Woodford County, KY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within unincorporated Woodford County, administered by the Planning Commission in conjunction with the Cities of Versailles and Midway.

Department

Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Planning Commission, Division of Building Inspection

Address

103 South Main Street, Suite 204, Versailles, KY 40383

Phone

859-873-8611

Website

https://www.woodfordplanning.org

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project requires a permit (new construction, additions, accessory structures, pools, fences, plumbing/electrical extensions, grading, etc.) and collect the application, building plans, and site plan from the checklist.
2. Submit the completed application, plans, site documentation, floodplain approvals (if needed), and the $25 plan review fee to the Planning Commission; include encroachment letters, utility certifications, deeds/plats, and any state inspectors' documentation.
3. Allow staff to perform plan review (typically 2–5 days) and, after approval, pay the valuation-based building permit fee so the permit can be issued.
4. Begin construction and schedule inspections via 859-873-8611; the checklist lists footing, slab, poured wall, framing, fire wall, insulation, plumbing/HVAC/electrical rough-in and finals, and final building inspections.
5. Receive the Certificate of Occupancy/Final Approval after all inspections and improvements are complete before occupying the building.

Typical processing time: Plan review usually takes 2–5 days and the complete permit review can be wrapped up within a week.

Source: Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Planning Commission, Division of Building Inspection

General Requirements

Permits are required for construction, enlargement, occupancy/use changes, alterations, removal, relocation, demolition, decks/porches, basement conversions, attached/detached garages, pole barns/sheds, pools, fences, plumbing/electrical extensions, door/window reconfigurations, and land grading.

Required Documents

• Signed application
• Building plans
• Site plan (including easements/setbacks)
• Encroachment/access permit
• Applicable utility permits
• Water/sewer certification
• Septic/site evaluation
• Deed or plat
• Floodplain paperwork
• Optional energy code report
• Business license (when required)
• Building permit affidavit
• Workers' compensation certificate
• Homeowner's responsibility acknowledgement (if a homeowner is filing)
• Fee payment

Permit validity

Permits must be started within 90 days of issuance and completed within one year, or they expire; applicants may request one six-month extension in writing prior to expiration.

Building code

Kentucky Residential Code (sections R110 and R109.1.7)

Owner-builder

The property owner is legally responsible for ensuring a Building/Zoning Permit is obtained, must return the homeowner responsibility acknowledgement, and may not use or occupy a project until final approval/Certificate of Occupancy is granted.

Contractor requirements

Electrical work must meet the National Electrical Code under the local electrical inspector; plumbing must comply with the Kentucky State Plumbing Code and be performed by a licensed plumber under the county Health Department; HVAC work requires the State Mechanical Inspector; plumbing/electrical may also be done by licensed trade professionals or the homeowner.

Fees

Plan check fee

$25 at submission; $50 for a 180-day extension if a permit lapses.

Permit fee formula

Residential permits are charged at $0.20 per square foot with no minimum; commercial/non-residential constructions are $0.25 per square foot with a $250 minimum.

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fees may be imposed for work that began without a permit.

Payment note

Submit all fees to the Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Planning Commission, 103 South Main Street, Suite 204, Versailles, KY 40383; phone 859-873-8611 is provided for fee questions.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Paving or repaving an existing driveway/parking area without enlargement
• Installing or replacing siding or a roof
• Ordinary, non-structural repairs that do not create a new or extended use
• Replacing windows or doors of equal size
• Installing or removing internal, non-load-bearing partitions or walls

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 859-873-8611 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing, slab, poured wall, framing, fire wall, insulation, rough-in/final plumbing, rough-in/final HVAC, rough-in/bonding/final electrical, and final building inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Kentucky Residential Code (sections R110 and R109.1.7)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Permit Information
• Applications & Fees
• Planning Commission Home Page
• License lookup guide: Kentucky Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kentucky Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kentucky hub: Kentucky Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Woodford County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Woodford County, KY?

Permits are required for construction, enlargement, occupancy/use changes, alterations, removal, relocation, demolition, decks/porches, basement conversions, attached/detached garages, pole barns/sheds, pools, fences, plumbing/electrical extensions, door/window reconfigurations, and land grading.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Woodford County, KY?

Fees are calculated as: Residential permits are charged at $0.20 per square foot with no minimum; commercial/non-residential constructions are $0.25 per square foot with a $250 minimum.. Plan check fee: $25 at submission; $50 for a 180-day extension if a permit lapses..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Woodford County, KY?

1. Confirm the project requires a permit (new construction, additions, accessory structures, pools, fences, plumbing/electrical extensions, grading, etc.) and collect the application, building plans, and site plan from the checklist. 2. Submit the completed application, plans, site documentation, floodplain approvals (if needed), and the $25 plan review fee to the Planning Commission; include encroachment letters, utility certifications, deeds/plats, and any state inspectors' documentation. 3. Allow staff to perform plan review (typically 2–5 days) and, after approval, pay the valuation-based building permit fee so the permit can be issued. 4. Begin construction and schedule inspections via 859-873-8611; the checklist lists footing, slab, poured wall, framing, fire wall, insulation, plumbing/HVAC/electrical rough-in and finals, and final building inspections. 5. Receive the Certificate of Occupancy/Final Approval after all inspections and improvements are complete before occupying the building.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Woodford County, KY?

Typical processing time is Plan review usually takes 2–5 days and the complete permit review can be wrapped up within a week..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Woodford County, KY?

The following work is generally exempt: Paving or repaving an existing driveway/parking area without enlargement; Installing or replacing siding or a roof; Ordinary, non-structural repairs that do not create a new or extended use; Replacing windows or doors of equal size; Installing or removing internal, non-load-bearing partitions or walls.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Woodford County, KY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 859-873-8611.