Bolthole Index

Bourbon County, Kentucky

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Bourbon County, Kentucky

38Index Score / 100
#120 of 120 in Kentucky

Bourbon County, Kentucky requires a building permit before covered construction, alteration, repair, demolition or occupancy changes begin12. The Bourbon County Joint Planning Office processes building and electrical permits, and county zoning applies in unincorporated Bourbon County23. Onsite septic approval starts with the Bourbon County Health Department45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction and alterations12
Permit office
Bourbon County Joint Planning Office2
Zoning
Yes in unincorporated Bourbon County3
Septic permit
Bourbon County Health Department after a site evaluation45
RV living
Long-term private-land occupancy was not confirmed; ask Joint Planning3
Tiny homes
No countywide occupancy or minimum-size answer confirmed; ask Joint Planning3
Owner-builder
No blanket permit exemption confirmed6
Private wells
Kentucky requires a certified well driller; no separate owner permit was established7

Who to call

Building permits

Bourbon County Joint Planning Office

Building and electrical permits, building inspections, zoning review and planning services for Bourbon County

859-987-2150

Paris Municipal Center 525 High Street, Room 112 Paris, KY 40361

Zoning

Bourbon County Joint Planning Office

Zoning districts, zoning maps, permitted uses and planning services in Bourbon County

859-987-2150

Paris Municipal Center 525 High Street, Room 112 Paris, KY 40361

Septic permits

Bourbon County Health Department

Septic site evaluations, construction permits, repair permits and existing-system inspections

(859) 987-1915

341 East Main Street, Paris, KY 40361

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Bourbon County, Kentucky?

Yes. Bourbon County requires an application and building permit before covered construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition or occupancy changes begin12. The local rule matters because Kentucky's residential code does not require a permit for a single-family dwelling unless a local ordinance does8. Bourbon County has a local inspector and inspection program serving the City of Paris and the county9. Building and electrical permits are processed through the Bourbon County Joint Planning Office, and the office asks applicants to allow 7 to 10 business days after submission2. Kentucky building and residential codes still govern covered construction in the county10. We could not confirm a blanket owner-builder exemption from the local permit requirement, so an owner planning to do personal labor should describe the exact work to Joint Planning before starting6.

Who issues Bourbon County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Bourbon County Joint Planning Office processes building and electrical permits and provides planning and zoning services211. The office is in the Paris Municipal Center at 525 High Street, Room 112, Paris, KY 40361, and its phone number is 859-987-21502. Building inspections are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the permitting page says same-day permits and inspections are unavailable2. Kentucky's general permit guidance says local agencies set their own processes, so the Joint Planning Office is the right place to confirm the application, plans, inspections and certificate-of-occupancy sequence for a specific project12. The local inspection directory identifies one inspector for both the City of Paris and the county, but a parcel inside Paris or Millersburg may also face municipal land-use rules9. Give the office the parcel address and a concise description of the structure and intended use before ordering final plans.

Does Bourbon County have zoning?

Yes. Zoning covers unincorporated Bourbon County and is administered through the Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission and Joint Board of Adjustment3. The Joint Planning Office explains that zoning maps locate the districts and the ordinance determines what may be done in each district11. Kentucky law permits counties to enact land-use regulations after the required planning steps, but that authority alone does not answer what a particular Bourbon County parcel allows13. We could not confirm a single countywide rule for RV occupancy, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height. Ask Joint Planning to identify the parcel's district and confirm the proposed principal use, accessory uses, dwelling type and dimensional standards11. Land division also needs planning attention because Kentucky requires planning-commission approval before a subdivision plat can be recorded, subject to a narrow agricultural-use exception1415.

How do septic permits work in Bourbon County?

The Bourbon County Health Department handles local septic site evaluations and permits45. Start with the site evaluation, where a certified inspector determines whether site and soil conditions suit an onsite wastewater system5. The department currently lists a $285 site-evaluation fee, a $400 permit fee and a $280 repair-permit fee5. Kentucky requires the permit before any portion of a new, altered or installed onsite system is constructed, and the permit follows a site evaluation and required application materials16. Every installed, constructed, altered or repaired system must also be inspected by a certified inspector before backfilling17. Only 2.1% of Bourbon County soils rate without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so treat the site evaluation as a purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will fit18. If public sewer is unavailable, the house drain must connect to an approved private sewage-disposal system19.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Bourbon County?

