Bolthole Index

Calloway County, Kentucky

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Murray, Kentucky

Murray, Kentucky requires a building permit before erecting, moving, adding to or structurally altering a building or other structure.1 Murray administers its own zoning inside city limits in Calloway County.2 Where public sewer is available, Murray requires sewer connection; where sewer is unavailable, an interim private sewage system must comply with Calloway County Health Department requirements.34

At a glance

Building permits
Required; city zoning review applies1
Zoning
Murray has its own zoning code and map2
Septic and sewer
Public sewer takes priority; interim septic goes through Calloway County Health Department34
Residential lot size
R-1: 15,000 square feet; R-2: 10,000 square feet; subdivision rules may be stricter5
Accessory dwellings
Permitted in AG; conditional uses in R-1 and R-267
Manufactured homes
Class A homes allowed subject to district and appearance standards; building permit required8
Private wells
Kentucky requires a certified driller; no owner well-permit application or fee9

Who to call

Building permits

City of Murray Building Department

City building-permit applications, plan review and building inspections

270-762-0350 x1134

500 Main Street

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

City of Murray Planning & Engineering

City zoning, district questions, variances and conditional uses

(270) 762-0350 x1147

500 Main Street

Septic permits

Calloway County Health Department

Onsite wastewater site evaluations, construction permits and installation inspections

270-753-3381

[email protected]

602 Memory Lane

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

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Do you need a building permit in Murray, KY?

Murray requires a building permit reviewed by the Zoning Official before construction, movement, additions or structural alterations begin.1 Murray has adopted the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code, including future state-adopted amendments.10 A proposed home therefore needs both zoning compliance and the applicable building-code review.110

For a new single-family or two-family dwelling, Murray’s published building-permit charge is $150 for the first 1,000 square feet or fraction, plus $5 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction.11 Additions, alterations and accessory buildings have separate rates, and plan-review, utility and other charges may also apply.11 Ask the city Building Department for the total project charges before budgeting construction.12

Who issues building permits in Murray, and who handles zoning?

The City of Murray Department of Planning and Engineering Building Official issues building permits once approvals are complete and the proper fees are paid.12 Reach the city Building Department at 270-762-0350 x1134; the city lists its location as 500 Main Street.12 Murray’s active inspection program covers new construction and significant remodeling for compliance with the Kentucky Building Code before occupancy.12

For district rules, variances or conditional uses, contact Murray Planning & Engineering at (270) 762-0350 x1147.13 Planning staff support the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustments.13 Septic site evaluations and construction permits remain with Calloway County Health Department, rather than the city building counter.1415

Does Murray have zoning, lot-size rules and setbacks?

Murray has its own zoning code and zoning map inside city limits.2 For single-family development, the R-1 minimum lot is 15,000 square feet and the R-2 minimum is 10,000 square feet; subdivision requirements may be more restrictive.5 R-1 requires a 40-foot front yard and 15-foot side yard, while R-2 requires a 30-foot front yard and 10-foot side yard; both require a 25-foot rear yard.16 Corner-lot and accessory-building conditions also apply.16

In Murray’s Agricultural District, a single-family detached residence needs at least 21,780 square feet with an approved sewer connection or satisfactory soil percolation for septic disposal; otherwise, the minimum is 43,560 square feet.17 Sewer availability and septic suitability can therefore change the minimum residential lot size in AG.17 Ask Murray Planning & Engineering to identify the parcel’s district before choosing a building footprint.13

How do septic permits work inside Murray?

Public sewer availability comes first in Murray: covered properties must connect within 180 days after official notice, and private sewage facilities are generally unlawful where public sanitary sewer service is available.318 Where public sewer is unavailable, Murray allows an interim private sewage disposal system complying with Calloway County Health Department and applicable regulations until sewer becomes available.43

Calloway County Health Department requires a site evaluation and Permit to Construct before onsite sewage work begins, with applicable fees paid beforehand.15 Only a Kentucky certified installer or the homeowner installing the system can obtain that construction permit, and the department inspects the system during installation.1519 Call 270-753-3381 for the site evaluation and current fees.20 Countywide, only 1.5% of soils are rated not limited for conventional septic drain fields; that rating supports early site evaluation, not a conclusion that a particular Murray lot cannot support septic.21

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Murray?

