Unincorporated Wolfe County

As described in KBC Section 121, any new construction, addition, alteration, demolition, or occupancy change under DHBC jurisdiction needs a permit.

Note: For work that is exempt from permits, see Kentucky Building Code Section 105.2; no separate county exemption list is published for Wolfe County.

Building code

2018 Kentucky Building Code (based on the 2015 International Building Code) and the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (based on the 2015 International Residential Code)

Permit validity

Not specified in the publicly posted guide; applicants must confirm with DHBC before assuming any expiration.

Owner-builder

Applicants are advised to consult DHBC for project-specific guidance when there is no local official, which covers owner-builder oversight.

Contractor requirements

General building construction does not require a state license, but plumbing, electrical, HVAC, elevators, boilers, and other specialty trades must hold the state licenses outlined in the DHBC license table.

1. 01
   Confirm zoning by contacting the local planning/zoning authority before design begins to avoid rezoning delays.
2. 02
   Determine whether DHBC or a local jurisdiction has building code responsibility; Wolfe County's lack of a local program means DHBC reviews most commercial, industrial, and multi-family work.
3. 03
   Submit the Plan Submission Application and fee sheet through the DHBC SmartGov portal.
4. 04
   Upload corrected sheets through the same portal if revisions are needed.
5. 05
   Receive approval from DHBC plan review technicians.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact DHBC plan review technicians at (502) 573-0373 for schedule updates.

Source: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement ↗

Fees should be rounded to the nearest dollar, payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer, with the project name/location noted on the check and plans.

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

• DHBC at (502) 573-0373 or local inspector (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Plan ahead by calling before visiting the inspector's office.

Inspection hours

DHBC office hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST; Wolfe County field office: Friday mornings (8:00-9:30 am)

Typical sequence: Permits require special inspection statements (1704.1.1 KBC) listing required inspectors. All trade systems (plumbing, electrical, fire suppression, etc.) must be approved before occupancy.