Adopted Codes

Paducah Code of Ordinances

The Fire Prevention Division has the responsibility for fire prevention under Chapter 46 (Fire Prevention and Protection) of the Paducah Code of Ordinances and for building, electrical, construction, demolition, code enforcement, and rental occupancy permits under Chapter 42 (Environment) of the Paducah Code of Ordinances.  The Fire Prevention Division has the responsibility for the 1) issuance of permits; 2) building and construction inspection; 3) electrical inspection; 4) codes enforcement, housing, zoning, building, electrical, etc; 5) maintenance of city records for all construction and property improvement within the city or its jurisdiction; and 6) other such duties, functions, and responsibilities as may be delegated by the Fire Chief.   For more information about codes, visit Chapter 18 (Building and Building Regulations) of the Paducah Code of Ordinances.  

Why are Permits Required?

The City of Paducah requires permits to protect the health and safety of our community. Major duties of the Fire Prevention Division include plan reviews, issuance of permits, and providing inspections.  The Commonwealth of Kentucky under Kentucky Revised Statute 198B indicates that all construction within the Commonwealth conform to a uniform building code, the Kentucky Building Code (KBC). 

The KBC defines what projects are required to obtain a permit and mandates the reviewing, approving, and inspection of buildings and structures that are under the applicability of the Kentucky Building Code and other referenced standards.  This service is done though reviewing and approving of the construction documents and follow-up field inspections to ensure 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.

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.

The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction adopted the 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC).  The codes are based on the 2015 International Building Code and the 2015 International Residential Code, both with Kentucky amendments.  The mandatory effective date for the 2018 KBC and the 2018 KRC was January 1, 2019. 

Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, & Construction >>

Codes Currently Adopted by Kentucky

  • 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) (based on the 2015 International Building Code) 
  • 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (based on the 2015 International Residential Code)
  • 2015 International Mechanical Code 
  • 2012 International Fire Code (IFC)  (New construction projects and only when specifically referenced by the body of KBC)
  • 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (for use with the Kentucky Building Code only)
  • 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (for use with the  Kentucky Residential Code only)
  • 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1--Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  • Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations & Code (815 KAR Chapter 20)
  • State Boiler Regulation (KRS 236, 815  KAR 15)
  • 2012 NFPA 1 - Fire Prevention Code (as directed by 815 KAR 10:60 Kentucky Standards of Safety)
  • 2010 NFPA 13 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
  • 2010 NFPA 13D - Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
  • 2010 NFPA 13R - Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up to and Including Four Stories in Height
  • 2010 NFPA 14 - Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
  • 2009 NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code
  • 2017 NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (effective October 1, 2014)
  • 2010 NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
  • 2000 NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code (Health Care Facilities)
  • GB-03-01 - Structural Engineers Association of Kentucky - Special Inspection Guidelines, Third Edition, March 2007  http://seaok.org

Note:  The above list is for reference only and is only representative of the many codes and standards currently used in Kentucky.  For specific applications not listed above, contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement at (502) 573-0373 or refer to Chapter 35 of the Kentucky Building Code.