Division Responsibility

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.  

Fire Prevention Division

City Hall, 1st Floor

300 South 5th Street

P.O. Box 2267

Paducah, KY 42002-2267

Contacts

• For construction related inquiries (270) 444-8527  
• For existing housing problems (270) 444-8522  
• For yards and grounds complaints (270) 444-8636

Fire Prevention Division Staff

• Greg Cherry - Deputy Fire Chief Fire Prevention
• Harland Brazier - Code Enforcement Supervisor
• Roger Byrd - Chief Electrical Inspector
• Janet Dicke - Office Manager
• Joe Fowler - Deputy Fire Marshal I
• Les Fugate - Chief Building Inspector
• Christina Gowan - Deputy Fire Marshal I
• Bill Griggs - Code Enforcement Officer I
• Debra McGee - Code Enforcement Assistant
• Vaughn Hugen - Deputy Electrical Inspector I
• April Tinsman - Permit Specialist
• Steve Utz - Code Enforcement Officer I
• Brian Wicks - Deputy Building Inspector II 

When Building or Renovating...

• Click Stormwater Permits and Information to learn about the City of Paducah and State requirements for erosion control and the prevention of sediment runoff. 
• Contracting and Permitting Informational Brochure >>
• Learn About Changes to the State Building Code (implemented in October 2012)-7:47 minute video >>

Reorganization of Inspection Department into Fire Prevention Division

On June 26, 2012, the Mayor and Commissioners approved an ordinance creating the Fire Prevention Division of the Paducah Fire Department which abolishes the Inspection Department with the employees and duties, functions, and responsibilities of that department moved to the Fire Prevention Division.  This ordinance creating the Fire Prevention Division affects five chapters of the Paducah Code of Ordinances.  Over the past few months after the death of Inspection Director Joel Scarbrough, City Manager Jeff Pederson has looked at reorganizing the Inspection Department.  In February, the Fire Department began overseeing the department through a pilot program.  Two meetings have been held with contractors to gain their feedback.  Fire Chief Steve Kyle is focusing on enhancing customer service and improving service delivery.  In the past few months, several changes already have been initiated including the purchase of basic supplies for the code enforcement officers, development of criteria for foreclosures, office renovation, movement toward a paperless office, integration of a document management service, and the scheduling of training.  To learn more about the enacted and proposed changes, you can view the slide presentation given by Chief Kyle at the June 5 City Commission budget workshop.

Fire-Inspection Reorganization Presentation, June 5, 2012 >>