We could not confirm a county rule generally allowing long-term RV living or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Bourbon County. Zoning applies in unincorporated Bourbon County, and the Joint Planning Office says the zoning map identifies the district while the ordinance controls what may be done there311. Ask Joint Planning whether the parcel's district allows the proposed dwelling, whether an RV may be occupied temporarily during construction, and what lot, setback and dwelling-size standards apply11. Kentucky's rule allowing brief sleeping in a lawfully parked vehicle on a public road, street or parking lot for less than 12 hours does not authorize residential RV occupancy on private land20. A tiny home involving covered construction or a change to building occupancy follows Bourbon County's building-permit requirement12. Off-grid does not mean unregulated sanitation: where sewer is unavailable, a dwelling's house drain must connect to an approved private sewage-disposal system21.

What are the steps to build a home in Bourbon County?

  1. Ask the Bourbon County Joint Planning Office to identify the zoning district and confirm that the proposed home, site plan and access fit the parcel's rules311.
  2. Arrange the Bourbon County Health Department site evaluation before finalizing the homesite or septic design5.
  3. Submit the building-permit application and required plans to Joint Planning, allowing 7 to 10 business days for processing2.
  4. Obtain the septic construction permit before any part of the onsite system is built or altered16.
  5. Apply to the Kentucky highway District Engineer if a new single-family driveway will enter a state right-of-way22.
  6. Use a Kentucky-certified water-well driller for well construction, alteration, repair or abandonment7.
  7. Schedule local building inspections and have the septic system inspected before it is backfilled917.
  8. Confirm the certificate-of-occupancy requirement with Joint Planning before moving in23.

What should you check before buying land in Bourbon County?

Check zoning and the proposed use with Joint Planning before treating a parcel as buildable311. Make the septic site evaluation an early contingency because only 2.1% of county soils rate without severe limits for a conventional drain field18. Check the flood map as well: development in an identified Kentucky floodplain requires both state and local floodplain permits24. Confirm whether road access is county, city, private or state maintained; a new farm or single-family driveway on a state highway requires a written application to the Kentucky highway District Engineer22. About 72.1% of Bourbon County land has a slope of 15% or less, but parcel-level grade and drainage still need field verification25. The typical farmland value is about $7,039 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 0.7% and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,563262728.

Watch-outs

  • Joint Planning asks applicants to allow 7 to 10 business days for permit processing and does not offer same-day permits or inspections2.
  • Only 2.1% of Bourbon County soils rate without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so secure the health department's site evaluation before committing to a homesite185.
  • Development in an identified floodplain needs both state and local floodplain permits; ask Joint Planning to identify the current local floodplain contact2411.

Sources

  1. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission - Permitting (2026 county census)
  2. Bourbon County Joint Planning Office (bourboncountyplanning.com)
  3. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission - Zoning (2026 county census)
  4. Bourbon County Health Department - Septic Services (2026 county census)
  5. Bourbon County Health Department (bourboncohd.org)
  6. (2026 county census)
  7. 401 KAR 6:320. Certification of water well drillers and water well driller assistants (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. 815 KAR 7:125, Kentucky Residential Code (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  10. Division of Building Code Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  11. Bourbon County Joint Planning Office (bourboncountyplanning.com)
  12. Plan Submission Application Guide for Building Construction, quoted and re-checked
  13. KRS 100.201 — Interim and permanent land use regulations authorized (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. KRS 100.277 — Commission approval required for subdivisions (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. KRS 100.111 — Definitions for chapter (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. 902 KAR 10:110. Issuance of on-site sewage disposal system permits (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. 902 KAR 10:085. System Installation Inspection (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  19. 815 KAR 20:130. House sewers and storm water piping; methods of installation (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. KRS 511.110 — Unlawful camping (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 815 KAR 20:130. House sewers and storm water piping; methods of installation (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. 603 KAR 1:020 Driveway approaches, entrances; construction and maintenance (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Chapter 24, quoted and re-checked
  24. Find Your Flood Zone (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Bourbon County in Kentucky

