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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Sturgis
Any construction, relocation, addition, structural alteration, mobile home, billboard, sign, pool, antenna, transmitting tower, or fence must have a permit before beginning work.
- Exempt Antennas and transmitting towers located within the City of Sturgis
- Exempt Recurring maintenance work that makes no alterations
- Exempt Required improvements that match an approved subdivision plat
- Exempt Farm operation structures and related buildings
- 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
- Building code
- Kentucky building and electrical codes administered by DHBC, plus Sturgis municipal zoning ordinance for setbacks, uses, and lot standards
- Permit validity
- Permits expire one year after issuance if construction has not started and may be renewed before that date.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Two weeks from submission.
- 01 Sturgis applicants follow the same owner-driven application and review process as the county and include all required plans.
- 02 Administrative review occurs within two weeks.
- 03 Permits are issued, refused with written notice, or renewed per the county ordinance.
Typical processing time: Two weeks from submission.
Fee schedule
Sturgis building permit fees
Payments are handled at the planning commission office; no online payment portal is described.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Sturgis permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Sturgis, KY? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Sturgis, KY? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Sturgis, KY? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Sturgis, KY? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Sturgis, KY? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Sturgis, KY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Union County Planning Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.