Bolthole Index

Oldham County, Kentucky

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Oldham County, Kentucky

45Index Score / 100
#114 of 120 in Kentucky

Unincorporated Oldham County, Kentucky requires building permits and inspections for construction subject to the county Buildings & Inspections Office1. Oldham County Planning & Development Services administers zoning for unincorporated land, while the Oldham County Health Department handles local septic approval2,3. Prospect, a city mainly in Jefferson County that reaches into Oldham County, has its own zoning rules4.

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

Yes.

Yes. Oldham County requires a building-permit application for construction subject to the county Buildings & Inspections Office1. The office enforces state and locally mandated building and electrical codes, and required inspections check new construction and electrical work against approved documents and applicable standards1. The published fee schedule lists a single-family building permit at $0.15 per square foot or a $100 flat fee; confirm the current calculation for your project before applying7. Kentucky's residential code leaves single-family permit requirements to local ordinance, and Oldham County has adopted local enforcement1,9. A homeowner plumbing permit is available under limited conditions, but it is not an exemption from Oldham County's building permit5.

Who issues building permits and how do you reach them in Oldham County?

The Oldham County Buildings & Inspections Office, in the Fiscal Court Building at 100 West Jefferson Street in La Grange, handles county building and electrical permits and inspections.

The Oldham County Buildings & Inspections Office, in the Fiscal Court Building at 100 West Jefferson Street in La Grange, handles county building and electrical permits and inspections1. County permit applications may be submitted electronically to the office's published email address1. The office does not issue plumbing, septic or HVAC permits: state authorities handle plumbing and HVAC, while the Oldham County Health Department administers local septic permit intake and approval1,3. Inside Prospect, a city mainly in Jefferson County that reaches into Oldham County, building applications need a city preliminary certificate of conformance before county building review, then city approval before construction10. Septic approval for Oldham County addresses remains with the Oldham County Health Department3.

Does Oldham County have zoning?

Oldham County Planning & Development Services administers zoning for unincorporated Oldham County and reviews development for compliance with locally adopted plans and regulations.

Oldham County Planning & Development Services administers zoning for unincorporated Oldham County and reviews development for compliance with locally adopted plans and regulations2. The county publishes zoning applications, zoning-confirmation materials, zoning-map amendment forms and its comprehensive zoning ordinance2. Uses and dimensional controls vary by district, so obtain a zoning confirmation before relying on a parcel for an RV, tiny home, particular setback or minimum house size2. In the R-2A Residential District, the minimum lot area is 7,500 square feet with sanitary sewers and 43,560 square feet without them, with a 30-foot front setback, 7-foot minimum side setback, 16 feet total for both sides, and 25-foot rear setback6. In the AG-2 Agricultural Business District, the minimum front setback is 50 feet, the side setback 15 feet and the rear setback 40 feet6. Prospect, mainly in Jefferson County but extending into Oldham County, adopts its own zoning by reference to Jefferson County district regulations and city-boundary maps4. Septic approval for Oldham County addresses stays with the Oldham County Health Department3. We could not confirm minimum house size; ask Planning & Development Services about an unincorporated parcel2.

How do septic permits work in Oldham County?

The Oldham County Health Department administers local septic permit intake and approval under Kentucky's onsite-sewage rules.

The Oldham County Health Department administers local septic permit intake and approval under Kentucky's onsite-sewage rules3. Start with a certified site evaluation, then obtain the Health Department form and submit the required proposed-system drawing and permit fee3,11. A new-system permit costs $300 and normally lasts one year unless extended3. A certified inspector must approve an installed, constructed, altered or repaired system before backfilling11. Only about 21.5% of Oldham County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency12. If public sewer is unavailable, the house drain must connect to an approved private sewage-disposal system13.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Oldham County?

Oldham County’s recreational-camping standards require RVs in regulated camping areas to occupy approved RV spaces in parks and campgrounds; permanent residence is prohibited, as is continuous occupancy beyond 6 months.