We could not confirm a Murray rule authorizing residential RV occupancy or specifically governing tiny-home occupancy; ask Murray Planning & Engineering about the proposed dwelling and parcel before buying or moving onto the site.13 Murray requires zoning review of building permits, so a small footprint does not settle the approval question.1

Murray permits Class A manufactured homes in districts allowing a dwelling unit or commercial building, subject to district requirements and exterior appearance standards, with a building permit required.8 Permanent Class B and C manufactured homes are limited to approved conditional-use mobile-home parks in R-3A.8 Those manufactured-home provisions do not establish permission for residential RV occupancy.8 For a separate accessory dwelling, Murray’s AG district lists accessory dwellings as permitted, while R-1 and R-2 list accessory dwelling units as conditional uses.67

Building a home in Murray: what are the steps, in order?

  1. Ask Murray Planning & Engineering to identify the zoning district and review the proposed use, lot size and setbacks.13516
  2. Establish public sewer availability before planning private wastewater disposal; if sewer is unavailable, arrange the health department’s site evaluation and Permit to Construct.315
  3. Prepare scaled plans in duplicate showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed buildings, building lines, height and intended uses.22
  4. Submit the building-permit application for zoning review and required Fire Marshal review, and pay the applicable fees before beginning work.122
  5. Coordinate the city’s building inspections and, for an onsite sewage system, the health department’s installation inspection before completing the project.1219

What stays with Calloway County, and what should Murray buyers check?

Murray decides city zoning and building-permit review, while Calloway County Health Department determines onsite wastewater site suitability and handles septic construction permits.211415 For land outside Murray’s jurisdiction, consult the Calloway County guide; the county subdivision regulations exclude territory regulated by or permitted to be regulated by Murray.23

Kentucky does not require a property-owner permit application or fee to construct or abandon a private water well, but construction, modification and abandonment require a Kentucky certified water well driller.9 Confirm a proposed city well and its relationship to available utility service with Murray Planning & Engineering before relying on that statewide rule.13 We could not confirm a general Murray owner-builder building-permit exemption or a general minimum dwelling size; ask the city Building Department about the proposed home.12

Watch-outs

  • Murray’s private septic option is interim where public sewer is unavailable; public sewer availability can trigger mandatory connection.3
  • Murray subdivision requirements may be stricter than the R-1 and R-2 lot and setback standards.516
  • We could not confirm residential RV occupancy or tiny-home permission in Murray; ask city Planning & Engineering about the specific parcel and dwelling.13

Sources

  1. Murray Code § 156.076, Building Permits (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  2. Murray Code § 156.001, Title (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  3. Murray Code § 52.10, Mandatory Sewer Connections (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  4. Murray Code § 52.10, Mandatory Sewer Connections (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  5. Murray Code § 156.035, Residential Districts (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  6. Murray Code § 156.042, Agricultural District (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  7. Murray Code § 156.035, Residential Districts (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  8. Murray Code § 156.051, Manufactured/Mobile Home Regulations (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  9. Water Well Information for Home Owners (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Murray Code § 150.01, Adoption by Reference (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  11. Murray Code § 150.11, Building Permits (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  12. City of Murray Building Department (murrayky.gov)
  13. City of Murray Planning & Engineering (murrayky.gov)
  14. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  15. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  16. Murray Code § 156.035, Residential Districts (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  17. Murray Code § 156.042, Agricultural District (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  18. Murray Code § 52.10, Mandatory Sewer Connections (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  19. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  20. Calloway County Health Department (callowayhealth.org)
  21. 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
  22. Murray Code § 156.076, Building Permits (Murray), quoted and re-checked
  23. Subdivision Regulations of Calloway County, Kentucky, 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 Murray

Murray’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erection, movement, addition, or structural alteration of buildings and other structures inside Murray city limits.

    • A permit must be reviewed by the Zoning Official.
    • The permit must conform to the zoning code unless a written Board of Zoning Adjustments decision authorizes otherwise through administrative review, conditional use, or dimensional variance.
    “No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered, nor shall any of said activities be commenced without a building permit reviewed by the Zoning Official.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction inside Murray city limits.

