Smiths Grove, KY — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Warren County Public Works, Building Services

Street address

1141 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone

270-843-5360

craig.hunt@ky.gov

Coverage

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.

Online portal

SmartGov

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Smiths Grove

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.

Note: No Smiths Grove-specific exempt-work list for building permits was located.

Required documents

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

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

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Use the Warren County permit process rather than City Hall for building permits.
02

Complete the appropriate county permit application and assemble building plans plus the required plot plan or eligible site plan.
03

Add special-condition documents such as SWPPP, right-of-way permit, or fire-protection waiver if triggered.
04

Confirm contractor licensing and occupational licensing.
05

Submit to Warren County Building Services for review and fee calculation.
06

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Smiths Grove building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

County portal accepts payment after review approval

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Smiths Grove permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Smiths Grove, KY? ▸

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

Building permit fees in Smiths Grove, KY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in Smiths Grove, KY, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Smiths Grove, KY? ▸

Building permit processing times in Smiths Grove, KY typically run Five business days for building permit review after complete submittal; electrical permit review is 48 hours / 2 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Smiths Grove, KY via: 270-843-5360, SmartGov portal for approved contractors.

last verified April 2026 source Warren County Public Works, Building Services ↗ entry id permits/kentucky/warren/smiths-grove

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Warren County Public Works, Building Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Smiths Grove