Bolthole Index

Boyd County, Kentucky

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Catlettsburg, Kentucky

Catlettsburg, Kentucky requires a city building permit before erecting a building and operates a city building-inspection program.12 Catlettsburg sets zoning inside city limits; Boyd County’s residential no-permit statement does not replace the city requirement.314 Septic permits remain with the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department under Kentucky’s onsite sewage program.56

At a glance

Building permits
Required inside Catlettsburg city limits; City Building Inspector administers the adopted codes.17
Zoning
City zoning applies; confirm the district on the map in the City Clerk’s office.3
Septic permits
Local health department permit after a site evaluation, before system construction.86
Manufactured and modular homes
Minimum 560 square feet, 14 feet wide and 40 feet long; age restrictions also apply.9
Move-in approval
Certificate of occupancy required for land or buildings erected or altered in use or structure.10
Private wells
Kentucky requires a certified water well driller; no owner construction or abandonment permit application or fee under the state rule.11

Who to call

Also useful

Catlettsburg City Clerk / City Hall

City contact for requesting the zoning map, current fee schedule and referral to the City Building Inspector; confirm the counter location before visiting.

606-739-4533

[email protected]

Septic permits

Ashland-Boyd County Health Department Environmental Health

Onsite wastewater evaluations and septic permitting; sewer availability guidance.

606-324-7141

2924 Holt Street, Ashland, KY 41101

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Catlettsburg, KY?

Catlettsburg requires a separate building permit for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, improvement, removal, conversion or demolition of buildings and structures inside city limits.1 Catlettsburg has adopted the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code, with the City Building Inspector designated as the local enforcement officer.7

Catlettsburg’s building-inspection program applies to all buildings, and electrical inspections must be performed by a state-certified electrical inspector approved by the city.2 Before occupying land or a building erected or altered in use or structure, obtain the city certificate of occupancy.10

Who handles Catlettsburg building permits and permit fees?

The Catlettsburg City Building Inspector reviews building-permit applications for conformity with city ordinances, the Kentucky Building Code and other applicable laws.1 Start with the City Clerk at City Hall to request the current building-permit application, fee schedule and contact for the inspector.12

Catlettsburg building-permit applications require at least 2 sets of plans.13 A foundation permit may be issued while the main permit is pending, at the inspector’s discretion.13 Ask the inspector which inspections to schedule for the proposed work and ask the Clerk for the current charges before budgeting the project.212

Does Catlettsburg have zoning, minimum lot sizes and setbacks?

Catlettsburg has city zoning, with district boundaries shown on the zoning map in the City Clerk’s office; exact boundary questions go to the Board of Zoning Adjustment.3 For a one-family dwelling in R-1, the minimum lot area is 7,000 square feet and minimum width is 70 feet.14 In R-2, the minimum area is 6,000 square feet and width at the building line is 60 feet.15 In R-3, the minimum area is 3,750 square feet and width at the building line is 50 feet.16

Ask the City Building Inspector for the parcel’s setback and lot-coverage requirements before choosing a footprint; we could not confirm those dimensions.312

How do septic permits work inside Catlettsburg?

Catlettsburg’s city building approval does not replace a septic permit: Kentucky requires a site evaluation and a permit before constructing, installing or altering an onsite sewage system.18 The Ashland-Boyd County Health Department is the local onsite sewage contact; its wastewater program starts by evaluating site and soil suitability.617 Ask the city about sanitary sewer availability before planning a private system.17

A homeowner installing a septic system must obtain a homeowner’s permit through the local health department.18 The certified installer must arrange an installation inspection before backfilling.19 Boyd County’s soils have only 2.9% rated not limited for conventional drain fields; that countywide figure supports getting a site evaluation, not assuming septic is impossible on a Catlettsburg lot.20

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home in Catlettsburg?

