On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bowling Green
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.
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
- Exempt Fences standing 7 feet tall or less
- Exempt Placement of storm or pane windows without altering structure
- Exempt Excavation or paving less than 350 square feet
- Exempt Replacing countertops or cabinets
- Exempt Painting or finishing
- Exempt Replacing shingles
- Exempt Other minor repairs
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
- Building code
- Kentucky Building Code, current edition, with referenced codes and city ordinances. Plan-review page points applicants to the 2018 Kentucky Building Code.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly posted on the cited city pages.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not stated on the main permit page. The city does not publish a standard turnaround on the cited pages.
- 01 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.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit unlocked PDF plans and specifications, plot plan, EPSC materials, energy documentation, and related drawings to Building Division for review. Electronic submissions are preferred.
- 04 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.
- 05 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.
- 06 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Bowling Green building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$20
02
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.
03
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
04
Reinspection fee
Electrical reinspection fee is $50 per unit. Other penalty fees were not clearly posted on the cited pages.
Portal currently supports payments for permits with outstanding fees. Building permits require all fees paid before issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bowling Green permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bowling Green, KY? ▸
Building permit fees in Bowling Green, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bowling Green, KY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bowling Green, KY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bowling Green, KY? ▸
Building permit processing times in Bowling Green, KY typically run Not stated on the main permit page. The city does not publish a standard turnaround on the cited pages.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bowling Green, KY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bowling Green, KY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bowling Green, KY via: 270-393-3676 or 270-393-3615, Electrical inspections: 270-393-3675.
last verified April 2026
source City of Bowling Green Neighborhood and Community Services, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/kentucky/warren/bowling-green
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Bowling Green Neighborhood and Community Services, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.