FAQ’s
Do I need a permit? This link to the Kentucky Residential Code lists projects that are exempt from a building permit. If a building is strictly for agricultural purposes and located on ten (10) or more acres it is exempt from permitting. This does not apply to dwellings of any kind.
What are the steps required to obtain a building permit for a proposed dwelling? This checklist covers the process and has a listing of questions about your project as well as statements about the code requirements.
Can I do my own electrical work? The State of Kentucky allows someone to do electrical work without having an electrician certification so long as the person owns and lives at the address in which the work is taking place. You cannot rent property and legally do the electrical work, and you cannot be a landlord who does electrical work on the property being rented.
What are common reasons that a dwelling might fail Inspection or require re-inspection? This list is common building issues that our office has encountered that may be helpful to know upfront when beginning construction or obtaining a permit. This is not an all-inclusive list of the code, but things commonly missed.
What are the regulations for tiny homes? This booklet was compiled to give the regulation for tiny homes and dwellings that involve prefabricated buildings.
Do I need a Plot Plan? A Plot Plan is a drawing done by a licensed surveyor that shows the location of your proposed building on the property and its relationship to the property lines. It assures us that your building is located behind the required setbacks and on located your property. This is not a plat that you can pull from the clerk’s office. It is a new document that you will have to pay a surveyor to prepare for you. In addition to a Plot Plan for our office the surveyor will usually stake the building on your property.
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Are there any exceptions to the plot plan requirement? Yes, however you should keep in mind that you are still responsible for being located behind the required setbacks. If you are unsure what the setbacks may be please contact the Joint City-County Planning Commission at 270-659-0661.
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If your property (one single parcel, not multiple) has more than two (2) acres, and you are confident that you will be located a minimum of double the required setbacks and are willing to indicate on a map (which we can provide) the proposed location showing the distance from the property lines, and sign a Plot Plan waiver you may be able to avoid having a plot plan done by a surveyor.
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Being double the required setbacks will usually mean that the proposed building will be seventy (70’) feet from the front property line (road right-of-way) line, twenty (20’) from the side property lines and forty (40’) feet from the rear property line.
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If your property was divided from a parent tract and has remained unchanged (no more acreage added or taken away from) since before July of 1978 your property will not have any setbacks because Barren County had not adopted any land regulations before that time, and the Plot Plan can be waived. The waiver will still need to be signed by the applicant. The Planning Commission can help you determine if you meet this exception.
The electrical company says I need a Service Reconnect before they turn power on to my existing building. What is this? Electrical providers will not supply power to an existing building if the electricity has been turned off for one (1) year or longer without an inspection being done by the Electrical Inspector. You will need to come to our office and sign an affidavit stating that you are the property owner (this will be verified by the PVA mapping which we can access) and are wanting a Service Reconnection inspection so that power can be turned on. There is a $75.00 inspection fee required.
What are the requirements for a Pole Barn type building? This specification from the Kentucky Residential Code shows the required post depth and post hole size for a Pole Barn building.
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Any pole barn proposed to be wider than forty-eight (48’) feet (the widest shown on the Pole Barn spec sheet) will require stamped plans from a licensed engineer.
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Any pole barn proposed for commercial use will require stamped plans from a licensed engineer. The Kentucky Residential Code gives provisions for Pole Barn construction, The Kentucky Building Code, which applies to commercial buildings, does not.
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“Barndo” Pole Barn structures, or Pole Barn buildings proposed to be used as dwellings must meet the entirety of the Kentucky Residential Code, including fire separation from garage areas, insulation requirements, and shear wall design requirements. While a Pole Barn design can be altered to meet the residential code, it can prove more difficult than traditional construction.
Do I need a permit for a swimming pool? Permits are required for in-ground swimming pools. This includes partially in-ground swimming pools.
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A site plan like is required for all swimming pools. This checklist shows an example as well as the information required. Plans do not require a professional stamp.
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Before a swimming pool can receive a Certificate of Completion the barrier requirements of the Kentucky Residential Code must be met. Here is a link to the requirements.
Does a Manufactured Home / Mobile Home require a permit? Yes, a single wide, double wide, and/or modular home does require an electrical permit. These requirements are required before an inspection can be done by the Electrical Inspector.
What needs to be shown on a set of house plans? House plans do not necessarily have to be professionally drawn; however, the following is required for a formal plan review:
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A dimensioned floor plan
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Door & window sizes
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Hallway widths
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Stairway widths
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Room classification (bedroom, living room, etc.)
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Either an elevation of roof plan: at least something showing the direction of rafters, ceiling joists and/or trusses.
What are the requirements for a footing/foundation? A footing is required to have the following specifications:
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24” to bottom of footing from top of finished grade
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18” width minimum
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8” deep concrete
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Two (2) continuous rows of #4 rebar on chairs
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At steps in the footing the rebar must extend out three (3’) feet beyond the step.
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The toe kick board at all steps must be located 12” beyond the step.
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Steel fiber mix can be substituted for the #4 rebar. However, steps will still require two (2) rows #4 continuous rebar extending three (3’) feet beyond the step.
How do I schedule an inspection?
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We inspect 5 days a week, excluding scheduled holidays. Contact our office at 270-651-3921 for scheduling.
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Any inspection called in before 9:00 AM (cst) will be done within the same day.
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Inspections called in after 9:00 AM are not guaranteed to take place that day.
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The Kentucky Residential / Building Code states that the permit holder or their agent is responsible for scheduling inspections and that inspection cannot be done without this inspection request.