We could not confirm permission for RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or accessory dwellings in Catlettsburg; ask the City Building Inspector about the proposed use and zoning district before buying or moving onto a lot.312

Catlettsburg’s verified manufactured/modular-home standards require at least 14 feet of width, 40 feet of length and 560 square feet of floor area.9 Homes older than 3 years are prohibited except those pre-existing adoption of the subchapter, and replacement homes must comply.9 Manufactured and modular homes also require HUD approval and Kentucky Division of Building Safety certification.9 The manufactured/modular standard does not establish permission for a tiny home or RV; ask the city to classify the proposed dwelling.912

What are the steps for building a home in Catlettsburg?

  1. Request the Catlettsburg zoning map from the City Clerk and confirm the parcel’s district before designing the home.312
  2. Ask the city about sewer availability; if an onsite system is proposed, arrange the health department site evaluation and septic permit before system construction.178
  3. Submit the city building-permit application with at least 2 sets of plans and obtain approval before erecting the building.131
  4. Arrange the required building inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the completed home.210

For land outside Catlettsburg city limits, use the Boyd County guide for the county’s different residential building-permit answer.4

Watch-outs

  • Catlettsburg building permits become invalid if work has not started within 1 year or is suspended or abandoned for 6 months; written extensions may be granted for up to 90 days each.13
  • We could not confirm Catlettsburg’s sewer connection mandate, driveway access requirements or operative city floodplain requirements; ask City Hall which approvals the parcel needs before buying.12
  • We could not confirm a Catlettsburg owner-builder exemption; the city building-permit requirement still applies to construction inside city limits.1
  • Kentucky prohibits seepage pits, cesspools and dry wells for onsite sewage disposal, subject to limited exceptions for existing systems and qualifying older lots.21

Sources

  1. § 150.15 Building Permit Required (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  2. § 150.02 Adoption of Building Code and Related Codes (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  3. § 154.003 Authority and Purpose (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  4. Construction, Permits & Inspection Contacts, quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program, quoted and re-checked
  6. Ashland-Boyd County Health Department - Environmental (2026 county census)
  7. § 150.02 Adoption of Building Code and Related Codes (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  8. Title 902 Chapter 10 Regulation 085 — Kentucky Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems, quoted and re-checked
  9. § 154.102 Standards for Manufactured/Modular Homes (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  10. § 154.136 Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy Required (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  11. Water Well Information for Home Owners (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Catlettsburg City Clerk / City Hall (catlettsburgky.gov)
  13. § 150.16 Permit Fees; Authority of Building Inspector (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  14. § 154.056 R-1 Districts (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  15. § 154.057 R-2 Districts (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  16. § 154.058 R-3 Districts (Catlettsburg), quoted and re-checked
  17. Ashland-Boyd County Health Department Environmental Health (abchdkentucky.com)
  18. Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program, quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  21. 902 KAR 10:085 Kentucky Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Catlettsburg

Catlettsburg’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, improvement, removal, conversion, or demolition of buildings and structures inside Catlettsburg city limits.

    • A separate permit is required for buildings or structures.
    • Applications must include at least two sets of plans.
    • The Building Inspector must determine conformity with city ordinances, the Kentucky Building Code, and other applicable laws.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect a building in the city without first securing a permit therefor.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    All buildings inside Catlettsburg city limits.

    • The Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code are adopted as they may be revised or amended.
    • The City Building Inspector is the designated local enforcement officer.
    • Building Code inspections must be performed by persons certified by the Kentucky Office of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
    • Electrical inspections must be performed by a state-certified electrical inspector approved by the city.

    adopted code: Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code, 815 KAR 7:125

    “The Kentucky Building Code and the Kentucky Residential Code, being 815 KAR 7:125, as promulgated and/or approved by the commonwealth’s Board of Housing, Buildings and Construction”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings inside Catlettsburg city limits subject to the adopted building code.

