Trimble County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Trimble County and city pockets such as Bedford through the county Planning & Zoning program.

Department

Trimble County Building Division (Fiscal Court/Planning & Zoning)

Address

123 Church Street, PO Box 251, Bedford, KY 40006

Phone

(502) 255-7196; Building Inspector Matt Dunaway: (502) 639-3218; Electrical Inspector Jerry Dunaway: (502) 639-3428

Email

zoe.kemper@trimblecountyky.gov

Website

https://trimblecountyky.gov/building-division/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete the building permit and zoning permit application with applicant/builder/owner data, work descriptions, construction cost, setbacks, utility information, and proof of insurance.
2. Submit the signed application, plan documents, and payment to Planning & Zoning at 68 Wentworth Ave or mail to PO Box 251, Bedford. Payment is due at application time; checks payable to Matthew Dunaway.
3. Following review, schedule inspections (footer, rough framing, final, etc.) by calling the building inspector at (502) 639-3218 and pay inspection fees directly to Matthew Dunaway.
4. After all inspections and fees are complete, request the issuance of the certificate of occupancy before the structure is occupied.

Typical processing time: Processing time must be confirmed when filing; no published timeline is available.

Source: Trimble County Building Division (Fiscal Court/Planning & Zoning)

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 (Fiscal Court/Planning & Zoning) 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. Similar phased inspections cover commercial, multifamily, and accessory work.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 Kentucky Residential Code with design parameters including 15 lb ground snow load and 24-inch footing depth.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Trimble County Planning & Zoning
• Trimble County Building Division
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Trimble County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Trimble County, 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 unincorporated Trimble County, 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 unincorporated Trimble County, KY?

1. Complete the building permit and zoning permit application with applicant/builder/owner data, work descriptions, construction cost, setbacks, utility information, and proof of insurance. 2. Submit the signed application, plan documents, and payment to Planning & Zoning at 68 Wentworth Ave or mail to PO Box 251, Bedford. Payment is due at application time; checks payable to Matthew Dunaway. 3. Following review, schedule inspections (footer, rough framing, final, etc.) by calling the building inspector at (502) 639-3218 and pay inspection fees directly to Matthew Dunaway. 4. After all inspections and fees are complete, request the issuance of the certificate of occupancy before the structure is occupied.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Trimble County, KY?

Typical processing time is Processing time must be confirmed when filing; no published timeline is available..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Trimble County, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (502) 639-3218.