    • Murray adopts the Kentucky Building Code, Kentucky Residential Code, International Building Code, and International Residential Code by reference, including future additions and amendments adopted by the Kentucky Board of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.
    “The Kentucky Building Code as promulgated in 815 KAR 7:120 and the International Building Code and the Kentucky Residential Code as promulgated in 815 KAR 7:125 and the International Residential Code and any and all future additions and amendments by the Board of Housing, Buildings, and Construction, Commonwealth of Kentucky, are hereby adopted in full as if fully set out herein.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Murray city limits; Murray adopts and administers its own zoning code and zoning map.

    • The zoning map is made part of the zoning chapter and certified copies are on file with the Planning Commission and City Clerk.
    “This chapter is entitled and may be referred to as the zoning code. The zoning map referred to herein is entitled "Zoning Map of Murray, Kentucky," and may be referred to as the zoning map.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Murray city limits.

    • The code identifies AG, G, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, F, I, PO, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3A, R-4, and R-5 districts in the use classification table.
    • The zoning map is part of the zoning chapter.
    “AG (Agricultural) G (Government) R-1 (Single Family) B-1 (Neighborhood Business) I (Industrial) R-2 (Single Family) B-2 (Highway Business) PO (Professional Office) R-3 & R-3A (Multi- Family) B-3 (Central Business) F (Floodway) R-4 (Multi-Family) B-4 (Medium Density) R-5 (Multi-Family)”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Permanent Class A manufactured homes inside Murray city limits.

    • Class A homes are permitted in districts permitting a dwelling unit or commercial building, subject to district residential or commercial requirements and exterior appearance standards.
    • A building permit is required for all applications.
    • Class B and C manufactured homes as permanent residences are limited to R-3A mobile-home parks approved as conditional uses.
    • Emergency temporary placement is limited to hardship cases, generally no more than 90 days, and is restricted in residential zones.

    emergency temporary placement maximum: <= 90 days (Longer periods or extensions require Planning Commission approval.)

    “The establishment, location, and use of a Class A manufactured home as a permanent structure approved individually, by specific materials, or by design, shall be permitted in any district permitting a dwelling unit, or commercial building, subject to the requirements applying to residential uses and commercial uses in the district and provided the structure shall meet the exterior appearance standards, as hereinafter set forth in subsection C. A building permit shall be required for all applications for use.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Interim private sewage disposal systems inside Murray city limits when public sanitary sewer is unavailable.

    • The interim private system must comply with the Calloway County Health Department and all applicable state, federal, and local regulations.
    • Additional requirements may be imposed by the appropriate state or county Health Officer.
    “Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of § 52.10 (A), the building sewer shall be connected, until the public sewer is available, to an interim private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of the Calloway County Health Department and all applicable state, federal and local regulations.”
  • Off-grid sanitationProhibited

    Privies, septic tanks, cesspools, lagoons, or similar sewage or wastewater facilities inside Murray city limits where public sanitary sewer service is available.

    • An interim private system is allowed only where public sanitary sewer is unavailable and must comply with Calloway County Health Department and applicable state, federal, and local regulations.
    “Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, lagoon or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage or wastewater, where public sanitary sewer service is available.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Buildings and properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes inside Murray city limits where a public sanitary sewer is located or later located along the relevant street, alley, easement, or right-of-way.

    • Connection is required within 180 days after official notice.
    • If public sewer is unavailable, an interim private sewage disposal system complying with Calloway County Health Department and applicable state, federal, and local regulations may be used until public sewer becomes available.
    • When public sewer becomes available, direct connection must be made as soon as possible as determined by the Murray Sewer System.
    • Private sewage facilities are unlawful where public sanitary sewer service is available, except as otherwise provided.

    connection deadline after official notice: 180 days

    “The owner(s) of all houses, buildings or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation or other purposes, situated within the City of Murray and abutting any street, alley, sewer, easement or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located, a public sanitary sewer, is required, at their expense, to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this chapter within one hundred eighty days (180) after the date of official notice to do so.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Murray building permits.

    • One- and two-family dwelling permits cost $150 for the first 1,000 square feet or fraction and $5 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction.
    • Additions, alterations, and accessory buildings have separate rates.
    • Other fees may apply for plan review, water taps, sewer connections, electrical permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and other legal requirements.
    • No building may be demolished or removed without a permit.

    one- and two-family dwelling first 1000 square feet: 150 USD (For each additional 100 square feet or fraction, $5.)