38
County map
Bourbon County highlighted among the Kentucky counties · colored by Index score

How Bourbon County scores

Seclusion26100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency26100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$258kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$7,039Land / acre
49.2"Annual rain
1.3% of yrsSevere drought
6.6 / yr (+6.2)Mid-century 100°F days
12.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.91" (+9.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.81×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,345Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.98%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
64,402People within 30 min
4,536,471People within 2 hr
59,819Radius comparison (15 mi)
69.5People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
72.1%Land at 15% slope or less
2.1%Septic soil without severe limits
3,758 acWorkable land screen
7.8%Wooded land
38.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Bourbon County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Bourbon County rules

  • InspectionsLimited

    Building inspection responsibilities involving Bourbon County's listed local building inspector and Kentucky residential-code inspection rules.

    • The state page says local county or city inspection applies to single-family homes if an inspection program exists.
    • The official state directory lists Michelle Thornsburg as the local building inspector for City of Paris and County.
    • The state retains or may exercise jurisdiction for categories governed by state rules.
    “Local Building Inspector: Michelle Thornsburg (City of Paris & County)”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Bourbon County has an adopted Zoning Ordinance administered by the Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission and Joint Board of Adjustment covering unincorporated Bourbon County.

    Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission - Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Kentucky rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction subject to Kentucky building-code jurisdiction in Bourbon County.

    • No building may be constructed until the applicable local building official and, when applicable, the state department issue a permit.
    • The statute expressly states that a single-family dwelling need not be permitted unless a local government has established a building inspection program.
    • The source also requires compliance with the Uniform State Building Code and other legal requirements concerning location and construction.
    “No building shall be constructed [...] until [...] issue a permit for the construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.
      “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings constructed statewide in Kentucky, including residential and nonresidential construction subject to the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code.

    • The 2015 International Building Code is the mandatory state building code for buildings constructed in Kentucky, subject to Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Building Code.
    • One-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses are governed by 815 KAR 7:125 and the 2015 International Residential Code with Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code.
    • Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are not required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.
    • Residential occupancies that are not single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, or townhouses must comply with the 2015 International Building Code and the 2018 Kentucky Building Code.
    • Manufactured homes are governed by KRS 227.550 through 227.665.

    base building code: 2015 International Building Code (Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Building Code supersede conflicting provisions) · residential code: 2015 International Residential Code; 2018 Kentucky Residential Code amendments (Applies to single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses under 815 KAR 7:125) · mandatory effective date: 2019-01-01

    “Building Code. The 2015 International Building shall be the mandatory state building code for all buildings constructed in Kentucky except that: (1) The Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Building Code shall supersede any conflicting provision in the 2015 International Building Code; (2) One (1) family dwellings, two (2) family dwellings, and townhouses shall be governed by 815 KAR 7:125; and (3) Manufactured homes shall be governed by KRS 227.550 through 227.665.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — Building construction in Kentucky, including projects in Bourbon County subject to the Kentucky Building Code or Kentucky Residential Code.
      “The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction adopted the 2018 Kentucky Building Code, Second Edition and the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, Second Edition on August 3, 2019.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings constructed or industrialized building systems assembled after the Uniform State Building Code became effective, including applicable Bourbon County projects.

    • The certificate must certify construction or assembly conforms to the Uniform State Building Code or applicable instructions.
    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for a single-family dwelling unless a local government has established jurisdiction for enforcement of the Uniform State Building Code.
    “shall be occupied until [...] issues a certificate of occupancy”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.
      “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units on lots containing a single-family home in a county containing a consolidated local government, when a new lease is initiated after June 27, 2025 and the lot is in a traditional single-family home zone.

    • The owner may not lease or allow the accessory dwelling unit to be occupied unless the owner primarily resides in the single-family home, multifamily housing unit, or accessory dwelling unit on the lot.
    • The restriction applies only in a county containing a consolidated local government.
    • A traditional single-family home zone is a zone that, as of January 1, 2025, did not include multifamily homes as a permitted use.
    • The restriction does not apply to a lot containing only one single-family home and no accessory dwelling unit.
    • The statutory effective date is June 27, 2025.

    new lease applicability date: > 2025-06-27 (The statute applies to new leases initiated after June 27, 2025.)