Oldham County’s recreational-camping standards require RVs in regulated camping areas to occupy approved RV spaces in parks and campgrounds; permanent residence is prohibited, as is continuous occupancy beyond 6 months6. Those standards govern recreational camping areas and do not establish a separate permission to live in an RV on a private home-building site6. We could not confirm a separate temporary-camping rule for private home sites or a tiny-home occupancy rule; ask Oldham County Planning & Development Services about your proposed use and parcel’s district before relying on either arrangement2.

Building a home in Oldham County: the steps, in order

Confirm the parcel's zoning district and any subdivision review with Oldham County Planning & Development Services.

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district and any subdivision review with Oldham County Planning & Development Services2,14.
  2. Arrange the certified septic site evaluation, then submit the Health Department form, proposed-system drawing and fee3,11.
  3. For a home driveway onto a state highway, apply to the state District Engineer15.
  4. Apply to Oldham County Buildings & Inspections and obtain the separate plumbing and HVAC approvals handled outside that office1.
  5. Schedule required building and electrical inspections; obtain septic inspection approval before backfilling1,11.
  6. Resolve floodplain approval before development; both county and state floodplain permits may be required8.
  7. Do not occupy a permitted structure until the Oldham County Office of Building Inspections grants a certificate of occupancy; outstanding county permit or reinspection fees must be paid first16.

What to check before you buy land in Oldham County

Make septic feasibility the first physical contingency: only about 21.5% of Oldham County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.

Make septic feasibility the first physical contingency: only about 21.5% of Oldham County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field12. Confirm zoning and floodplain status before closing; floodplain development may need both county and state permits2,8. Kentucky requires no property-owner permitting application or fee for constructing or abandoning a private water well, but a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller must perform construction, modification and abandonment17. Utility installation in the county right-of-way requires approval from the Oldham County Engineer, but that rule does not require a private parcel to connect to public water or sewer18. Typical home values are about $452,848 and farmland averages about $8,262 an acre12. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, with a median annual bill near $3,45412.

Watch-outs

  • Oldham County's Buildings & Inspections Office does not issue plumbing, septic or HVAC permits — those go through the state Division of Plumbing/Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, and the county Health Department, respectively1.
  • Kentucky's homeowner permit applies only to personally performed plumbing, sewerage or drainage work in a personally occupied or constructed residence; it does not waive Oldham County's building permit5.
  • A qualifying farmstead on at least 10 acres outside municipal limits may receive a plumbing-related exemption, but that is not a general exemption from Oldham County building permits or zoning5.
  • Development in a mapped floodplain needs both a state and a local floodplain permit, not just one or the other19.

Sources

19 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 12, 2026

  1. Buildings & Inspections
  2. Planning & Development Services
  3. Onsite Sewage
  4. Prospect: § 155.01 Adoption by reference (Oldham County)
  5. Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction Frequently Asked Questions
  6. Oldham County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
  7. Fee Schedule for Building Permits
  8. Floodplain Administrator
  9. 815 KAR 7:125, Kentucky Residential Code (Kentucky statewide rule)
  10. Prospect: § 150.56 Procedure for obtaining permit (Oldham County)
  11. 902 KAR 10:085 Kentucky on-site sewage disposal systems
  12. 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
  13. 815 KAR 20:130. House sewers and storm water piping; methods of installation (Kentucky statewide rule)
  14. Oldham County Subdivision Regulations
  15. 603 KAR 1:020 Driveway approaches, entrances; construction and maintenance (Kentucky statewide rule)
  16. Oldham County Commercial Building Applications
  17. Water Well Information for Home Owners (Kentucky statewide rule)
  18. Oldham County Engineer
  19. Find Your Flood Zone (Kentucky statewide rule)

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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Oldham County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleOldham CountyJefferson CountyTrimble CountyHenry CountyShelby CountySpencer CountyCarroll County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.Louisville Metro Dept. of Public Health & WellnessNorth Central District Health Dept.North-Central District Health Dept.North Central District Health Dept.North Central District Health Dept.Three Rivers District Health Dept.

