Bowling Green, KY Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec. 6-2.02 establishes that a building permit and inspection program applies to all buildings in the City as provided in the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code, and Sec. 6-8.01.c spells out the scope: building permit applications are required for all construction set out in the Kentucky Building Code, and in addition for fence construction, swimming pool installation, demolition of structures and placement of manufactured housing, even when those activities might otherwise seem minor. Applicants must estimate the cost of construction themselves to set the permit fee, and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services may demand supporting documentation for that estimate.

Under Sec. 6-8.01.a and .c, general building permit fees run from $50.00 up to $3,000 in project value, rising by $2.50 per $1,000 above that, with a parallel plan review fee schedule starting at $20.00 for the same tiers; commencing work before a permit issues doubles the fee under Sec. 6-8.01.d, capped at $1,000, without excusing other penalties. Sec. 6-6.01 further requires an applicant for a building permit to furnish the PVA map code number or approved street address and a topographical plat showing the exact location of the proposed residence and drainage elevations.

Sec. 6-8.02 requires the permit to be posted at the construction site until a certificate of occupancy issues, and Sec. 6-9.01 bars issuing any building permit for a lot until the street fronting it has been built to City and Planning Commission standards.