    • All Building Code inspections must be performed by persons certified by the Kentucky Office of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
    • Electrical inspections must be performed by a state-certified electrical inspector approved by the city.
    • A city building inspection program applies to all buildings.
    “Pursuant to KRS 198B.060(8), a building inspection program is hereby established in the city for application to all buildings.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Any land or building inside Catlettsburg city limits erected or altered in use or structure.

    • The Building Inspector must conduct a final inspection within three days after notification that the building or premises is ready for occupancy or use.
    • The certificate issues only if the land, building, or proposed use conforms to Chapter 154.

    final inspection deadline: 3 days (after notification that the building or premises is ready for occupancy or use)

    “No land or building or part thereof hereafter erected or altered in its use or structure shall be used until the Building Inspector shall have issued a certificate of occupancy”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Catlettsburg city limits; the city administers Chapter 154 zoning districts and regulations.

    • District boundaries are shown on the zoning map on file in the City Clerk's office.
    • Questions concerning exact district boundaries are determined by the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
    “the city shall be divided into districts as hereinafter described, and the regulations, restrictions, and boundaries of districts shall be established, enforced, and amended”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured and modular homes inside Catlettsburg city limits.

    • Homes must be HUD approved and bear Kentucky Division of Building Safety approval certification.
    • Occupancy is limited to the use listed on the Kentucky certified insignia.
    • Homes older than three years are not permitted, except homes pre-existing adoption of the subchapter; replacement of a pre-existing home must comply.
    • The standard applies to single-wide, double-wide, and modular homes.
    • Minimum size is 14 feet wide by 40 feet long and minimum floor area is 560 square feet.
    • Roofing pitch must be at least three-twelfths; siding must be vinyl, metal, wood, or masonry.

    minimum width: >= 14 feet · minimum length: >= 40 feet · minimum floor area: >= 560 square feet · maximum age: <= 3 years (homes pre-existing adoption of the subchapter are excepted)

    “No homes older than three years are permitted, excepting those homes pre-existing the adoption of this subchapter.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications inside Catlettsburg city limits.

    • Applications require no fewer than two sets of plans.
    • The Building Inspector reviews conformity with the applicable code and ordinances.
    • A permit may be issued for foundations while the main permit is pending at the inspector's discretion.
    • A permit becomes invalid if work has not commenced within one year, or if suspended or abandoned for six months; written extensions may be granted for periods not exceeding 90 days each.

    minimum plan sets: >= 2 sets · permit commencement deadline: 1 year (permit becomes invalid unless work has commenced) · permit suspension or abandonment period: 6 months (permit becomes invalid unless an extension applies) · maximum written extension period: <= 90 days (per extension)

    “Each application shall contain no less than two sets of plans for the activity for which a permit is sought.”

Rules another office applies inside Catlettsburg

Catlettsburg does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    One-family dwellings in Catlettsburg R-1 low-density residential districts.

    • For multi-family dwellings, add 7,000 square feet for each additional dwelling unit.
    • The applicable zoning district must be confirmed from the city zoning map.

    minimum lot area: >= 7000 square feet (one-family dwelling) · minimum lot width: >= 70 feet (one-family dwelling)

    “The minimum required lot area for a one-family dwelling is 7,000 square feet; for a multi-family dwelling add 7,000 square feet for each additional dwelling unit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — One-family dwellings in Catlettsburg R-2 medium-density residential districts.
      “The minimum required lot area for a one-family dwelling is 6,000 square feet; for a multi-family dwelling, add 6,000 square feet for each additional dwelling unit.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — One-family dwellings in Catlettsburg R-3 high-density residential districts.
      “The minimum required lot area for a one-family dwelling is 3,750 square feet; for a multi-family dwelling, add 3,750 square feet for each additional dwelling unit.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Catlettsburg or Boyd County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption for construction inside Catlettsburg city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — General dwelling size inside Catlettsburg city limits.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks inside Catlettsburg city limits.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Catlettsburg city limits.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy inside Catlettsburg city limits.
15 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Catlettsburg publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Boyd County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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