County locator

Oldham County in Kentucky

45
County map
Oldham County highlighted among the Kentucky counties · colored by Index score

How Oldham County scores

45 / 100 · #114 of 120 in Kentucky · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion18100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost66100% 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 →

$453kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$8,262Land / acre
51.4"Annual rain
1.6% of yrsSevere drought
7.3 / yr (+6.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.13" (+11.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.82×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,886Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.42%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
450,568People within 30 min
5,322,332People within 2 hr
205,665Radius comparison (15 mi)
374.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
77.5%Land at 15% slope or less
21.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
24,800 acWorkable land screen
53%Wooded land
72.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Oldham County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Crestwood · La Grange · Orchard Grass Hills · Pewee Valley · River Bluff

Answers from the rulebook for Oldham County

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

Oldham County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction subject to the Oldham County Buildings & Inspections Office.

    • The county page describes a permitting process followed by inspections and code-conformance enforcement.
    • Plumbing, septic, and HVAC permits are handled through other authorities identified on the county page.
    “The permitting process and subsequent inspections are intended to discover substandard work, faulty materials, deviations from the submitted documents or violations of codes or standards which could result in unsafe conditions, affect the longevity of the building, harm the public welfare or cause excessive use of our natural resources.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building and electrical construction in Oldham County under state and locally mandated codes.

    • The county office enforces both state and locally mandated building and electrical codes.
    • The page also describes nationally and locally adopted standards and codes related to construction and electrical fields.
    “Its purpose is to enforce the state and locally mandated building and electrical codes.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New construction and electrical work subject to Oldham County inspection jurisdiction.

    • The office enforces both state and locally mandated building and electrical codes.
    “The permitting process and subsequent inspections are intended to discover substandard work, faulty materials, deviations from the submitted documents or violations of codes or standards”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures permitted by the Oldham County Office of Building Inspections.

    • No certificate is granted until all fees associated with the permit, including electrical or building re-inspection fees due to Oldham County, are paid in full.
    • Agricultural-exempt structures may be treated differently under state guidance; that specific issue was not resolved from the current residential form.
    “THE STRUCTURE WILL NOT BE OCCUPIED UNTIL A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS GRANTED. Before occupation of any structure permitted by the Building Official and Office of Building Inspections, there must be issued, on official stationary of the Office, a signed ‘Certificate of Occupancy.’”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use zoning administered through Oldham County Planning and Development Services and the Oldham County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

    • Specific uses, dimensional controls, permits, and conditional-use requirements vary by zoning district.
    “It reviews development proposals for compliance with locally adopted plans and regulations. It monitors development activity and requires conformance through property code enforcement.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning applications, zoning confirmations, and zoning-map amendments handled through Oldham County Planning & Development Services.

    • The official county source confirms county planning and zoning materials and applications; parcel-specific district standards and approvals must be checked separately.
    “Associated Applications / Forms for Code Enforcement, Board of Adjustments, Planning and Zon ing”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Oldham County zoning information and zoning-map amendment materials.

    • The planning website publishes zoning applications, a zoning confirmation request form, zoning-map amendment development-plan materials, and a comprehensive zoning ordinance package.
    • District-specific dimensional and use standards were not extracted here.
    “Oldham County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Package”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Development in the R-2A Residential District.

    • With sanitary sewers, the minimum lot area is 7,500 square feet.
    • Without sanitary sewers, the minimum lot area is 43,560 square feet.
    • Within the city of Pewee Valley, the minimum lot area is 43,560 square feet; municipal rules may also apply.
    • The county effective date stated in the ordinance is September 17, 2019.

    minimum lot area with sanitary sewers: 7500 square feet · minimum lot area without sanitary sewers: 43560 square feet · minimum lot area within Pewee Valley: 43560 square feet

    “Minimum Lot Area: 7,500 square feet with sanitary sewers 43,560 square feet without sanitary sewers 43,560 square feet within the city of Pewee Valley”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Development in the R-2A Residential District.

