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
Louisville Metro Ordinance §150.001 adopts the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code in full. The applicable framework is the 2018 KBC and 2018 KRC, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments. No newer 2026 KBC or KRC adoption was verified; electrical work remains subject to the applicable Kentucky electrical standards and Louisville Metro inspection requirements.
Inspection lane
The permit holder must request inspections when the work is ready, generally through the Louisville Metro Business Portal; by phone call 502-574-3321, option 2, for building, HVAC, or miscellaneous inspections. Provide the permit number, complete job-site address and ZIP code, contact information, desired inspection, and access instructions. Common building inspections are foundation, rough framing/rough-in, and final; work must remain accessible and uncovered, and all required inspections must pass before a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Acceptance. Electrical requests use the contractor portal, except an owner with their own residential electrical permit may use option 2. Reinspection fees may apply.
Minor-work playbook
Examples of work listed by Louisville Metro as exempt include one-story detached sheds, playhouses, or storage buildings under 200 square feet; fences up to 7 feet; retaining walls up to 4 feet; grade-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons with the stated height-to-width limit; sidewalks and driveways; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work; swings/playground equipment; qualifying wall-supported window awnings; and unattached ground-level decks up to 200 square feet and 30 inches high that do not serve a required exit. Electrical exemptions include listed temporary decorative lighting, same-location overcurrent-device replacement, under-25-volt/50-watt systems, minor repairs, and temporary testing systems. Gas, mechanical, and plumbing exemptions cover portable equipment and limited repairs such as stopping leaks or clearing stoppages; confirm the full code conditions before relying on an exemption.
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
The permit holder must request inspections when the work is ready, generally through the Louisville Metro Business Portal; by phone call 502-574-3321, option 2, for building, HVAC, or miscellaneous inspections. Provide the permit number, complete job-site address and ZIP code, contact information, desired inspection, and access instructions. Common building inspections are foundation, rough framing/rough-in, and final; work must remain accessible and uncovered, and all required inspections must pass before a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Acceptance. Electrical requests use the contractor portal, except an owner with their own residential electrical permit may use option 2. Reinspection fees may apply.
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
Louisville Metro Government, Department of Codes & Regulations, Office of Construction Review 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 502-574-3321.
No general plan-review timeline was published. Simplified residential rooftop-solar building permits are generally turned around in three days or less when the application package is complete and compliant; other projects depend on review complexity and revisions.
The permit holder must request inspections when the work is ready, generally through the Louisville Metro Business Portal; by phone call 502-574-3321, option 2, for building, HVAC, or miscellaneous inspections. Provide the permit number, complete job-site address and ZIP code, contact information, desired inspection, and access instructions. Common building inspections are foundation, rough framing/rough-in, and final; work must remain accessible and uncovered, and all required inspections must pass before a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Acceptance. Electrical requests use the contractor portal, except an owner with their own residential electrical permit may use option 2. Reinspection fees may apply.
Louisville Metro Ordinance §150.001 adopts the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code in full. The applicable framework is the 2018 KBC and 2018 KRC, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments. No newer 2026 KBC or KRC adoption was verified; electrical work remains subject to the applicable Kentucky electrical standards and Louisville Metro inspection requirements. Examples of work listed by Louisville Metro as exempt include one-story detached sheds, playhouses, or storage buildings under 200 square feet; fences up to 7 feet; retaining walls up to 4 feet; grade-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons with the stated height-to-width limit; sidewalks and driveways; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work; swings/playground equipment; qualifying wall-supported window awnings; and unattached ground-level decks up to 200 square feet and 30 inches high that do not serve a required exit. Electrical exemptions include listed temporary decorative lighting, same-location overcurrent-device replacement, under-25-volt/50-watt systems, minor repairs, and temporary testing systems. Gas, mechanical, and plumbing exemptions cover portable equipment and limited repairs such as stopping leaks or clearing stoppages; confirm the full code conditions before relying on an exemption.
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.