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
For the county-level pathway, the current DHBC assignment routes building-code work to state inspector Dale Henderson. DHBC administers the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code with applicable Kentucky amendments and state trade codes; no county-specific 2026 adoption was verified. The City of Lebanon separately reports using the 2018 International Building Code with 2018 Kentucky amendments.
Inspection lane
For county/state building inspections, contact DHBC State Building Inspector Dale Henderson at 502-489-7409 and use the SmartGov public portal. State electrical inspector Don Cravens: 606-391-5531; HVAC inspector Jason DeMurray: 270-283-1042; manufactured housing inspector Carl Lee: 270-283-8297; elevator inspector John Pennington: 502-226-0124; boiler inspector Ben Tate: 502-604-5072. Plumbing inspector John Willis is available Thursday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at 270-692-0200, Marion County Health Department, 516 North Spalding, Lebanon. For Lebanon municipal work, contact the city building/planning office at 270-692-6272.
Minor-work playbook
No Marion County-specific minor or cosmetic exemption list was published on the verified county or DHBC pages. The state code's limited exemptions should be confirmed with DHBC before work. Municipal rules may differ; Lebanon's planning office reviews building plans for zoning compliance and should be contacted for work inside Lebanon.
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
For county/state building inspections, contact DHBC State Building Inspector Dale Henderson at 502-489-7409 and use the SmartGov public portal. State electrical inspector Don Cravens: 606-391-5531; HVAC inspector Jason DeMurray: 270-283-1042; manufactured housing inspector Carl Lee: 270-283-8297; elevator inspector John Pennington: 502-226-0124; boiler inspector Ben Tate: 502-604-5072. Plumbing inspector John Willis is available Thursday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at 270-692-0200, Marion County Health Department, 516 North Spalding, Lebanon. For Lebanon municipal work, contact the city building/planning office at 270-692-6272.
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
This record is marked State Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel 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 State Building Inspector Dale Henderson: 502-489-7409; Marion County Judge Executive: 270-692-3451; City of Lebanon building/planning office: 270-692-6272; Marion County Health Department/plumbing office: 270-692-0200..
N/A. No current county or state plan-review turnaround time was published for Marion County.
For county/state building inspections, contact DHBC State Building Inspector Dale Henderson at 502-489-7409 and use the SmartGov public portal. State electrical inspector Don Cravens: 606-391-5531; HVAC inspector Jason DeMurray: 270-283-1042; manufactured housing inspector Carl Lee: 270-283-8297; elevator inspector John Pennington: 502-226-0124; boiler inspector Ben Tate: 502-604-5072. Plumbing inspector John Willis is available Thursday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at 270-692-0200, Marion County Health Department, 516 North Spalding, Lebanon. For Lebanon municipal work, contact the city building/planning office at 270-692-6272.
For the county-level pathway, the current DHBC assignment routes building-code work to state inspector Dale Henderson. DHBC administers the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code with applicable Kentucky amendments and state trade codes; no county-specific 2026 adoption was verified. The City of Lebanon separately reports using the 2018 International Building Code with 2018 Kentucky amendments. No Marion County-specific minor or cosmetic exemption list was published on the verified county or DHBC pages. The state code's limited exemptions should be confirmed with DHBC before work. Municipal rules may differ; Lebanon's planning office reviews building plans for zoning compliance and should be contacted for work inside Lebanon.
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.