How much does a building permit cost in Sturgis, 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 Sturgis, KY?

1. Sturgis applicants follow the same owner-driven application and review process as the county and include all required plans. 2. Administrative review occurs within two weeks. 3. Permits are issued, refused with written notice, or renewed per the county ordinance.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Sturgis, KY?

Typical processing time is Two weeks from submission..

What work is exempt from building permits in Sturgis, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Antennas and transmitting towers located within the City of Sturgis; 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 Sturgis, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Union County Planning Commission: (270) 389-2093, Electrical Inspector John Jenkin: (270) 952-2301.

City Building Permits

Sturgis, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Kentucky Union County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The commission enforces Sturgis' zoning and countywide building code for properties within the Sturgis city limits.

Department: Union County Planning Commission
Address: 510 South Mart Street, Morganfield, KY 42437
Phone: (270) 389-2093
Website: https://www.unioncountyky.org/local-government/planning-commission

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application Form

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

Application Process

Sturgis applicants follow the same owner-driven application and review process as the county and include all required plans.
Administrative review occurs within two weeks.
Permits are issued, refused with written notice, or renewed per the county ordinance.

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 controls documentation per applicable county ordinance
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 Sturgis municipal zoning ordinance for setbacks, uses, and lot standards
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

Antennas and transmitting towers located within the City of Sturgis
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

Building code: Kentucky building and electrical codes administered by DHBC, plus Sturgis municipal zoning ordinance for setbacks, uses, and lot standards
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Permit Application PDF
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 Union County Planning Commission before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sturgis Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Sturgis, 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 Sturgis, 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 Sturgis, KY?: 1. Sturgis applicants follow the same owner-driven application and review process as the county and include all required plans. 2. Administrative review occurs within two weeks. 3. Permits are issued, refused with written notice, or renewed per the county ordinance.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Sturgis, KY?: Typical processing time is Two weeks from submission..
What work is exempt from building permits in Sturgis, KY?: The following work is generally exempt: Antennas and transmitting towers located within the City of Sturgis; 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 Sturgis, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Union County Planning Commission: (270) 389-2093, Electrical Inspector John Jenkin: (270) 952-2301.

Need help with your project?

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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.

Other cities in Union County

Unincorporated Area Morganfield

View all Union County jurisdictions →