    “In a county containing a consolidated local government, for new leases initiated after June 27, 2025, a property owner shall not lease or allow to be occupied any single-family home, multifamily housing unit, or accessory dwelling unit located on a lot that contains a single-family home and that is located in a traditional single-family home zone, unless the owner primarily resides in the single-family home or multifamily housing unit or an accessory dwelling unit on the lot.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage disposal systems in Bourbon County.

    • Kentucky's Cabinet regulates construction, installation, or alteration of on-site sewage systems.
    • The regulation also refers to certified inspectors and local health department responsibilities, including local recording and inspection functions.
    “requires the cabinet to regulate the construction”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — Kentucky's statewide onsite sewage disposal program and its administration through local health departments.
      “The Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program is administered through local health departments”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, or alteration of an onsite sewage disposal system subject to Kentucky Cabinet regulation.

    • A permit must be obtained from the local health department before construction, installation, or alteration.
    • The construction permit follows a site evaluation and requires a detailed drawing, specifications, and required permit fees.
    • The permit is issued only to a certified installer or homeowner and expires one year after issuance unless the Cabinet grants an extension.
    • Local health departments may adopt more specific subdivision-approval requirements if they do not conflict with the state regulation.

    permit validity: 1 year from issuance (unless an extension is granted by the cabinet)

    “a permit to construct, install, or alter an on-site sewage disposal system shall be obtained prior to construction of any portion of that system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Every Kentucky onsite sewage disposal system that is installed, constructed, altered, or repaired.

    • Inspection must be by a certified inspector.
    • The installer must request that the installation inspection be scheduled and completed before the system is backfilled.
    • An installer affidavit may substitute for an initial inspection in the circumstances specified by the regulation, but the installation inspection requirement remains applicable.
    • A variance may not waive site evaluation or system inspection.
    “Every on-site sewage disposal system installed, constructed, altered, or repaired shall be inspected by a certified inspector.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Use of an approved private onsite sewage disposal system for a building where a public sewer is unavailable.

    • The private sewage disposal system must be approved.
    • Construction, installation, alteration, or repair requires the applicable onsite sewage disposal permit and inspection requirements.
    • This finding addresses private onsite sewage disposal, not unregulated composting toilets, straight pipes, cesspools, or other sanitation methods not covered by the cited rule.
    “If a sewer is not available, the house drain from a building shall connect with an approved private sewage disposal system.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction, alteration, repair, or abandonment of water supply wells in Kentucky.

    • The person performing the work must first obtain a water well driller or water well driller assistant certificate from the Cabinet.
    • The certificate authorizes only the drilling methods stated on the certificate.
    • The cited sources establish driller certification rather than a separate owner-applied construction permit for ordinary water supply wells.

    minimum examination score: >= 70 percent (applicable examination)

    “A person shall not construct, alter, repair, or abandon a water well without first obtaining a water well driller or water well driller assistant certificate”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings subject to the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.

    • A building must have an independent connection to either a public or private sewer or sewer system.
    • If a sewer is not available, the house drain must connect to an approved private sewage disposal system.
    • The cited rule does not establish a universal requirement to connect to public water service.
    “If a sewer is not available, the house drain from a building shall connect with an approved private sewage disposal system.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agritourism buildings subject to the Kentucky Building Code.

    • Except as otherwise provided, an agritourism building must comply with the Kentucky Building Code.
    • The exemption applies to an agritourism building built prior to December 31, 2016.
    • The pre-December 31, 2016 building is exempt from seismic requirements.
    • If the building has a capacity of 400 persons or is 6,000 square feet or less, it does not require the services of a Kentucky-licensed architect.

    construction date threshold: < December 31, 2016 · building capacity threshold: <= 400 persons (The statute states "has a capacity of four hundred (400) persons or is six thousand (6,000) square feet or less.") · building area threshold: <= 6000 square feet (The statute states "has a capacity of four hundred (400) persons or is six thousand (6,000) square feet or less.")

