Franklin County, KY Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Franklin County Code § 150.02(A) adopts the Kentucky Building Code and the Kentucky Residential Code, with all later revisions, to cover construction and inspection of all new structures, additions, rehabilitations and conversions outside the corporate limits of the City of Frankfort, except agricultural buildings. Subsection (B) makes it unlawful to build any of those without first obtaining a building permit and having the work inspected under the Kentucky Building Code, the Kentucky Residential Code and Chapter 155. The only carve-out is a building or structure used in connection with a bona fide farming operation. Under (C), inspections are performed by a qualified Building Inspector of the county government, who issues the permit after inspection and payment of the fee.

The zoning chapter adds a second layer. Section 155.026(A) bars erecting, moving, adding to or structurally altering any building for human habitation, or commencing any of those activities, without a permit issued by the Building Inspector. No permit issues unless the work conforms to Chapter 155, unless the Board of Zoning Adjustments has issued a written order in the form of an administrative review decision, a conditional use permit or a dimensional variance. For work outside the Kentucky Building Code, the Planning Director or Zoning Enforcement Officer can require zoning permits or other instruments. Applications under § 155.026(B) need plans in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the lot shape and dimensions, existing buildings, the lines within which the new building will sit, the proposed height, the use of each building, and the number of families or housekeeping units. The Building Inspector returns one copy marked Approved or Disapproved and signed, and keeps the original.

Fees in § 150.02(D) are printed on a schedule. Residential plan review is $25. One and two-family construction and modular homes are $0.15 psf with a minimum fee of $250 per unit. Alterations, basement finishes, decks, in-ground pools and accessory structures or detached garages are $0.15 psf with a minimum fee of $125. A solar array is $200, demolition $50 and moving a structure $125. Inspections after the first cost $25, $50, $100 and $200 for the first through fourth and later visits. Commercial work follows the Kentucky Building Code fee schedule. Section 150.02(E) adds that filing an application after commencing construction can bring additional fees. A certificate of occupancy under § 155.027 follows.