Contact
About the Building Division
The Community Development Department - Building Division plays an essential role in facilitating construction which results in accelerating and expanding economic growth, creating more jobs, and generating more revenue for businesses and tax revenue for the city government.
Communication is critical to your project's success. Contact the Building Division or use the online portal to schedule an inspection. There is no need to request an individual inspector. Advise the staff of the project type, location, and type of inspection. Please provide at least a 24-hour notice for each inspection.
Apply for a Permit - What Types of Projects Require a Permit?
The City of Paducah requires permits before construction or remodeling work begins to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of our community. Major duties include plan reviews, issuance of permits, and providing inspections.
Apply for a Permit - What Requires a Permit - Frequently Asked Questions
Contracting and Permitting Requirements
- Adopted Codes - City of Paducah
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In addition to abiding by the codes adopted by the State of Kentucky, the Community Development Department - Building Division operates under several sections of the Paducah Code of Ordinances.
In addition to abiding by the codes adopted by the State of Kentucky, the Building Division operates under several sections of the Paducah Code of Ordinances.
- Fire Prevention Responsibilities. Chapter 46 (Fire Prevention and Protection)
- Building, electrical, construction, demolition, code enforcement, and rental occupancy permits. Chapter 42 (Environment)
- Building regulations. Chapter 18 (Building and Building Regulations)
- Codes Adopted by Kentucky
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What is the Kentucky Building Code (KBC)? 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(link is external)
Additional information is available through the International Code Council(link is external).
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
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.
- 2015 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 and commercial buildings only)
- 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (for use with the Kentucky Residential Code only - see definition in IECC)
- 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)
- 2013 NFPA 13 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- 2013 NFPA 13D - Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
- 2013 NFPA 13R - Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up to and Including Four Stories in Height
- 2013 NFPA 14 - Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
- 2012 NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code
- 2017 NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (effective October 1, 2014)
- 2013 NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
- 2012 NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code (Health Care Facilities)
- 2015 International Existing Building Code
- Contractors and Sub-Contractors
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All contractors and sub-contractors are required to obtain a City of Paducah business license through the Finance Department, 270-444-8513.
Proof of Workman's Compensation Insurance or an Affidavit of Workman's Compensation Waiver (if contractor has no employees) is required to be on file in the Community Development Department upon issuance of permits.
- Demolition Contractors
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Demolition contractors with employees must have coverage to apply for all employees for Statutory Limits in compliance with the applicable State and Federal laws. In addition, the policy must include Employers’ Liability with a limit of $1,000,000.00. Coverage for Comprehensive General Liability must
- Have minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate for Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability;
- Premises and/or Operations;
- Products and/or Completed Operations.
Business Auto Policy must be afforded and must
- Have minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability;
- Owned vehicles;
- Hired and non-owned vehicles
- Employer non-ownership.
The City of Paducah is to be listed as an additional insured on the Certificate of Insurance.
Clean-up contractors working for the City of Paducah are required to have liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000.
- Stormwater Permits
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There are requirements for erosion control and sediment runoff prevention.
- Wood Frame Prescriptive Provisions
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The Wood Frame Prescriptive Provisions apply to one & two family dwellings and townhouses of wood frame construction, not exceeding one story in height. This bulletin is for information and reference only and is not a substitute for accurate drawings prepared for proposed construction projects.
Resources
Permitting and Licensing Guide
Knowing where to begin on a project can be scary; however, the City of Paducah has created a permitting and licensing guide to provide assistance in getting projects completed.
Permitting and Licensing Guide
Scope My Project Online Portals
Explore Scope My Project, Paducah online tools designed to help residents, business owners, developers, and contractors understand the requirements for business development, construction, renovation, and other development projects.
These tools provide project-specific information about zoning, permits, licenses, and other City requirements to help users plan their projects and navigate the permitting process. These tools are designed to increase communication, enhance availability, and eliminate confusion. Our goal is to turn business dreams into realities.
Zoning Portal – Identify where different business types are permitted within the City of Paducah.
Business Permitting Portal – Complete a series of questions to receive a customized summary of applicable zoning requirements, permits, licenses, and an estimated permit fee. The summary can be downloaded for future reference.
The portals also provide options to contact City staff, schedule a kick-start meeting, create a free account to save project information, and begin the application process. Learn more in the video below.