    “An agritourism building built prior to December 31, 2016, shall be exempt from the following requirements within the Kentucky Building Code: (a) An agritourism building built prior to December 31, 2016, shall not be required to comply with the seismic requirements within the Kentucky Building Code; and (b) If an agritourism building has a capacity of four hundred (400) persons or is six thousand (6,000) square feet or less, an agritourism building built prior to December 31, 2016, shall not require the services of an architect licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Division of land for agricultural use under Kentucky subdivision law.
      “provided that a division of land for agricultural use and not involving a new street shall not be deemed a subdivision.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land within a Kentucky planning-unit jurisdiction.

    • All subdivision of land must receive planning-commission approval.
    • A person may not subdivide land before securing approval of a planning-commission plat.
    • A subdivision plat may not be recorded by the county clerk until commission approval is entered on the plat.
    • The statute's agricultural-use exception is addressed separately in KRS 100.111(22).
    “All subdivision of land shall receive commission approval. No person or his agent shall subdivide any land before securing the approval of the planning commission of a plat designating the areas to be subdivided, and no plat of a subdivision of land within the planning unit jurisdiction shall be recorded by the county clerk until the plat has been approved by the commission and the approval entered thereon in writing by the chairman, secretary, or other duly authorized officer of the commission.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or additional private farm or single-family dwelling driveway approaches on Kentucky Department of Highways rights-of-way.

    • The owner or occupant must make formal written application to the District Engineer of the Department of Highways.
    • The applicant must furnish required drainage pipe, tile, or other drainage structure at the applicant's own expense.
    • The Department may participate up to $300 for specified construction work.
    • No indemnity bond or other security is required unless estimated construction cost within the right-of-way exceeds $300.
    • The District Engineer may approve or disapprove the application.

    department participation maximum: <= 300 USD (specified drainage, grading, and surfacing work within right-of-way limits)

    “The owner or occupant of property, who desires to construct new or additional private farm or single family dwelling driveway approaches, shall make formal application in writing, to the District Engineer of the Department of Highways.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New, additional, relocated, or modified driveway entrance approaches serving commercial property or property used for a purpose other than farming or a single-family dwelling.
      “The owner or occupant of property, used for commercial or any purpose other than farming or single family dwelling, who desires to construct new or additional driveway entrance approaches, to relocate, or make other changes in existing driveway entrance approaches thereto, shall make application for a permit to the District Engineer of the Department of Highways upon standard forms furnished by the Transportation Cabinet.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in an identified Kentucky floodplain, including development in mapped A and AE zones.

    • Both a state and local floodplain permit are required for development in an identified floodplain.
    • State and local permits are required for development in A and AE zones.
    • The Kentucky Division of Water issues general or individual floodplain permits.
    • General permits cover eligible activities that do not change the Base Flood Elevation and have minimal flood-risk potential.
    • Developments that do not meet general-permit eligibility or could change the Base Flood Elevation require an individual permit.
    • The source directs applicants to consult the local floodplain coordinator for local requirements.

    general permit nonsubstantial improvement threshold: < 50 percent of structure valuation (including labor)

    “Any development in an identified floodplain in Kentucky requires a state and a local floodplain permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development activity within flood plains when proposed by a Kentucky state agency; this is not a complete countywide Bourbon County floodplain rule.
      “Upon receipt and review by the secretary of notice from a state agency proposing development activity within the flood plain”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Kentucky state plumbing installation permits administered by the Division of Plumbing.

    • Residential one- and two-family permits use a $50 base fee plus $14 per opening.
    • Domestic water heater-only permits are $50.
    • Commercial permits use a $50 base fee plus $20 per opening.
    • Medical gas piping permits use a $50 base fee plus $20 per opening.
    • The fee schedule is stated as effective March 1, 2022.

    residential base permit fee: 50 USD (one- and two-family permits) · residential opening fee: per 14 USD (opening) · commercial base permit fee: 50 USD (commercial permits) · commercial opening fee: per 20 USD (opening)

    “FEE CHANGE - Effective March 1, 2022, Plumbing installation permit fees will be as follows: Residential (One and Two Family) Permits: $50 base permit fee, $14 per opening fee Domestic Water Heater Only Permits: $50 Commercial Permits: $50 base permit fee; $20 per opening fee Medical Gas Piping Permits: $50 base permit fee; $20 per opening fee”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Plumbing construction and alteration work in Kentucky administered by the Division of Plumbing.

