Bolthole Index

Bullitt County, Kentucky

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Hillview, Kentucky

Hillview, Kentucky requires a building permit for construction or alteration costing more than $100, or work that enlarges capacity or affects bearing walls or the roof, excepting fences.1 Hillview building-permit applications go to the City Clerk/Treasurer; septic permits come from Bullitt County Health Department.23 We could not confirm Hillview’s zoning districts, setbacks or private-land RV rules; ask City Hall’s Planning & Zoning contact before choosing a property.4

At a glance

Building permit
Required above $100 construction cost or for specified capacity, bearing-wall or roof changes; fences excepted1
Building application
City Clerk/Treasurer; submit signed plans and specifications2
Zoning and setbacks
Not confirmed for Hillview; ask City Hall for Planning & Zoning4
Septic permits
Bullitt County Health Department; new installations and repairs require a septic permit53
RV and tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask City Hall about the proposed use and dwelling4
Owner-installed septic
Homeowner may apply after site evaluation if personally installing; otherwise a Certified Installer applies6
Driveways and fences
Separate free city permit required before fence erection or driveway or drain-tile placement7
Private wells
Kentucky requires a certified driller, with no property-owner application or fee for construction or abandonment8

Who to call

Building permits

Hillview City Clerk/Treasurer — City Hall

Starting point for city building-permit applications and requests for the Planning & Zoning contact; septic permits are handled separately by Bullitt County Health Department.

(502) 957-5280

[email protected]

283 Crestwood Lane Louisville, KY 40229

Septic permits

Bullitt County Health Department — Onsite Sewage

Septic site evaluations, permits, installation inspections and established-system inspections for property in Hillview.

502-955-7867

181 Lees Valley Road Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Floodplain permits

Kentucky Division of Water — Floodplain Permits

State floodplain permits for development in, along or across a stream.

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 Hillview means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Hillview, KY?

Hillview requires a building permit before construction or alteration costing more than $100, or work that enlarges a building’s capacity or affects bearing walls or the roof; the construction-permit provision excepts fences.1 Hillview has adopted the Uniform State Building Code, so a small project’s permit question and its code requirements are separate questions.9

The fence exception does not eliminate all city approval: Hillview separately requires a free permit before erecting a fence of any height or placing a driveway or driveway drain tile.7 Give the city the location and dimensions before starting that work; other required approvals still apply.7

Who handles Hillview building-permit applications and fees?

Hillview building-permit applications go to the City Clerk/Treasurer with plans and specifications showing the proposed work, verified by the signature of the owner, architect or contractor in charge.2 Reach the City Clerk through City Hall at (502) 957-5280 or [email protected]; City Hall is at 283 Crestwood Lane Louisville, KY 40229.4

Hillview’s published construction-permit fees depend on construction cost, and starting construction without a building or compliance permit triggers late fees and penalties.10 Ask the City Clerk/Treasurer to calculate the applicable fee and identify the inspection contact for your particular project before work begins.210

Does Hillview have zoning, and can you live in an RV or tiny home?

We could not confirm Hillview’s zoning districts, minimum lot or dwelling size, setbacks, or rules for private-land RV and tiny-home occupancy; ask City Hall for the Planning & Zoning contact and a written answer for the parcel and proposed use.4 Ask specifically about temporary occupancy while building, manufactured homes and accessory dwellings rather than treating a building-permit answer as permission to live on the site.4

Hillview’s building-permit provision addresses construction and alteration, while the city’s sewer provision addresses wastewater disposal where public sewer is unavailable.111 Neither provision establishes permission for private-land RV living or a tiny-home dwelling; ask the city to resolve the occupancy question before buying or moving a dwelling onto the property.111

How do septic permits work inside Hillview?

Where public sanitary sewer is unavailable, Hillview requires a private wastewater disposal system complying with Bullitt County Health Department requirements and applicable local and state rules until public sewer becomes available.11 Bullitt County Health Department issues septic permits for new installations and repairs serving Hillview property.5

The health department lists a $250 site-evaluation fee, $350 for a farm evaluation, and a separate $275 sewage permit fee.12 After the site evaluation and receipt of system requirements, a homeowner may apply if personally installing the system; otherwise a Certified Installer must apply.6 The installer calls for inspection after installation; an established-system inspection costs $75 and requires the tank and lateral field to be located and staked.13

What are the steps to build a home in Hillview?

