City Building Permits
Bedford, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Bedford, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Bedford relies on the county Building Division for plan review, permits, and inspections.
- Department
- Trimble County Building Division (Bedford permit applicants are routed through the county Planning & Zoning program)
- Address
- County Building Division: 123 Church Street, PO Box 251, Bedford, KY 40006; Bedford City Hall: 147 Victory Avenue, PO Box 1, Bedford, KY 40006
- Phone
- (502) 255-7196 (county building division); (502) 639-3218 (building inspector); (502) 255-3684 (City Hall)
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Complete the Trimble County building/zoning permit application with work descriptions, owner/builder data, and insurance details. Note any additional approvals that may be required.
- Submit the packet, supporting documents, and payment to Planning & Zoning (68 Wentworth Ave/PO Box 251, Bedford). Checks payable to Matthew Dunaway.
- After review, call (502) 639-3218 to schedule the required inspections. Pay inspection fees directly to Matthew Dunaway.
- Once inspections and fees are satisfied, request the certificate of occupancy before occupying the structure.
Typical processing time: Processing time is not published on the county portal or packet.
General Requirements
Building permits are required for new buildings, additions, remodels, garages, mobile/modular homes, accessory structures, decks, pools, and other structural work.
Required Documents
- Building permit application form
- Zoning permit application form (when required)
- Elevations and mechanical plans
- Foundation plans with rebar/footing sizing
- Floor and stair layouts
- Ceiling/roof framing plans
- Plot plan showing distances to all property lines
- Engineer-sealed approvals for atypical construction, retaining walls over four feet, and expansive soils
- Proof of insurance
- Permit validity
- Permits lapse if work is not started within six months or is suspended/abandoned for six months. Renewal fee: $100. Permit fees are nonrefundable after 30 days and are not transferable.
- Building code
- 2018 Kentucky Residential Code with design parameters including 15 lb ground snow load and 24-inch footing depth.
- Owner-builder
- The form requires the applicant/builder to sign. Contact the Planning & Zoning Administrator for owner-occupant questions.
- Contractor requirements
- Listing of licensed contractors and their certification numbers is required on the application.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based schedule (specific amounts not published online; applicants fill the fee amount from the posted schedule)
- Reinspection fee
- $100 per inspection
- Payment note
- Permit and inspection fees are payable to Matthew Dunaway at 24 Oakwood Circle, Pendleton, KY 40055. Payment must be submitted when the application is filed. Inspection fees must be cleared prior to final approval and certificate of occupancy issuance.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Trimble County Building Division (Bedford permit applicants are routed through the county Planning & Zoning program) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (502) 639-3218 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Residential footers must be inspected before concrete is poured. Rough framing is inspected after all mechanical work is in place. Final inspections occur after all systems are complete.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 Kentucky Residential Code with design parameters including 15 lb ground snow load and 24-inch footing depth.
- Trimble County Planning & Zoning
- Trimble County Building Division
- Bedford City Hall
- 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 Trimble County Building Division (Bedford permit applicants are routed through the county Planning & Zoning program) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bedford Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Bedford, KY?
- Building permits are required for new buildings, additions, remodels, garages, mobile/modular homes, accessory structures, decks, pools, and other structural work.
- How much does a building permit cost in Bedford, KY?
- Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based schedule (specific amounts not published online; applicants fill the fee amount from the posted schedule).
- How do I apply for a building permit in Bedford, KY?
- 1. Complete the Trimble County building/zoning permit application with work descriptions, owner/builder data, and insurance details. Note any additional approvals that may be required. 2. Submit the packet, supporting documents, and payment to Planning & Zoning (68 Wentworth Ave/PO Box 251, Bedford). Checks payable to Matthew Dunaway. 3. After review, call (502) 639-3218 to schedule the required inspections. Pay inspection fees directly to Matthew Dunaway. 4. Once inspections and fees are satisfied, request the certificate of occupancy before occupying the structure.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Bedford, KY?
- Typical processing time is Processing time is not published on the county portal or packet..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Bedford, KY?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (502) 639-3218.
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