The Building Codes section is responsible for reviewing, approving and inspection of buildings and structures that are under the applicability of the Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and other referenced standards. This service is done though reviewing and approving of the construction documents and follow-up field inspections to ensure that the building is constructed in accordance with the approved construction documents. Jurisdiction responsibilities are divided into state and local inspection in accordance with Section 104.0 of the Kentucky Building Code (KBC).
Jurisdiction Overview
Responsibilities for the enforcement of the KBC are shared between the Division of Building Codes Enforcement and the local government (city or county) building departments. Not all building construction projects require review and inspection by the Division of Building Codes Enforcement. Section 104.15 and 104.16 of the 2018 Kentucky Building Code identifies those buildings that fall under the jurisdiction of the local building department and Section 104.16 identifies those buildings that fall under the plan review and inspection jurisdiction for the Division of Building Codes Enforcement. All construction projects, except single-family dwellings, in those jurisdictions that do not have a local building inspection program, shall be submitted to the Division of Building Codes Enforcement for review and approval prior to the start of a construction project.
Codes Enforced
Commercial Buildings
The 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) went into effect Jan. 1, 2019, for commercial application.
Single Family Dwellings
The 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC) went into effect Jan. 1, 2019. All single-family homes built in Kentucky will be reviewed and inspected by the local county or city building official if such an inspection program exists. For those counties or cities that do not have a single-family inspection program, the builder is still required to meet the KRC, but there will not be any building inspections except for the mechanical systems, which will be inspected by the Kentucky Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and by the local county electrical inspector. View the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code changes to the 2015 International Residential Code.
