Permits

The City of Paducah requires permits to protect the health and safety of our community. Major duties that are part of the mission of the Fire Prevention Division include plan reviews, issuance of permits, and providing inspections.

When is a Permit Required?

Section 105 of the Kentucky Building Code states

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, remodel or change the occupancy of a building, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. The purpose of a permit is to allow the enforcement of the codes which have been adopted as law by a state, county, township, or city. No matter what the specific project may be, the enforcement of codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The unity of government which enforces the code is acting to assure safe construction.

Code Officials and Inspectors use building permits as a vital step in their enforcement of codes. You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel. When that home or business building does not comply with the codes, your investment could be reduced. Applying for a building permit notifies the Code Officials that you are constructing or remodeling a building so he or she can ensure code compliance. Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to protect us by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and therefore ensuring the public health, safety and welfare. Before any construction or remodeling work begins, application for a permit should be made. Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

For information about the Paducah Code of Ordinances and adopted Kentucky codes, visit Adopted Codes. Additional information is available through the International Code Council.

Building permits are typically required for the following:

New Buildings
Additions
Electrical Systems
Demolitions
Renovations
Mobile Homes
Prefabricated Structures
Temporary Buildings
HVAC Systems (heating, ventilating, air conditioning)
Miscellaneous for residential (fireplace, pools, decks, fences, etc.)
Miscellaneous for commercial (remodel, repair, electrical upgrades, etc.)

Steps to Obtaining a Permit

Submit (2) complete sets of drawings/plans and specifications to the Fire Prevention Division for approval *(when applicable)
Submit site plan to Planning/Zoning for approval *(when applicable)
Complete permit application(s)
Verify contractors are licensed and insured
Obtain building, electrical, mechanical permit once site plans and drawings are approved.

* Permits for projects that will not affect the layout or size of a structure may not require drawings/plans and/or a site plan.

If you are obtaining an electrical permit, please provide the electrician’s CE & ME license #s.

If a mechanical permit is needed, this trade has its own application that will need to be completed by a master HVAC license holder.