  1. Ask City Hall’s Planning & Zoning contact to confirm the proposed dwelling and parcel requirements, including the unresolved setback and occupancy questions.4
  2. Resolve public-sewer availability; where sewer is unavailable, arrange the private wastewater system required by Hillview through Bullitt County Health Department.113 For a septic site evaluation, provide a plat and directions, mark property lines, and arrange a full-size backhoe and experienced operator.14
  3. Submit signed construction plans and specifications to the City Clerk/Treasurer, pay the applicable fee, and secure the building permit before qualifying construction begins.2101
  4. Obtain the separate city driveway or drain-tile permit before placement, and arrange the septic installation inspection with the health department.713

What stays with Bullitt County, and what should Hillview buyers check?

Hillview is the city subject here; for a parcel outside city limits, use the Bullitt County guide for the county’s building-permit and unincorporated zoning answers.1516 Septic evaluations, permits and inspections for Hillview remain with Bullitt County Health Department.3

Kentucky requires a certified water well driller for well construction, modification and abandonment, although the property owner has no state application or fee for construction or abandonment.8 Development in, along or across a stream requires a Kentucky Division of Water floodplain permit.17 Ask City Hall whether the parcel also needs city floodplain review, and whether a certificate of occupancy is required before moving into the finished home; we could not confirm those city requirements.4

Watch-outs

  • Hillview’s construction-permit exception for fences still leaves a separate city fence permit requirement.17
  • Hillview’s private wastewater option is tied to public sewer being unavailable; ask about sewer availability before paying for septic design.11
  • Owner installation of septic is conditional permission to apply for a septic permit, not a confirmed exemption from Hillview building permits.61
  • We could not confirm Hillview’s RV, tiny-home or dimensional zoning rules; request parcel-specific answers from City Hall’s Planning & Zoning contact.4

Sources

  1. § 150.21 Permit Required (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  2. § 150.22 Application (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  3. § 50.030 Public Sewer Not Available (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  4. Hillview City Clerk/Treasurer — City Hall (hillviewky.org)
  5. Sewage (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  6. Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  7. § 150.25 Permit for Fence, Driveway, Driveway Drain Tile (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  8. Water Well Information for Home Owners (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. § 150.01 Adoption of Kentucky Building Code; Standards of Safety (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  10. § 150.24 Fees (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  11. § 50.030 Public Sewer Not Available (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  12. Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  13. Sewage (Hillview), quoted and re-checked
  14. Bullitt County Health Department — Onsite Sewage (bullitthealth.org)
  15. Buildings & Safety / Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  16. Buildings & Safety / Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  17. Kentucky Division of Water — Floodplain Permits (eec.ky.gov)

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 Hillview

Hillview’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or alteration of buildings and structures inside Hillview city limits.

    • The section excepts fences.
    • A permit is required when construction cost exceeds $100 or when the work enlarges capacity or affects bearing walls or the roof.
    • Other permits and approvals may also be required.

    construction cost threshold: > 100 USD (Fences are excepted.)

    “It shall be unlawful to construct or alter any building or structure in the city, excepting fences, when the cost of such construction exceeds one hundred dollars ($100) or where the effect of such construction or alteration is to enlarge the capacity or affect the bearing walls of any building or the roof thereof, without having first secured a permit therefor.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code regulation inside Hillview city limits.

    • The city code adopts the Uniform State Building Code by reference.
    • Section 150.01(B) assigns the City Building Official/Inspector specified plan-review responsibilities and expressly excludes single-family residential structures from that subsection.
    “The Uniform State Building Code is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set out herein.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private wastewater disposal on property inside Hillview city limits where public sanitary sewer is unavailable.

