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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 Montgomery County.

The local and state programs operate under the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, based on the 2015 International Building and Residential Codes with Kentucky amendments. DHBC's current roster states that commercial construction is handled by the state; electrical, HVAC, plumbing, elevator, manufactured-housing, and boiler work remains subject to the applicable Kentucky programs. No newer Montgomery County-specific 2026 code adoption was verified.

Inspection lane

Schedule county building inspections with Chad Conlee at 859-498-8709. DHBC's roster directs commercial permit applicants to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction and directs private-property electrical applicants to the county judge executive's office or the city office where the work occurs. State contacts: Ric McNees 859-595-0689; Darryl Morgan 859-473-5176; Joey Pratt 606-671-7130; Daniel Clem 859-771-8018, Thursday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at Montgomery County Health Department; elevator Dan Stifle 606-748-9337; manufactured housing Brandon Miller 606-585-3168; boiler Scott Shepherd 502-382-0545.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

N/A. No current Montgomery County list of minor or cosmetic building-permit exemptions was published on the verified official pages. Confirm proposed accessory, repair, or agricultural work with Chad Conlee before construction.

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

    Schedule county building inspections with Chad Conlee at 859-498-8709. DHBC's roster directs commercial permit applicants to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction and directs private-property electrical applicants to the county judge executive's office or the city office where the work occurs. State contacts: Ric McNees 859-595-0689; Darryl Morgan 859-473-5176; Joey Pratt 606-671-7130; Daniel Clem 859-771-8018, Thursday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at Montgomery County Health Department; elevator Dan Stifle 606-748-9337; manufactured housing Brandon Miller 606-585-3168; boiler Scott Shepherd 502-382-0545.

  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.

No verified planning reference link is listed; ask the agency for the parcel-specific source.

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 ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Montgomery County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Montgomery County Building Inspector; Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction for commercial construction 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 County Building Inspector Chad Conlee: 859-498-8709; Montgomery County Fiscal Court: 859-498-8707; DHBC State Building Inspector Ric McNees: 859-595-0689; state electrical inspector Darryl Morgan: 859-473-5176; HVAC inspector Joey Pratt: 606-671-7130; plumbing inspector Daniel Clem: 859-771-8018.

How long might review take?

N/A. No county or state project-specific plan-review timeline was published; confirm timing with the applicable inspector.

How are inspections scheduled?

Schedule county building inspections with Chad Conlee at 859-498-8709. DHBC's roster directs commercial permit applicants to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction and directs private-property electrical applicants to the county judge executive's office or the city office where the work occurs. State contacts: Ric McNees 859-595-0689; Darryl Morgan 859-473-5176; Joey Pratt 606-671-7130; Daniel Clem 859-771-8018, Thursday 8:00-9:30 a.m. at Montgomery County Health Department; elevator Dan Stifle 606-748-9337; manufactured housing Brandon Miller 606-585-3168; boiler Scott Shepherd 502-382-0545.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

The local and state programs operate under the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, based on the 2015 International Building and Residential Codes with Kentucky amendments. DHBC's current roster states that commercial construction is handled by the state; electrical, HVAC, plumbing, elevator, manufactured-housing, and boiler work remains subject to the applicable Kentucky programs. No newer Montgomery County-specific 2026 code adoption was verified. N/A. No current Montgomery County list of minor or cosmetic building-permit exemptions was published on the verified official pages. Confirm proposed accessory, repair, or agricultural work with Chad Conlee before construction.

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.