    • The standards apply to the R-2A district and are not a uniform countywide setback.
    • The county effective date stated in the ordinance is September 17, 2019.

    minimum front yard setback: 30 feet · minimum side yard setback: 7 feet · minimum total side yard setback: 16 feet (Total for both sides.) · minimum street side yard setback: 30 feet · minimum rear yard setback: 25 feet

    “Minimum Side Yard Setback: 7 feet 16 feet total for both sides Minimum Street Side Yard Setback: 30 feet Minimum Rear Yard Setback: 25 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Development in the AG-2 Agricultural Business District.
      “Minimum Front Yard Setback: 50 feet Minimum Side Yard Setback: 15 feet Minimum Street Side Yard Setback: 50 feet; or 75 feet when adjacent to an arterial roadway”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational vehicle occupancy in recreational camping areas, public and private, governed by Oldham County zoning.

    • RV placement is limited to approved recreational vehicle spaces in RV parks and campgrounds.
    • RV parks must meet the ordinance's 20-acre minimum development site standard, 10 percent open-space standard, and 30-foot required-yard standard.
    • Each RV space must have an appropriate parking pad.
    • Sanitary facilities must comply with Commonwealth of Kentucky and Oldham County Health Department requirements.
    • Floodplain RV spaces must comply with applicable minimum-elevation requirements.
    • Permanent residence, dwelling, or business use is prohibited; continuous occupancy beyond six months is prohibited.
    • The county effective date stated in the ordinance is September 17, 2019.

    minimum development site area: >= 20 acres · minimum open space: >= 10 percent · required yards: 30 feet · maximum continuous occupancy: <= 6 months (Continuous occupancy extending beyond 6 months is prohibited.)

    “Permanent Occupancy Prohibited: No RV shall be used as a permanent place of residence, dwelling or business. Continuous occupancy extending beyond 6 months shall be prohibited.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage permitting in Oldham County.

    • The Oldham County Health Department administers the local permit intake and approval process under Kentucky on-site sewage regulations.
    • State regulation governs the applicable technical and permitting standards.
    “Obtain permit form from the Oldham County Health Department.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New on-site sewage systems in Oldham County.

    • A proposed-system drawing is required.
    • The state regulation requires a detailed drawing, specifications, and permit fees with the construction-permit application.
    • The permit is issued by a certified inspector to a certified installer or homeowner and expires one year after issuance unless extended.

    permit fee: 300 USD · permit term: 1 year (unless an extension is granted by the cabinet)

    “A drawing of the proposed septic system is required for issuance of permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Utility work within the Oldham County public right-of-way.

    • Approval from the Oldham County Engineer is required for utility installation work in the county right-of-way; this claim does not establish a general requirement to connect a private parcel to public water or sewer.
    “Anyone desiring to do work within the public right-of-way must obtain approval from the Oldham County Engineer using the Road Encroachment for Utility Installations Permit Application.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision consideration and plat processes in Oldham County.

    • Development or subdivision generally begins by contacting Planning and Development; after planning or legislative approval, construction plans and calculations are submitted to the County Engineer for approval.
    “Once a land owner or developer has obtained approval from the Oldham County Planning Commission and/or legislative body for their project, they shall submit their construction plans and calculations to the Oldham County Engineer for approval.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New entrances or driveways serving commercial building applications in Oldham County.

    • Written approval is required to add a driveway onto a city, county, or state road.
    • The applicable authority may be the County, City of La Grange, City of Pewee Valley, or Kentucky State Road Department.
    “Required for All Applications where new entrance created.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Oldham County flood hazard areas and development in, along, or across streams.

    • Both a local Oldham County permit and state floodplain-development permit may be required; state requirements are outlined in 401 KAR 4:060.
    “In addition to the state floodplain development permits, a local Oldham County permit is also required.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Oldham County building permits and related building inspections.