    • Private wastewater disposal is allowed only while public sewer is unavailable and must comply with Bullitt County Health Department and all applicable local and state regulations.
    • The owner must operate and maintain private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at no expense to the city.
    • NPDES/KPDES permit holders may be excepted under the stated conditions.
    “Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of §§ 50.015 through 50.019, the building sewer shall be connected, until the public sewer is available, to a private wastewater disposal system complying with the provisions of Bullitt County Health Department and all applicable local and state regulations.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Building sewer connections and wastewater disposal for property inside Hillview city limits.

    • Where public sanitary sewer is unavailable, the building sewer must connect to a private wastewater disposal system until public sewer becomes available.
    • Private systems must comply with Bullitt County Health Department requirements and applicable local and state regulations.
    • NPDES/KPDES permit holders may be excepted when discharging at permitted points in compliance with the issuing authority.
    “Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of §§ 50.015 through 50.019, the building sewer shall be connected, until the public sewer is available, to a private wastewater disposal system complying with the provisions of Bullitt County Health Department and all applicable local and state regulations.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Placement of a driveway or driveway drain tile inside Hillview city limits.

    • The permit is free of charge.
    • The applicant must provide the location and dimensions.
    • The city may decline the permit for violations of city ordinances, codes, or regulations.
    • Other federal, state, or local permits and approvals may still be required.
    “Before erection of a fence of any height or placement of a driveway or driveway drain tile, a permit must be obtained from the city.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Construction permit applications filed with the Hillview City Clerk/Treasurer.

    • The fee schedule is based on construction cost.
    • A late fee applies after construction has commenced without a building or compliance permit.
    • The late-fee and penalty total may not exceed $1,000.

    fee for construction cost $100-$1,500: 5 USD · fee for construction cost $500,001-$1,000,000: 500 USD · additional fee per $10,000 over $1,000,000: per 10 USD (In addition to $500.) · late fee minimum: >= 100 USD (Plus $100 per day after the first day of construction; total late and penalty fees capped at $1,000.)

    “Each permit application for construction filed with the City Clerk/Treasurer shall be accompanied by a fee as follows:”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Hillview construction permit applications.

    • Applications go to the City Clerk/Treasurer.
    • Applications must include plans and specifications showing the work.
    • Plans must be verified by the owner, architect, or contractor in charge.
    “Application for such permits shall be made to the City Clerk/Treasurer, and shall be accompanied by plans and specifications showing the work to be done; such plans shall be verified by the signature of either the owner of the premises or by the architect or contractor in charge of the operations.”

Rules another office applies inside Hillview

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

  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage disposal systems serving property inside Hillview city limits.

    • Hillview's sewer code requires private wastewater disposal systems where public sanitary sewer is unavailable to comply with Bullitt County Health Department requirements and applicable local and state regulations.
    “The Bullitt County Health Department performs site evaluations, conducts inspections, issues permits, and investigates complaints for onsite sewage disposal systems.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or repaired on-site sewage systems serving property inside Hillview city limits.

    • The Bullitt County Health Department states that new installations and repairs to existing on-site sewage systems require a permit from the department.
    • Kentucky regulation requires the permit before construction, installation, or alteration of a regulated on-site sewage system.

    Bullitt County Health Department sewage permit fee: 275 USD (The county health page separately lists a $250 site-evaluation fee, or $350 for a farm evaluation.)

    “Any new installations or repairs to existing on-site sewage systems are regulated and require a permit from this department.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    On-site sewage disposal systems serving property inside Hillview city limits.

    • The Bullitt County Health Department conducts inspections and states that the installer will call for an inspection when the system has been installed.
    • An established sewage inspection is available with a $75 fee and requires the tank and lateral field to be located and staked.

    established sewage inspection fee: 75 USD

    “A sewage permit will be issued after all of the above have been approved by the environmentalist. The installer will call for an inspection when the system has been installed.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders constructing buildings inside Hillview city limits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy inside Hillview city limits.
  • Local zoning — Land inside Hillview city limits.
  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts and district dimensional schedules inside Hillview city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Hillview city limits.
13 more unanswered
  • Minimum lot size
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • 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.

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

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