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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Union County
Any construction, relocation, addition, structural alteration, mobile home, billboard, sign, pool, antenna, transmitting tower, or fence must have a permit before beginning work.
Recurring maintenance work that makes no alterations
Required improvements that match an approved subdivision plat
Farm operation structures and related buildings
- Exempt Recurring maintenance work that makes no alterations
- Exempt Required improvements that match an approved subdivision plat
- Exempt Farm operation structures and related buildings
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
- Building code
- Kentucky building and electrical codes administered by DHBC
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Administrative review must occur within two weeks from the date of submission.
- 01 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.
- 02 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.
- 03 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.
- 04 Initiating or continuing construction without a permit may trigger a court-ordered restraining order and other enforcement actions.
- 05 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Union County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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
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.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Union County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Union County, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Union County, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Union County, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Union County, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Union County, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Union County, KY typically run Administrative review must occur within two weeks from the date of submission.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Union County, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Union County, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Union County, KY via: Union County Planning Commission: (270) 389-2093, Electrical Inspector John Jenkin: (270) 952-2301.
last verified April 2026
source Union County Planning Commission ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/union/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Union County Planning Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.