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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

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 code baseline for Kenton County.

Kenton County Code §150.01 adopts the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code with future amendments, designates the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission/PDS as local enforcement agency for unincorporated Kenton County, and establishes a building inspection program for all buildings including single-family dwellings. The current statewide framework is the 2018 KBC and 2018 KRC, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments; building and electrical inspections must be performed by Kentucky-certified inspectors. No newer 2026 KBC or KRC adoption was verified.

Inspection lane

Submit building, zoning, planning, subdivision, HVAC, and electrical applications through the PDS online portal or use the downloadable forms and email them to permits@pdskc.org. PDS reviews plans, issues permits, and conducts field inspections through completion. Permit-process questions go to 859-957-2408; commercial plan review/inspection questions to Tim Tholemeier; residential plan review/inspection questions to Danny Arlinghaus; zoning/code enforcement to Rob Himes at 859-331-8980. Electrical inspections may be performed by Cathryn Robinson/IBI at 513-381-6080 or Steve Helmer/NKYEI at 859-746-9111. Keep work accessible and follow the assigned inspection sequence; a permit expires if work does not begin within six months, stops for more than six months, or has no inspections, although extensions may be requested.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

PDS lists as exempt from a building permit: one-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, or similar accessory structures up to 200 square feet; fences up to 7 feet; sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story, and not on an accessible route; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; swings and playground equipment accessories to one- and two-family dwellings; replacement windows and wall-supported window awnings; new siding/residing; ordinary re-roofing without sheathing or structural-member repairs; and ordinary drywall or door repairs. Items identified by PDS as requiring a zoning permit still need that zoning approval, and structural repairs are not ordinary repairs.

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

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Submit building, zoning, planning, subdivision, HVAC, and electrical applications through the PDS online portal or use the downloadable forms and email them to permits@pdskc.org. PDS reviews plans, issues permits, and conducts field inspections through completion. Permit-process questions go to 859-957-2408; commercial plan review/inspection questions to Tim Tholemeier; residential plan review/inspection questions to Danny Arlinghaus; zoning/code enforcement to Rob Himes at 859-331-8980. Electrical inspections may be performed by Cathryn Robinson/IBI at 513-381-6080 or Steve Helmer/NKYEI at 859-746-9111. Keep work accessible and follow the assigned inspection sequence; a permit expires if work does not begin within six months, stops for more than six months, or has no inspections, although extensions may be requested.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

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.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

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

Official sources for this profile

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Kenton County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Planning and Development Services of Kenton County, Building Codes Administration / One Stop Shop is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 859-957-2408 (Building Permits); 859-331-8980 (PDS main)..

How long might review take?

Electrical permits: 5 business days; zoning-only permits such as fences, small sheds, and driveways: 1-3 business days; residential permits: 12 business days; commercial permits: 12 business days. Actual approval times vary with workload and application completeness.

How are inspections scheduled?

Submit building, zoning, planning, subdivision, HVAC, and electrical applications through the PDS online portal or use the downloadable forms and email them to permits@pdskc.org. PDS reviews plans, issues permits, and conducts field inspections through completion. Permit-process questions go to 859-957-2408; commercial plan review/inspection questions to Tim Tholemeier; residential plan review/inspection questions to Danny Arlinghaus; zoning/code enforcement to Rob Himes at 859-331-8980. Electrical inspections may be performed by Cathryn Robinson/IBI at 513-381-6080 or Steve Helmer/NKYEI at 859-746-9111. Keep work accessible and follow the assigned inspection sequence; a permit expires if work does not begin within six months, stops for more than six months, or has no inspections, although extensions may be requested.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Kenton County Code §150.01 adopts the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code with future amendments, designates the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission/PDS as local enforcement agency for unincorporated Kenton County, and establishes a building inspection program for all buildings including single-family dwellings. The current statewide framework is the 2018 KBC and 2018 KRC, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments; building and electrical inspections must be performed by Kentucky-certified inspectors. No newer 2026 KBC or KRC adoption was verified. PDS lists as exempt from a building permit: one-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, or similar accessory structures up to 200 square feet; fences up to 7 feet; sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story, and not on an accessible route; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; swings and playground equipment accessories to one- and two-family dwellings; replacement windows and wall-supported window awnings; new siding/residing; ordinary re-roofing without sheathing or structural-member repairs; and ordinary drywall or door repairs. Items identified by PDS as requiring a zoning permit still need that zoning approval, and structural repairs are not ordinary repairs.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

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.