How much does a building permit cost in Smiths Grove, KY?

The minimum permit fee is $45. Fees are calculated as: Warren County area-based fee at $0.15 per square foot, with listed $45 flat-fee exceptions for pools, demolition permits, meter poles, decks, fences, cellular towers, and signs; residential electrical at $0.10 per square foot. Plan check fee: $100 electrical plan review fee; no separate county building plan-check fee posted.

How do I apply for a building permit in Smiths Grove, KY?

1. Use the Warren County permit process rather than City Hall for building permits. 2. Complete the appropriate county permit application and assemble building plans plus the required plot plan or eligible site plan. 3. Add special-condition documents such as SWPPP, right-of-way permit, or fire-protection waiver if triggered. 4. Confirm contractor licensing and occupational licensing. 5. Submit to Warren County Building Services for review and fee calculation. 6. After issuance, schedule inspections through Warren County and obtain final approvals before occupancy.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Smiths Grove, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 270-843-5360, SmartGov portal for approved contractors.

City Building Permits

Smiths Grove, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Smiths Grove, Kentucky. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kentucky Warren County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Smiths Grove publicly states Warren County issues all building permits for the city, and Smiths Grove adopted an interlocal agreement allowing Warren County to issue permits and perform inspections within incorporated Smiths Grove.

Department: Warren County Public Works, Building Services
Address: 1141 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: 270-843-5360
Email: craig.hunt@ky.gov
Website: https://www.warrencountyky.gov/departments/public-works/building-services/

Online Permit Portal

Open SmartGov

Platform: SmartGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Use the Warren County permit process rather than City Hall for building permits.
Complete the appropriate county permit application and assemble building plans plus the required plot plan or eligible site plan.
Add special-condition documents such as SWPPP, right-of-way permit, or fire-protection waiver if triggered.
Confirm contractor licensing and occupational licensing.
Submit to Warren County Building Services for review and fee calculation.
After issuance, schedule inspections through Warren County and obtain final approvals before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Five business days for building permit review after complete submittal; electrical permit review is 48 hours / 2 business days

Source: Warren County Public Works, Building Services

General Requirements

Smiths Grove states the city does not issue building permits itself, but Warren County does. County triggers include new construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, change of occupancy, pools, fences, and sheds 120 square feet and larger.

Required Documents

Warren County application
Building plans
Professional plot plan unless eligible for site-plan substitution
Special-condition documents as applicable

Permit validity: Not clearly posted on cited sources.
Building code: Interlocal ordinance refers to Uniform State Building Code enforcement; county page states enforcement of Kentucky Building/Residential Codes and National Electric Code.
Owner-builder: Not clearly posted on cited sources.
Contractor requirements: Warren County requires contractor's license plus occupational business license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $45
Plan check fee: $100 electrical plan review fee; no separate county building plan-check fee posted
Permit fee formula: Warren County area-based fee at $0.15 per square foot, with listed $45 flat-fee exceptions for pools, demolition permits, meter poles, decks, fences, cellular towers, and signs; residential electrical at $0.10 per square foot
Reinspection fee: $50 electrical reinspection fee; at least $500 penalty for starting work without permit
Payment note: County portal accepts payment after review approval

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Warren County Public Works, Building Services to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

270-843-5360 (phone)
SmartGov portal for approved contractors (online)

Inspection hours: County office Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; allow at least two business days

Typical inspection sequence: Footings, foundation/underfloor, framing, energy efficiency, final

Additional Resources

Building code: Interlocal ordinance refers to Uniform State Building Code enforcement; county page states enforcement of Kentucky Building/Residential Codes and National Electric Code.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Occupational License & Permit Info
City Hall
Development Review
License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Warren County Public Works, Building Services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smiths Grove Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Smiths Grove, KY?: Smiths Grove states the city does not issue building permits itself, but Warren County does. County triggers include new construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, change of occupancy, pools, fences, and sheds 120 square feet and larger.
How much does a building permit cost in Smiths Grove, KY?: The minimum permit fee is $45. Fees are calculated as: Warren County area-based fee at $0.15 per square foot, with listed $45 flat-fee exceptions for pools, demolition permits, meter poles, decks, fences, cellular towers, and signs; residential electrical at $0.10 per square foot. Plan check fee: $100 electrical plan review fee; no separate county building plan-check fee posted.
How do I apply for a building permit in Smiths Grove, KY?: 1. Use the Warren County permit process rather than City Hall for building permits. 2. Complete the appropriate county permit application and assemble building plans plus the required plot plan or eligible site plan. 3. Add special-condition documents such as SWPPP, right-of-way permit, or fire-protection waiver if triggered. 4. Confirm contractor licensing and occupational licensing. 5. Submit to Warren County Building Services for review and fee calculation. 6. After issuance, schedule inspections through Warren County and obtain final approvals before occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Smiths Grove, KY?: Typical processing time is Five business days for building permit review after complete submittal; electrical permit review is 48 hours / 2 business days.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Smiths Grove, KY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 270-843-5360, SmartGov portal for approved contractors.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Smiths Grove can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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