    • A plumbing construction permit must be obtained before construction, installation, or alteration.
    • Permits may be issued to licensed master plumbers or homeowners for plumbing in their own personal residences.
    • Work performed by someone other than a homeowner using the homeowner's own permit must be installed by a licensed journeyman plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
    • The Division reviews plans for construction on all buildings serving the public and inspects installations for compliance with the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.
    “No person, firm or corporation shall construct, install or alter any plumbing without first having procured a plumbing construction permit from the Division of Plumbing. Plumbing permits may be issued to licensed master plumbers or to homeowners for plumbing in their own personal residences.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — General Kentucky building-permit process, including projects in Bourbon County where state or local code jurisdiction applies.
      “Each local agency determines its own permit process, and they may vary across the state.”
  • Campground & park staysTemporary only (with conditions)

    Sleeping temporarily in a recreational vehicle or other vehicle in a vehicle-based location covered by KRS 511.110.

    • The vehicle must be parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot.
    • Sleeping and parking at the location must occur for less than twelve (12) hours.
    • This provision does not establish permission for long-term or permanent RV occupancy on private land.
    • KRS 511.110 separately prohibits camping in specified areas when the area has not been designated for sleeping or camping or the person lacks authorization.

    maximum sleeping and parking period: < 12 hours

    “Nothing in this section shall prevent a person from sleeping temporarily in his or her vehicle parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot, where the sleeping and parking of the vehicle at the location occur for a period of less than twelve (12) hours.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Kentucky counties may adopt permanent land-use regulations, including zoning, through the applicable planning-unit process; this authority reaches county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas, subject to the statutory planning prerequisites.

    • The planning commission and legislative bodies must have adopted the required comprehensive-plan elements before permanent zoning may be enacted.
    • The authority is exercised by legislative bodies and fiscal courts within the planning unit.
    • The quoted statute also authorizes zoning and land-use regulations for the listed public-health, safety, welfare, development, density, parking, fire and police protection, flood, transportation, public-facility, school, historic-district, agricultural-land, natural-resource, and other specially protected-area purposes.
    “When all required elements of the comprehensive plan have been adopted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, then the legislative bodies and fiscal courts within the planning unit may enact permanent land use regulations, including zoning and other kinds of growth management regulations”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Kentucky fiscal courts may adopt and enforce construction regulations and may require building permits for construction in the county, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • The construction regulations must be adopted by county order or resolution.
    • The regulations operate pursuant to KRS 198B.060 and the Uniform State Building Code framework.
    • A county building inspector may administer the regulations.
    • No person may build, erect, construct, reconstruct, remodel, relocate, alter, or repair a building within the county without first obtaining a building permit from the building inspector when the county permit system applies.
    • Permit fees must be reasonable and may not exceed the cost of the service provided.
    • A person aggrieved by the building inspector's ruling, order, or decision may appeal under KRS 198B.070.

    permit fee ceiling: <= cost of the service provided

    “The fiscal court of any county shall have authority, by order or resolution, to adopt, and to enforce, regulations governing construction as defined by KRS 198B.010 pursuant to the provisions of KRS 198B.060.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from building permits or inspections in Bourbon County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Bourbon County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts and maps in Bourbon County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Bourbon County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Bourbon County.
8 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Bourbon County, Kentucky

Is Bourbon County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Bourbon County scores 38/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 64,402 people within a 30-minute drive and strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.2″/yr rainfall with little drought.

Do you need a building permit in Bourbon County, Kentucky?

Bourbon County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Bourbon County Health Department (Environmental Services). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Bourbon County, Kentucky?

Land in Bourbon County runs about $7,039 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Bourbon County?

Bourbon County gets about 49.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.3% of years.

How remote is Bourbon County?

A representative private-land location has about 64,402 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,536,471 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Bourbon County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Bourbon compares in Kentucky

Compare side-by-side →See all 120 Kentucky counties ranked →