Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
The local inspector administers the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code through the county/local building inspection program. Kentucky’s current framework is the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments. No newer 2026 code adoption was verified.
Inspection lane
Contact Michelle Thornsburg, Planning Administrator/Building Inspector Level II, at 859-987-2150 or mthornsburg@paris.ky.gov. The official state inspector sheet identifies her as the local building inspector for both the City of Paris and Bourbon County. Electrical inspection arrangements are made through the county judge executive’s office or the city office where work occurs; plumbing office hours are Friday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at the Bourbon County Health Department, 341 East Main Street, Paris, KY 40361, 859-298-8721.
Minor-work playbook
No county-specific minor-work exemption list was published on the verified pages. Kentucky code exemptions generally include qualifying small detached sheds/playhouses, fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls up to 4 feet, sidewalks/driveways, ordinary finish work, qualifying awnings and decks, and minor electrical, mechanical, gas, or plumbing work; confirm applicability with the local inspector. Agricultural and other exemptions may also depend on the applicable Kentucky statutes and regulations.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Contact Michelle Thornsburg, Planning Administrator/Building Inspector Level II, at 859-987-2150 or mthornsburg@paris.ky.gov. The official state inspector sheet identifies her as the local building inspector for both the City of Paris and Bourbon County. Electrical inspection arrangements are made through the county judge executive’s office or the city office where work occurs; plumbing office hours are Friday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at the Bourbon County Health Department, 341 East Main Street, Paris, KY 40361, 859-298-8721.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission / Bourbon County Planning Administrator and Building Inspector is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 859-987-2150.
N/A. No published building-plan review timeline was found.
Contact Michelle Thornsburg, Planning Administrator/Building Inspector Level II, at 859-987-2150 or mthornsburg@paris.ky.gov. The official state inspector sheet identifies her as the local building inspector for both the City of Paris and Bourbon County. Electrical inspection arrangements are made through the county judge executive’s office or the city office where work occurs; plumbing office hours are Friday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at the Bourbon County Health Department, 341 East Main Street, Paris, KY 40361, 859-298-8721.
The local inspector administers the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code through the county/local building inspection program. Kentucky’s current framework is the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments. No newer 2026 code adoption was verified. No county-specific minor-work exemption list was published on the verified pages. Kentucky code exemptions generally include qualifying small detached sheds/playhouses, fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls up to 4 feet, sidewalks/driveways, ordinary finish work, qualifying awnings and decks, and minor electrical, mechanical, gas, or plumbing work; confirm applicability with the local inspector. Agricultural and other exemptions may also depend on the applicable Kentucky statutes and regulations.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.