Do you even need a permit?
In Louisville (and every county we work in), you need a permit for: structural changes (load-bearing wall removal, additions, new construction), electrical work beyond like-for-like replacement, plumbing work beyond fixture replacement, HVAC replacement or new runs, roofing beyond like-for-like shingle replacement, window/door changes that affect the opening size, decks over 30 inches high, and basement finishing that adds habitable space. You generally do not need a permit for: painting, flooring, refacing cabinets, replacing fixtures like-for-like, landscaping, fence repair, and cosmetic updates.
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro)
Permits are issued by Louisville Metro Government Department of Codes & Regulations. Most residential projects need a building permit; some need additional trade permits. Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks for straightforward residential projects, longer for additions or anything in a historic district. Cost: based on project valuation, with minimums around $50-$100. Historic district properties need a separate Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission before the building permit is issued.
Bullitt County
Permits issued by Bullitt County Planning & Zoning. Most residential work needs a permit. Typical timeline: 1-2 weeks. Cost: similar to Jefferson County structure.
Oldham County
Permits issued by Oldham County Planning & Development Services. The county has stricter stormwater management requirements than some surrounding counties — additions over a certain size need a stormwater plan.
Shelby County
Permits issued by Shelby County Government. Similar process to Bullitt and Oldham. Typical timeline: 1-2 weeks for residential.
Indiana counties (Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Washington, Scott, Jackson)
Indiana has statewide building codes administered through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Indiana is generally faster than Kentucky for permit issuance — often 5-10 business days for straightforward residential work. Cost is typically lower.
What your contractor handles vs. what you handle
A good contractor pulls the building permit and all trade permits. They schedule the inspections. They attend the inspections. You pay for the permit fees as part of the project. We pull permits on every project that requires one — it is not optional, and it is part of the contract.
What happens if you skip the permit
Three things, all bad. (1) The work is uninspected, which means the city/county has not verified it meets code. (2) When you sell, the buyer inspector or lender appraiser will flag unpermitted work, and you will either have to pull a retroactive permit or tear out the work. (3) Your homeowner insurance may deny claims related to unpermitted work. If a contractor suggests skipping a permit, that is a red flag — find a different contractor.
How we handle it
Permits are included in every contract. We schedule inspections, attend them, and close out the permit at project completion. You get a copy of every permit and inspection sign-off.