City Building Permits

Morganfield, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Morganfield, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kentucky Union County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The commission enforces Morganfield-specific zoning plus all countywide building code requirements within the Morganfield city limits.

Department
Union County Planning Commission
Address
510 South Mart Street, Morganfield, KY 42437
Phone
(270) 389-2093

Online Permit Portal

Platform: Granicus FormBuilder • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Morganfield applicants prepare the owner-signed application, site plan, and health approvals.
  2. A drainage plan per Morganfield Ordinance #402 must be included when the runoff coefficient is 0.6 or higher.
  3. The Administrative Official acts within two weeks on the combined county and municipal requirements.
  4. Permits are issued or refused with written reasons and appeal rights to the Board of Adjustments.

Typical processing time: Two weeks from submission.

Source: Union County Planning Commission

General Requirements

Any construction, relocation, addition, structural alteration, mobile home, billboard, sign, pool, antenna, transmitting tower, or fence must have a permit before beginning work.

Required Documents

  • Scaled site plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, uses, and yard depths
  • Drainage plan for commercial, industrial, multi-family, or high-runoff single-family development per Ordinance #402
  • County health officer's approval for water/sewer facilities
Permit validity
Permits expire one year after issuance if construction has not started and may be renewed before that date.
Building code
Kentucky building and electrical codes administered by DHBC, plus Morganfield Municipal Zoning Ordinance for building placement, setback, height, and use restrictions
Owner-builder
The owner of record must file the application, although an authorized representative may act on the owner's behalf.
Contractor requirements
Building and electrical inspectors are certified through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (DHBC); electrical contractors must hold or employ a master electrician.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Residential is square-foot based ($0.04 per square foot of living area with a minimum); commercial is tiered by area; industrial tiers range by square footage
Payment note
Payments are handled at the planning commission office; no online payment portal is described.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Recurring maintenance work that makes no alterations
  • Required improvements that match an approved subdivision plat
  • Farm operation structures and related buildings

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Union County Planning Commission: (270) 389-2093 (phone)
  • Electrical Inspector John Jenkin: (270) 952-2301 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Building code permits cover new construction, multi-family dwellings, commercial buildings, and occupancy changes; expect a plan review followed by code-specific inspections (rough trades, final) coordinated with the inspector.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Union County Planning Commission before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Morganfield Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Morganfield, KY?
Any construction, relocation, addition, structural alteration, mobile home, billboard, sign, pool, antenna, transmitting tower, or fence must have a permit before beginning work.
How much does a building permit cost in Morganfield, KY?
Fees are calculated as: Residential is square-foot based ($0.04 per square foot of living area with a minimum); commercial is tiered by area; industrial tiers range by square footage.
How do I apply for a building permit in Morganfield, KY?
1. Morganfield applicants prepare the owner-signed application, site plan, and health approvals. 2. A drainage plan per Morganfield Ordinance #402 must be included when the runoff coefficient is 0.6 or higher. 3. The Administrative Official acts within two weeks on the combined county and municipal requirements. 4. Permits are issued or refused with written reasons and appeal rights to the Board of Adjustments.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Morganfield, KY?
Typical processing time is Two weeks from submission..
What work is exempt from building permits in Morganfield, KY?
The following work is generally exempt: Recurring maintenance work that makes no alterations; Required improvements that match an approved subdivision plat; Farm operation structures and related buildings.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Morganfield, KY?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Union County Planning Commission: (270) 389-2093, Electrical Inspector John Jenkin: (270) 952-2301.

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Important: 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.

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