Union County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated Union County parcels and runs the countywide building code enforcement program that supplements municipal zoning and floodplain review for the county's jurisdictions.

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

Application Process

1. The owner of record submits the building permit application with a detailed site plan, use descriptions, and a health officer certificate for any water and sewer connections.
2. The Administrative Official reviews the submission for compliance with zoning, drainage, subdivision, and safety requirements and acts on the application within two weeks of receipt.
3. If the submission conforms, a permit is issued; if not, the applicant receives written reasons for denial and may appeal to the Board of Adjustments.
4. Initiating or continuing construction without a permit may trigger a court-ordered restraining order and other enforcement actions.
5. Building permits become void one year after issuance if work has not begun; renewals must be reviewed before that date.

Typical processing time: Administrative review must occur within two weeks from the date of 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

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

• Building code: Kentucky building and electrical codes administered by DHBC
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Permit Application PDF
• Floodplain Information
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Union County Building Permit FAQ

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

1. The owner of record submits the building permit application with a detailed site plan, use descriptions, and a health officer certificate for any water and sewer connections. 2. The Administrative Official reviews the submission for compliance with zoning, drainage, subdivision, and safety requirements and acts on the application within two weeks of receipt. 3. If the submission conforms, a permit is issued; if not, the applicant receives written reasons for denial and may appeal to the Board of Adjustments. 4. Initiating or continuing construction without a permit may trigger a court-ordered restraining order and other enforcement actions. 5. Building permits become void one year after issuance if work has not begun; renewals must be reviewed before that date.

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

Typical processing time is Administrative review must occur within two weeks from the date of submission..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Union County, 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 unincorporated Union County, KY?

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