Owensboro, KY Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

In the City of Owensboro, all electrical wiring, appliances and devices in or about buildings must comply with the National Electrical Code edition most recently adopted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, incorporated by reference under § 5-38. The Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission (OMPC) is the designated local enforcement agency and sets electrical permit fees, subject to board of commissioners approval, under § 5-71(a)-(b). Anyone installing, altering or repairing electrical work must obtain a permit from the electrical inspector before starting; work costing less than $200 still needs a permit but carries no fee.

Permits expire after 60 days if work has not begun, and starting work before a permit issues doubles the fee under § 5-71(c). Fee schedule under § 5-71(d): $75 minimum (or $0.05 per square foot, whichever is greater) for single-family residential; $75 for the first multifamily unit plus $10 per additional unit; 1.5 percent of the electrical contract (minimum $75) for commercial or industrial work; $35 for service change-outs or mobile home service pole installs; $20 for temporary service poles; $15 per additional inspection trip.

Minor repairs such as replacing fuses or lamp sockets need no permit or inspection fee (§ 5-72). Homeowners may pull a permit to do their own work if the electrical inspector confirms they are competent (§ 5-73). All work is inspected by the electrical inspector, who must approve concealed work with a signed rough-in sticker within three working days or the work is deemed approved (§ 5-52). Appeals from an inspector's decision go to the state electrical advisory committee under § 5-79.