Bowling Green, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies within the city limits of Bowling Green. Warren County's portal states county applications inside Bowling Green city limits or annex will be cancelled.

Department

City of Bowling Green Neighborhood and Community Services, Building Division

Address

707 E Main Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone

270-393-3615 / 270-393-3676

Email

building.division@bgky.org

Website

https://www.bgky.org/ncs/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Identify required permit type from the city's permit applications page, including building, electrical, demolition, site work, sign, pool, fence, manufactured home, and related permits.
2. Prepare the permit application and required plans. For exterior work up to 750 square feet, submit a property drawing; for work or disturbance over 750 square feet, submit a professionally signed and stamped plot plan. Interior alterations require previous and proposed floor plans.
3. Submit unlocked PDF plans and specifications, plot plan, EPSC materials, energy documentation, and related drawings to Building Division for review. Electronic submissions are preferred.
4. Complete any outside approvals triggered by the application, including stormwater review or CDR review through the City-County Planning Commission where soil disturbance exceeds 1 acre.
5. Building Division completes plan review. The permit is approved only after all reviews are complete, all fees are paid, and subcontractor information is submitted to the Office of Occupational License.
6. Call for progress inspections during construction. Certificate of occupancy is issued after required final approvals.

Typical processing time: Not stated on the main permit page. The city does not publish a standard turnaround on the cited pages.

Source: City of Bowling Green Neighborhood and Community Services, Building Division

General Requirements

New construction, additions or alterations, significant site modifications, occupancy changes, structural changes, demolition, and electrical work. The city states a building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish, or change use of a structure.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Unlocked PDF plans and specifications
• Plot plan or sketch as applicable
• Dimensional drawings
• EPSC plans
• REScheck or COMcheck materials
• ANSI 117 for commercial work
• List of subcontractors before issuance
• CDR materials if over 1 acre disturbed

Permit validity

Not clearly posted on the cited city pages.

Building code

Kentucky Building Code, current edition, with referenced codes and city ordinances. Plan-review page points applicants to the 2018 Kentucky Building Code.

Owner-builder

Homeowner-facing permit materials are published, and a homeowner electrical permit application is publicly available. Public pages do not state a broader owner-builder policy in detail.

Contractor requirements

City contractor licensing is required for registered contractor portal access; building permit application states subcontractors must be submitted to the Office of Occupational License before permit issuance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$20

Plan check fee

Published separately on the plan-review page by occupancy type, generally 13–16 cents per square foot; residential is 15 cents per square foot.

Permit fee formula

Valuation based: up to $3,000 = $20; $3,000–$500,000 = $20 plus $2.50 per $1,000 over $3,000; $500,000–$10,000,000 = $1,250 plus $1.00 per $1,000 over $500,000; over $10,000,000 = $10,700 plus $0.50 per $1,000 over $10,000,000

Reinspection fee

Electrical reinspection fee is $50 per unit. Other penalty fees were not clearly posted on the cited pages.

Payment note

Portal currently supports payments for permits with outstanding fees. Building permits require all fees paid before issuance.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences standing 7 feet tall or less
• Placement of storm or pane windows without altering structure
• Excavation or paving less than 350 square feet
• Replacing countertops or cabinets
• Painting or finishing
• Replacing shingles
• Other minor repairs

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 270-393-3676 or 270-393-3615 (phone)
• Electrical inspections: 270-393-3675 (phone)

Inspection hours

Office hours 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Monday–Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Footing excavation, foundation, under floor, concrete floors, framing/structure, vent/duct rough-in, energy, sprinkler, state plumbing, state HVAC, lath/gypsum wall board, penetrations, right of way, sidewalks/drives, final

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Building Code, current edition, with referenced codes and city ordinances. Plan-review page points applicants to the 2018 Kentucky Building Code.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Plan Reviews Information
• Permit Cost Estimate
• Right-of-Way Information
• Development Review
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Bowling Green Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bowling Green, KY?

New construction, additions or alterations, significant site modifications, occupancy changes, structural changes, demolition, and electrical work. The city states a building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish, or change use of a structure.

How much does a building permit cost in Bowling Green, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $20. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based: up to $3,000 = $20; $3,000–$500,000 = $20 plus $2.50 per $1,000 over $3,000; $500,000–$10,000,000 = $1,250 plus $1.00 per $1,000 over $500,000; over $10,000,000 = $10,700 plus $0.50 per $1,000 over $10,000,000. Plan check fee: Published separately on the plan-review page by occupancy type, generally 13–16 cents per square foot; residential is 15 cents per square foot..

How do I apply for a building permit in Bowling Green, KY?

1. Identify required permit type from the city's permit applications page, including building, electrical, demolition, site work, sign, pool, fence, manufactured home, and related permits. 2. Prepare the permit application and required plans. For exterior work up to 750 square feet, submit a property drawing; for work or disturbance over 750 square feet, submit a professionally signed and stamped plot plan. Interior alterations require previous and proposed floor plans. 3. Submit unlocked PDF plans and specifications, plot plan, EPSC materials, energy documentation, and related drawings to Building Division for review. Electronic submissions are preferred. 4. Complete any outside approvals triggered by the application, including stormwater review or CDR review through the City-County Planning Commission where soil disturbance exceeds 1 acre. 5. Building Division completes plan review. The permit is approved only after all reviews are complete, all fees are paid, and subcontractor information is submitted to the Office of Occupational License. 6. Call for progress inspections during construction. Certificate of occupancy is issued after required final approvals.

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

Typical processing time is Not stated on the main permit page. The city does not publish a standard turnaround on the cited pages..

What work is exempt from building permits in Bowling Green, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences standing 7 feet tall or less; Placement of storm or pane windows without altering structure; Excavation or paving less than 350 square feet; Replacing countertops or cabinets; Painting or finishing; Replacing shingles; Other minor repairs.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Bowling Green, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 270-393-3676 or 270-393-3615, Electrical inspections: 270-393-3675.

Other cities in Warren County