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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 Simpson County.

Simpson County's February 3, 2026 zoning regulations require building permits for construction, erection, moving, additions, structural alterations, and covered excavation, subject to stated exceptions. The local program operates under Kentucky's uniform building-code framework; current DHBC references include the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code based on the 2015 IBC/IRC, plus applicable mechanical, energy, fire, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, boiler, and NFPA requirements.

Inspection lane

Submit through the Simpson County online permits portal at scntypermits.permitlvonline.com and request inspections through scntyinspect.permitlvonline.com. Contact Chief Building Official Jon Chandler at 270-586-3356 for project-specific inspection coordination. The 2026 regulations require a final inspection within one week after the owner notifies the administrative official that the property is ready for occupancy; the permit office issues a certificate of occupancy after approval.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The 2026 zoning regulations exempt recurring maintenance work, buildings and uses specifically exempted by the regulations, and required improvements installed under an approved subdivision plat. Excavation related to agricultural uses, public utilities, or an approved subdivision does not require the listed excavation permit. Confirm whether a particular cosmetic, accessory, agricultural, or utility project falls within an exemption before starting.

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 through the Simpson County online permits portal at scntypermits.permitlvonline.com and request inspections through scntyinspect.permitlvonline.com. Contact Chief Building Official Jon Chandler at 270-586-3356 for project-specific inspection coordination. The 2026 regulations require a final inspection within one week after the owner notifies the administrative official that the property is ready for occupancy; the permit office issues a certificate of occupancy after approval.

  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 Simpson County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Simpson County Planning and Zoning / Joint City-County Planning and Zoning Commission; Chief Building Official Jon Chandler 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 Chief Building Official Jon Chandler: 270-586-3356; Planning and Zoning Administrator Mikala McClain: 270-586-3356; Simpson County Fiscal Court general questions: 270-586-7184.

How long might review take?

The administrative official is required to act on a building-permit application within two weeks of submission. A final inspection is required within one week after notice that the property is ready for occupancy. A permit becomes void after 180 days unless substantial progress has been made, with renewal available before expiration after review.

How are inspections scheduled?

Submit through the Simpson County online permits portal at scntypermits.permitlvonline.com and request inspections through scntyinspect.permitlvonline.com. Contact Chief Building Official Jon Chandler at 270-586-3356 for project-specific inspection coordination. The 2026 regulations require a final inspection within one week after the owner notifies the administrative official that the property is ready for occupancy; the permit office issues a certificate of occupancy after approval.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Simpson County's February 3, 2026 zoning regulations require building permits for construction, erection, moving, additions, structural alterations, and covered excavation, subject to stated exceptions. The local program operates under Kentucky's uniform building-code framework; current DHBC references include the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code based on the 2015 IBC/IRC, plus applicable mechanical, energy, fire, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, boiler, and NFPA requirements. The 2026 zoning regulations exempt recurring maintenance work, buildings and uses specifically exempted by the regulations, and required improvements installed under an approved subdivision plat. Excavation related to agricultural uses, public utilities, or an approved subdivision does not require the listed excavation permit. Confirm whether a particular cosmetic, accessory, agricultural, or utility project falls within an exemption before starting.

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.