Permit Fees
Below you find permit fees associated with the permits issued by Construction Review. If you have any questions about the permit fees, contact our office by calling (502) 574-3321.
- Building & Tent Permits Fees
Kentucky Building Code Occupancy type
Fee per square foot
Assembly $.16 Business $.15 Educational $.14 Factory $.15 High Hazard $.16 Institutional $.15 Mercantile $.15 Residential - 1 & 2 Family $.105 Residential - other $.15 Storage $.14 Utility; miscellaneous $.13 Tents Per 2018 KBC; Section 432.5.1 fees The permit fees for new construction, additions, full building alterations, tents, other temporary structures, and changes to the Kentucky Building Code Use Group Classification are calculated based on the fee table provided above.
Square footage is calculated by measuring every floor of the building, including all finished areas of basements. The measurement is taken to the outside edges of the exterior walls.
For partial alterations, work on structures other than buildings, or any project where square footage can't be calculated, the fee is based on a reasonable estimated cost provided by the applicant and verified by the Department. The fee is $50 plus $2.50 for every $1,000 of the estimated cost. The Department may request proof to support the estimated cost when needed.
If the Commonwealth of Kentucky is responsible for performing the required building inspections for a permit issued by the Department, the permit fee will be half the normal amount.
A plan review fee applies to any application that is reviewed but does not result in a building permit being issued, or when a refund is requested for an issued permit. The fee is either $30 or one-third of the normal permit fee whichever amount is higher.
For applicants choosing the fast-track option to get early approval for site work, foundations, shell construction, or phased work before submitting a full set of construction documents, the following fees apply: foundation permits will be charged according to the fee listed in item (7) below. Shell permits and phased work will be charged the full fee using the table in item (1). Any interior finish work or additional phased work will also be charged the full fee based on the table in subsection (1).
The fee for a “foundation only” permit is $75 for single-family dwellings and their accessory structures. For all other types of construction, the fee is $125.&
Permit fees for metro owned property projects may be waived by the Director of Codes & Regulations.
The administrative fee for a Certificate of Use and Occupancy, when no building permit has been issued, is $75.
No building permit fee calculated under this section shall be less than $75.
Before issuing a building permit for a one- or two-family residential project or a multi-family residential project, the Department will check its records to see if the applicant has any unresolved or uncured Building Code violations. If no such violations exist, the Department may issue the permit, provided all other requirements are met. However, if there are unresolved or uncured violations before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the Department will not issue a building permit until all outstanding violations have been resolved.
- Electrical Fees
The fees for initial installation of electrical wiring in one- or two-family residences shall be $200. This permit fee shall include three inspections.
The fee for the initial installation of electrical wiring in a condominium or patio home unit is $150 for the base permit. In addition, there is a charge of $0.25 for each ampere at the service entrance up to and including 600 amperes, and $0.50 for each ampere over 600. This permit includes three inspections at no extra cost.
The fee for a service upgrade, new service, repairs, or additional wiring in a one- or two-family home, condominium, or patio home is $75 if the work costs $750 or less. If the work costs more than $750, the fee is $100. This permit includes one inspection.
The fee for installing new electrical wiring in buildings other than one- or two-family homes, condominiums, or patio homes is $100 for the base permit. There is an additional charge of $25 for each subpanel and $25 for each dwelling unit in residential structures that are not one- or two-family homes. On top of that, the fee includes $0.25 for each ampere at the service entrance up to and including 600 amperes, and $0.50 for each ampere over 600. This permit includes two inspections at no extra cost.
The fee for rewiring or repairs in buildings other than one- or two-family homes, condominiums, or patio homes is $75 if the work costs $750 or less, and $100 if the work costs more than $750. In addition, there is a charge of $25 for each dwelling unit involved in the work for residential properties, or $25 for each subpanel involved in the work for commercial properties.
The fee for the installation of a temporary pole shall be $85. This permit fee shall include one inspection.
