The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction adopted the 2018 Kentucky Building Code, Second Edition and the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, Second Edition on August 3, 2019.  These codes are based on the 2015 International Building Code and the 2015 International Residential Code for One- and Two- Family Dwellings and the Kentucky specific amendments. See frequently asked questions regarding these building codes.

Kentucky specific amendments are below:

2018 Kentucky Residential Code, Second Edition
2018 Kentucky Building Code, Third Edition
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Mission Statement

The mission of the Division of Building Code Enforcement is to secure public health, safety and welfare of persons within the Commonwealth of Kentucky affected by building construction quality through structural strength, adequate means of egress, energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.

Overview 

The Division of Building Code Enforcement is responsible for reviewing plans and making inspections of new building construction, as well as additions, alterations, renovations and buildings involved in a change of occupancy (use) to ensure compliance with adopted codes and referenced standards. The Division of Building Codes Enforcement is divided into the following sections:

Building Codes: 502-573-0373 - Plan submittal, plan approvals and continuing education, Kentucky Certified Inspector's Program, formal interpretations, online plan search, adopted codes and inspection programs.

Elevator Inspection: 502-573-1694 - Plan review, permits and licensing, continuing education.

Manufactured Housing: 502-573-1795 - Manufactured housing and continuing education.

Modular Buildings Overview

The Division of Building Code Enforcement is responsible for reviewing and approving modular buildings that are constructed  of any size or use, all or any component parts of which are of closed construction made from precast concrete panels or precut wood sections fabricated to individual specifications in an off-site manufacturing facility and assembled in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. These types of buildings are known as Kentucky Industrialized Buildings (KIBS).  The review process is broken down into two parts: Model Approval and Site Placement Approval.

• Model Approval
  To obtain model approval an authorized KIBS modular manufacturer submits a set of construction documents for each model that the manufacturer wants to be placed in Kentucky. The plans are reviewed in accordance with the current adopted building code. Once approved the model is allowed to be shipped to the Commonwealth. Only one approval is required for each model type per building code adoption cycle. When the state adopts a new code edition the model approval must be repeated. Inspections of these factory-built modular units are conducted in the factory by an approved third-party inspection agency. To learn more about how to become an authorized KIBS modular manufacturer, click on the Forms link on the right side of this page.
• Site Placement Approval
  Before an approved modular unit can be placed in the Commonwealth a site placement approval must be obtained. This site placement approval shall be required every time a particular approved model is being placed in the Commonwealth. A set of site construction details shall be submitted for review and approval. These drawings shall include, but not limited to a site plan, pier/foundation details, tie down details and all site built details for stairs and ramps.

If you have questions concerning the plan review and inspection jurisdiction of your project, contact our office at 502-573-0373.