling units
Agricultural structures on 10 or more acres (with Agricultural Building Permit Exemption Affidavit)
- Exempt Recurring maintenance regardless of cost
- Exempt Agricultural structures (non-dwelling) on plots of five acres or more
- Exempt Alterations to existing buildings with a replacement value of $500 or less
- Exempt Construction of service connections to publicly owned and operated utilities
- Exempt Grading, streets, ditch digging, cutting/filling, and similar site improvements done before building development
- Exempt Installation of required improvements shown on an approved preliminary subdivision or planned development plat
- Exempt Agricultural uses that do not include dwelling units
- Exempt Agricultural structures on 10 or more acres (with Agricultural Building Permit Exemption Affidavit)
Note: Confirm applicability of exemptions with Spencer County Planning & Zoning; exemptions may not release applicants from zoning or floodplain overlay requirements.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Two sets of construction plans
- Plot plan with setback measurements
- Health department approval for water/septic
- Worker's compensation proof or state exemption affidavit
- Proof of contractor occupation/business license
- Subcontractor list
- Local stream/floodplain permit (if waterway work)
- Building code
- 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC)
- Permit validity
- Permit must be picked up and posted within 15 days of issuance. Administrator must act on applications within six months.
- Owner-builder
- Owner or contractor may sign the application but must certify compliance with easements, zoning, and Kentucky worker's compensation/unemployment requirements (KRS Chapter 342 and 341) or file the state affidavit of exemption with the Office of Worker's Claims.
- Contractor requirements
- Every contractor must provide proof of a county occupation/business license and comply with KRS Chapter 342 (worker's compensation) and KRS Chapter 341 (unemployment insurance).
Source: Spencer County Planning & Zoning Building Code Enforcement ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Within six months of application per Article XI of the zoning code.
- 01 Determine permit type (residential, commercial, agricultural, sign, demolition, change of occupancy).
- 02 Complete the appropriate building permit application form.
- 03 Prepare two sets of construction plans and a plot plan with dimensions and setback measurements.
- 04 Obtain health department approval for water/septic systems if applicable.
- 05 Provide proof of worker's compensation coverage or state exemption affidavit.
- 06 Provide proof of contractor occupation/business license.
- 07 Prepare subcontractor list.
- 08 Deliver completed packet with fees in person at 220 Main Cross Street, Taylorsville.
- 09 Planning & Zoning Administrator reviews for zoning compliance; Building Inspector issues permit.
- 10 Post permit visibly from the road within 15 days of issuance.
- 11 Schedule inspections (footer, framing, final) by calling Building Inspector Steve Clark at 502-643-9039 at least 24 hours in advance.
- 12 Pass final inspection before occupying the structure.
Typical processing time: Within six months of application per Article XI of the zoning code.
Source: Spencer County Planning & Zoning Building Code Enforcement ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Spencer County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$180 for residential new construction/additions; $100 for commercial new construction/additions
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee; plan review bundled with inspection categories
03
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction/additions: flat $180; Commercial new construction/additions: $0.12 per square foot (minimum $100); Modular/relocated/garages/pole barns: flat $100; Decks/ramps/pools/wood stoves: $50 per inspection
04
Reinspection fee
$50 for repeat offenders or if permit is not posted
05
Penalty (no permit)
$250 fine for pouring concrete without a permit or occupying before final inspection
Construction permit fees: checks/cash to Spencer County Planning & Zoning. Inspection fees: checks/cash to Steve Clark, LLC. CertifiedPayments online option available (Bureau Code 1391112).
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Building Inspector Steve Clark (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call at least 24 hours before the requested inspection date.
- Inspection hours
- Planning & Zoning office: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. State plumbing inspector: Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footer (prior to pouring concrete), framing (before insulation), and final (finished structure with drainage and sump pump placement).
Source: Spencer County Planning & Zoning Building Code Enforcement ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Spencer County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Spencer County, KY? ▸
A construction permit is required for any building or structure erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered in Spencer County (unincorporated).
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Spencer County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Spencer County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $180 for residential new construction/additions; $100 for commercial new construction/additions. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction/additions: flat $180; Commercial new construction/additions: $0.12 per square foot (minimum $100); Modular/relocated/garages/pole barns: flat $100; Decks/ramps/pools/wood stoves: $50 per inspection. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; plan review bundled with inspection categories.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Spencer County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Spencer County, KY, follow these steps: 1. Determine permit type (residential, commercial, agricultural, sign, demolition, change of occupancy). 2. Complete the appropriate building permit application form. 3. Prepare two sets of construction plans and a plot plan with dimensions and setback measurements. 4. Obtain health department approval for water/septic systems if applicable. 5. Provide proof of worker's compensation coverage or state exemption affidavit. 6. Provide proof of contractor occupation/business license. 7. Prepare subcontractor list. 8. Deliver completed packet with fees in person at 220 Main Cross Street, Taylorsville. 9. Planning & Zoning Administrator reviews for zoning compliance; Building Inspector issues permit. 10. Post permit visibly from the road within 15 days of issuance. 11. Schedule inspections (footer, framing, final) by calling Building Inspector Steve Clark at 502-643-9039 at least 24 hours in advance. 12. Pass final inspection before occupying the structure.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Spencer County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Spencer County, KY typically run Within six months of application per Article XI of the zoning code.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Spencer County, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Spencer County, KY. The following work is generally exempt: Recurring maintenance regardless of cost; Agricultural structures (non-dwelling) on plots of five acres or more; Alterations to existing buildings with a replacement value of $500 or less; Construction of service connections to publicly owned and operated utilities; Grading, streets, ditch digging, cutting/filling, and similar site improvements done before building development; Installation of required improvements shown on an approved preliminary subdivision or planned development plat; Agricultural uses that do not include dwelling units; Agricultural structures on 10 or more acres (with Agricultural Building Permit Exemption Affidavit). Note: Confirm applicability of exemptions with Spencer County Planning & Zoning; exemptions may not release applicants from zoning or floodplain overlay requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Spencer County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Spencer County, KY via: Building Inspector Steve Clark. Call at least 24 hours before the requested inspection date..
last verified April 2026
source Spencer County Planning & Zoning Building Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/spencer/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Spencer County Planning & Zoning Building Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.