The fee for any additional inspections not included in the initial permit is $50. The Department may refuse to issue further permits to the applicant until all outstanding inspection fees are paid in full.
The fee for a burnout repair on a service is $75 if the work costs $750 or less, and $100 if the work costs more than $750. This permit includes one inspection.
- HVAC & Mechanical Permit Fees
Installation Cost in $ Permit Fees in $ $2,000 or less
$125
$2,001 to $10,000
$180
$10,001 to $25,000
$270
$25,001 to $50,000
$330
$50,001 to $75,000
$390
$75,001 to $100,000
$500 $100,001 to $150,000
$630
$150,001 to $200,000
$760
$290,001 to $250,000
$885
$250,001 to $300,000
$1025
$300,001 to $400,000
$1150
$400,001 to $500,000
$1500
$500,001 to $600,000
$1725
$600,001 to $700,000
$1900
$700,001 to $800,000
$2125
$800,001 to $900,000
$2355
$900,001 to $1,000,000
$2590
$1,000,001 to $1,100,000
$2820
$1,100,001 to $1,200,000
$3050
$1,200,001 to $1,300,000
$3280
$1,300,001 to $1,400,000
$3510
$1,400,001 to $1,500,000
$3735
$1,500,001 to $1,600,000
$3965
1 & 2 Family Dwellings (New or Replacement Systems): $105 for the first system, $50 for each additional system. Each system can be heating, cooling, or a combination.
Multi-Family Dwellings (New or Replacement Systems): $105 for the first system, $50 for each additional system. Each system can be heating, cooling, or a combination.
Commercial/Non-Residential (New and Replacement Systems):The permit fee for new or replacement HVAC systems is calculated using a fee table based on the total dollar value of the installation. This value can be either actual or estimated. It is the responsibility of the installing contractor to provide the full value of the project, which must include both labor and material costs, regardless of who is paying for the work. While an exact dollar amount does not need to be submitted to the Department, the application must include a signed and affirmed statement confirming that the total value falls within one of the specified ranges listed in the fee table.
Inspections: Each HVAC permit includes 3 inspections at no extra cost. If more inspections are needed, each additional inspection costs $50. The department may withhold new permits until all outstanding inspection fees are paid.
Other HVAC permit types: Mechanical *Refrigeration ($40 per compressor); Fireplaces ($50 per unit); and Range Hoods ($75 per unit). These permits include 2 inspections
The Permit Holder is responsible for requesting any required inspections
- Fire Detection and Suppression Fees
Number of Sprinkler Heads Permit Fees in $ 4-200 150 201-300 175 301-400 210 401-750 250 751 & above 250 plus 20 cents for each sprinkler head over 750 The fee for installing or replacing a sprinkler system is listed in the fee table above. If you're reworking up to 50 sprinkler heads on an existing system, the fee is $50. If you're reworking more than 50 heads, the fee will be calculated using the same fee table.
The fee for automatic and/or manual fire detection systems is $150 for areas up to 20,000 square feet. For systems covering more than 20,000 square feet, the fee is $150 plus an additional $20 for every 10,000 square feet beyond the initial 20,000.
The fee for a standpipe system is $150. If the standpipe is part of a combination system that includes sprinklers, the sprinkler permit fee will cover the standpipe fee.
The fee for a carbon dioxide fire suppression system is $150 for the first 200 pounds of agent. For any amount over 200 pounds, an additional charge of $0.02 per pound will apply.
The fee for a clean agent suppression system is $150 for the first 35 pounds of agent. For any amount exceeding 35 pounds, an additional charge of $0.06 per pound applies.
The fee for a foam suppression system is $0.50 per gallon of foam concentrate when the system is not part of an automatic sprinkler system. If the foam system is included as part of an automatic sprinkler system, it will be reviewed and charged under the sprinkler fee schedule. Regardless of the configuration, the minimum fee for a foam suppression system is $150, and the maximum fee is capped at $1,500.
