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 (KBC) for commercial and other state-reviewed work; 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC) for single-family dwellings, with applicable Kentucky electrical and referenced standards.
Inspection lane
Union County's official page says building inspection permits and scheduling are obtained by contacting the building inspector; commercial, multifamily, and change-of-occupancy applications go to Kentucky DHBC. The current DHBC county listing identifies State Building Inspector Travis Albin at (270) 662-9038. Electrical permits and inspections are arranged with John Jenkin at (270) 952-2301; homeowners may obtain electrical permits for work at their current residence, and contractors must hold or employ a Master Electrician.
Minor-work playbook
The official county page states that building-code permits are required for new construction and alteration of multifamily dwellings, commercial buildings, and changes of occupancy, while single-family dwellings are handled locally rather than submitted to DHBC. No broader county list of minor or cosmetic exemptions was published; electrical permits are required for all electrical work, subject to the county's homeowner and licensed-contractor rules.
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
Union County's official page says building inspection permits and scheduling are obtained by contacting the building inspector; commercial, multifamily, and change-of-occupancy applications go to Kentucky DHBC. The current DHBC county listing identifies State Building Inspector Travis Albin at (270) 662-9038. Electrical permits and inspections are arranged with John Jenkin at (270) 952-2301; homeowners may obtain electrical permits for work at their current residence, and contractors must hold or employ a Master Electrician.
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.
No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact Union County Planning Commission: (270) 389-2093; State Building Inspector Travis Albin: (270) 662-9038; Electrical Inspector John Jenkin: (270) 952-2301 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.
N/A. No county or state review timeline was published on the official permit pages.
Union County's official page says building inspection permits and scheduling are obtained by contacting the building inspector; commercial, multifamily, and change-of-occupancy applications go to Kentucky DHBC. The current DHBC county listing identifies State Building Inspector Travis Albin at (270) 662-9038. Electrical permits and inspections are arranged with John Jenkin at (270) 952-2301; homeowners may obtain electrical permits for work at their current residence, and contractors must hold or employ a Master Electrician.
2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) for commercial and other state-reviewed work; 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC) for single-family dwellings, with applicable Kentucky electrical and referenced standards. The official county page states that building-code permits are required for new construction and alteration of multifamily dwellings, commercial buildings, and changes of occupancy, while single-family dwellings are handled locally rather than submitted to DHBC. No broader county list of minor or cosmetic exemptions was published; electrical permits are required for all electrical work, subject to the county's homeowner and licensed-contractor rules.
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.