    “For construction of one-and two-family dwelling, first one thousand (1,000) square feet of floor space or fraction thereof, one hundred fifty dollars ($150); for each additional one hundred (100) square feet of floor space or fraction thereof, five dollars ($5).”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Murray building-permit process.

    • Building-permit applications require plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, building lines, proposed height, intended uses, number of families or housekeeping units, and other enforcement information.
    • The Fire Marshal must review and approve the approved plan before permit issuance.
    • Fees, including plan-review fees, must be paid before work begins.
    “All applications for building permits shall be accompanied by plans in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the actual shape and dimensions of the lot to be built upon; the exact size and location on the lot of any existing principal buildings and accessory buildings; the lines within which the proposed building or structure is to be erected or altered; the proposed height; the existing and intended use of each building or part of building; the number of families or housekeeping units the building is designed to accommodate and such other information with regard to the lot and neighboring lots as may be necessary to determine and provide for the enforcement of this zoning code.”

Rules another office applies inside Murray

Murray 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 sizeSpecified

    Single-family detached residences in the Agricultural District inside Murray city limits.

    • With city or approved sewer connection, or satisfactory soil percolation for septic disposal, the minimum is 21,780 square feet (one-half acre). Otherwise, the minimum is 43,560 square feet (one acre).
    • The Agricultural District otherwise has no lot-size limitation.

    minimum with sewer or satisfactory septic percolation: 21780 square feet (One-half acre.) · minimum otherwise: 43560 square feet (One acre.)

    “Minimum lot. No limitation except for single-family detached residences as a principal permitted use, then 21,780 square feet (½ acre) minimum with connection to sanitary sewers of the city or of an approved sewer district or system, or with evidence of satisfactory soil percolation for septic disposal; otherwise, 43,560 square feet (1 acre) minimum.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family residential development in R-1 and R-2 inside Murray city limits.
      “(1) Minimum lot. (a) R-1 - 15,000 square feet. (b) R-2 - 10,000 square feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Single-family residential development in R-1 and R-2 inside Murray city limits.

    • Corner lots have a minimum 25-foot front yard facing the secondary street.
    • Accessory buildings are permitted only in rear yards and must be at least five feet from lot lines, subject to corner-lot secondary-yard restrictions.
    • Subdivision regulations may vary and may be more restrictive.

    R-1 front yard: 40 feet · R-2 front yard: 30 feet · R-1 side yard: 15 feet · R-2 side yard: 10 feet · R-1 and R-2 rear yard: 25 feet

    “Minimum front yards. (a) R-1 - 40 feet (b) R-2 - 30 feet [...] Minimum side yards. (a) R-1 - 15 feet. (b) R-2 - 10 feet. [...] Minimum rear yards. R-1 and R-2 - 25 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Development in the Agricultural District inside Murray city limits.
      “Minimum lot frontage. 75 feet at right-of-way. (3) Minimum front yard. 80 feet from center of line of road. (4) Minimum side yard. 25 feet. (5) Minimum rear yard. 25 feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Development in R-1 and R-2 inside Murray city limits.

    • Subdivision regulations may vary from subdivision to subdivision and may be more restrictive.

    maximum lot coverage: 35 percent

    “Maximum lot coverage. R-1 and R-2 - 35%.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed

    Accessory dwelling units in the Agricultural (AG) District inside Murray city limits.

    • The Agricultural District lists accessory dwellings as a permitted principal use, subject to other applicable zoning and building requirements.
    “Religious assembly, education buildings, and accessory dwellings.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Short-term rentalsAllowed

    Short-term rentals in R-1 and R-2 Residential Districts inside Murray city limits.

    • The R-1/R-2 section lists short-term rentals among accessory uses customarily incidental to the principal use.
    • Other zoning, building, and applicable licensing requirements may still apply.
    “Accessory uses customarily incidental to the principal use of the premises, such as short-term rentals.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from Murray building-permit or inspection requirements.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Murray city limits.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of recreational vehicles on land inside Murray city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Murray city limits.
  • Septic permit — Private sewage disposal systems inside Murray city limits when public sewer is unavailable.
3 more unanswered
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption

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 Murray publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Calloway County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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