The fee for a range hood suppression system shall be $150.
The fee for a dry chemical suppression system is $150 for the first 30 pounds of agent. For any amount exceeding 30 pounds, an additional charge of $0.25 per pound applies.
The fee for a sprinkler underground piping shall be $50
- Building Moving Permit Fees
Moving Permit requirements and fees are established in Chapter 152 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances.
- Wrecking or Demolition Fees
The building official shall issue three types of wrecking permits which shall be classified as Type “A”, Type “B” and Type “C” and the fee for each 30 day extension is $30:
Type “A” permits apply to structures no taller than two stories or 35 feet in height and with less than 3,000 square feet of total floor space. The fee for a Type “A” permit is $75 for the first 1,000 square feet, plus $10 for each additional 1,000 square feet or fraction thereof.
Type “B” permits are for structures that exceed the limits of Type “A”. The fee for a Type “B” permit is $100 for the first 1,000 square feet, plus $10 for each additional 1,000 square feet or fraction thereof.
- Type “C” wrecking permits are designated for property owners demolishing a structure that is no more than one story in height, does not exceed 25 feet tall, and is no larger than 1,500 square feet in total floor space. These permits are strictly for property owners; if a licensed wrecking contractor applies for a permit that meets Type “C” criteria, it will be reclassified and processed as a Type “A” permit. The fee for a Type “C” permit is the same as a Type “A” permit—$75 for the first 1,000 square feet plus $10 for each additional 1,000 square feet or fraction thereof. Applicants for a Type “C” permit must post a $500 cash or certified check bond as a security deposit to ensure proper completion of the demolition work. This includes full removal of the structure, cleaning of the site, restoration of the grade, and seeding. If the work is completed properly, the bond will be returned. However, if the demolition is not completed within 60 days from the permit issuance date, the bond will be forfeited unless the Director grants a written extension for good cause. Extension requests must be submitted in writing at least three working days before the 60-day deadline. The Director also has the authority to waive the bond requirement for structures that do not have a basement.
- Sign Fees
The fee for a sign permit in Louisville/Jefferson County is $100 for signs with a sign face up to 50 square feet, as defined by the Land Development Code. For signs larger than 50 square feet, the fee is $100 plus an additional $1 for each square foot over the initial 50.
- Parking Lot Fees
The fee to build a new parking lot or expand an existing one is $75 for the first 10 spaces. If the lot has more than 10 spaces, there’s an extra charge of $0.25 for each additional space beyond the first 10.
- Tax Moratorium Fees
The administrative fee for a tax moratorium application is $40 per property. This fee applies whether or not the application is approved. However, low-income homeowners may qualify to have the $40 fee waived, as stated in LMCO 154.04(B).
You can view detailed information about permit fees by using the menu above or by referring to LMCO Chapter 150.096: Promulgated Fees & Regulations.
Penalties
If you start work without getting the required permit, you’ll be charged a penalty fee equal to the standard permit fee. For electrical work, the minimum penalty is $1,000. This penalty is in addition to the regular permit fee. Even if your permit fee was legally waived, the penalty will still apply as if the standard fee had been charged.
Starting November 1, 2022, if your project goes over the number of inspections included with your permit, you’ll need to pay a $50 fee for each extra inspection before it can be scheduled. This applies whether you request the inspection online, by phone, or by email. You won’t be charged this fee for inspections marked as “phone,” “cancelled,” “waived,” “no work,” or “rescheduled.”
Administration Fees
If you request a refund for an issued permit—whether it's for Electrical, HVAC, Refrigeration, Range Hood, or a Manufactured Fireplace Appliance—a $30 administrative fee will be charged. If your permit has expired and you want to reactivate it within 180 days of the expiration date, there’s a $35 extension fee. If more than 180 days have passed, you’ll need to pay the full permit fee again to proceed.
