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
2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments; state DHBC jurisdiction applies where no qualifying local program is in place, with applicable state electrical, plumbing, HVAC, manufactured-housing, elevator, and boiler requirements.
Inspection lane
Contact State Building Inspector Chris Hughes at 606-391-4343 for building jurisdiction and inspections, and use SmartGov for state submissions. The roster directs electrical applicants to the county judge executive or city office where work occurs; state electrical contact James Burt is 502-330-3513. HVAC: Billy Blair, 502-395-4879. Plumbing: Jeff Nolan, 606-359-3853, at the Perry County Health Department; the roster lists Tuesday and Friday contact windows, but the Tuesday time appears malformed. Manufactured housing: Randy Jones, 606-872-9306; elevator: Rodney Napier, 606-671-1358; boiler: David Miller, 606-594-8146. The roster also lists Wes Finley, 606-416-4182, as a residential contact; verify his role and project location before relying on it.
Minor-work playbook
No current Perry County-specific minor or cosmetic exemption list was verified. Qualifying Kentucky agricultural structures or dwellings outside municipal boundaries may be exempt from some requirements; confirm with DHBC and the local authority. Single-family homes in areas without a local program must meet the Kentucky Residential Code but generally receive no building inspection except HVAC and local electrical.
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 State Building Inspector Chris Hughes at 606-391-4343 for building jurisdiction and inspections, and use SmartGov for state submissions. The roster directs electrical applicants to the county judge executive or city office where work occurs; state electrical contact James Burt is 502-330-3513. HVAC: Billy Blair, 502-395-4879. Plumbing: Jeff Nolan, 606-359-3853, at the Perry County Health Department; the roster lists Tuesday and Friday contact windows, but the Tuesday time appears malformed. Manufactured housing: Randy Jones, 606-872-9306; elevator: Rodney Napier, 606-671-1358; boiler: David Miller, 606-594-8146. The roster also lists Wes Finley, 606-416-4182, as a residential contact; verify his role and project location before relying on it.
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 Chris Hughes: 606-391-4343; Perry County Fiscal Court: 606-439-1816; DHBC residential contact listed for Perry: Wes Finley, 606-416-4182; electrical James Burt: 502-330-3513; HVAC Billy Blair: 502-395-4879; plumbing Jeff Nolan: 606-359-3853; Perry County Health Department: 606-436-2196.
N/A. No Perry County or DHBC project-specific review timeline was published.
Contact State Building Inspector Chris Hughes at 606-391-4343 for building jurisdiction and inspections, and use SmartGov for state submissions. The roster directs electrical applicants to the county judge executive or city office where work occurs; state electrical contact James Burt is 502-330-3513. HVAC: Billy Blair, 502-395-4879. Plumbing: Jeff Nolan, 606-359-3853, at the Perry County Health Department; the roster lists Tuesday and Friday contact windows, but the Tuesday time appears malformed. Manufactured housing: Randy Jones, 606-872-9306; elevator: Rodney Napier, 606-671-1358; boiler: David Miller, 606-594-8146. The roster also lists Wes Finley, 606-416-4182, as a residential contact; verify his role and project location before relying on it.
2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with Kentucky amendments; state DHBC jurisdiction applies where no qualifying local program is in place, with applicable state electrical, plumbing, HVAC, manufactured-housing, elevator, and boiler requirements. No current Perry County-specific minor or cosmetic exemption list was verified. Qualifying Kentucky agricultural structures or dwellings outside municipal boundaries may be exempt from some requirements; confirm with DHBC and the local authority. Single-family homes in areas without a local program must meet the Kentucky Residential Code but generally receive no building inspection except HVAC and local electrical.
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.