    • The opened schedule states an effective date of November 1, 2022; fees vary by building type and may be per square foot or flat/minimum fees.

    single-family building permit: 0.15 USD per square foot or $100 flat fee · manufactured/modular house: 0.11 USD per square foot or $100 flat fee · mobile home single wide: 0.07 USD per square foot or $100 flat fee

    “Oldham County Planning & Development Services Fee Schedule for Building Permits Effective November 1, 2022”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building permit and inspection submission process.

    • Applications may be submitted electronically; plumbing, septic, and HVAC permits are directed outside Planning and Development; separate permit forms and fee schedules are published.
    “All Permit / Applications may be submitted electronically to: PermitsInspections@OldhamCountyKY.gov”

Kentucky rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowner permits for plumbing, sewerage, or drainage work in a personally occupied or personally constructed residence.

    • Application must be made before work begins.
    • The homeowner must file an affidavit.
    • All work must comply with the state plumbing code.
    • All work must be personally performed by the owner.
    • Only one homeowner permit for construction of a new home may be issued to an individual in a five-year period.
    • This source addresses plumbing permits, not a general building-permit exemption.

    new-home homeowner permits: 1 permit per individual per five years

    “All the work shall be personally performed by the owner.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An individual property owner performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work on property the individual owns and occupies.
      “KRS 198B.650 to 198B.689 shall not apply to: [...] (3) An individual owner of real property while practicing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work on or within property owned and occupied by the individual;”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping or sleeping in the specified public and private pedestrian or vehicle-use areas statewide.

    • The person must knowingly enter or remain in a listed area with intent to sleep or camp.
    • The area must not have been designated for sleeping or camping, or the individual must lack authorization to sleep or camp there.
    • The listed areas include streets, sidewalks, areas under bridges or underpasses, paths, parks, cemeteries, and other areas designated for pedestrians or vehicles, including ingress or egress areas to businesses, homes, or public buildings.
    • The first offense is a violation; a second or subsequent offense, or a first offense where the person refuses to cease, is a Class B misdemeanor.
    • The section does not prohibit customary and temporary use of recreational camping areas, rest areas, or other properties specifically designated for resting or sleeping.
    • Temporary sleeping in a vehicle parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot is not prevented when sleeping and parking occur for less than twelve (12) hours.

    temporary vehicle sleeping period: < 12 hours (The vehicle must be parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot.)

    “A person is guilty of unlawful camping when he or she knowingly enters or remains on a public or private street, sidewalk, area under a bridge or underpass, path, park, cemetery, or other area designated for use by pedestrians or vehicles, including areas used for ingress or egress to businesses, homes, or public buildings, with the intent to sleep or camp in that area, when the area has not been designated for the purpose of sleeping or camping or the individual lacks authorization to sleep or camp in the area.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Temporary camping locations for unsheltered homeless individuals designated by local governments under Kentucky law.
      “A local government may designate indoor or outdoor areas with defined boundaries in an area zoned for commercial or industrial use, separate from any area frequently used for public purposes, as a temporary camping location for unsheltered homeless individuals.”
    • Limited — Temporary parking of recreational vehicles on public or private property associated with specified publicly announced events.
      “Nothing in KRS 219.310 to 219.410 shall be construed to apply to the temporary parking of recreational vehicles on public or private property, for not more than thirty (30) days, associated with festivals, fairs, sporting events, yard sales, or other publicly announced events.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny houses used as single dwelling units set on a permanent foundation under the Kentucky Residential Code

    • Section R328 applies only to tiny houses set on a permanent foundation
    • Tiny houses must otherwise comply with the code except as stated in R328
    • Local zoning may add rules; not researched here
    “this section shall be applicable to tiny houses used as single dwelling units set on a permanent foundation. tiny houses shall comply with this code except as otherwise stated in this section.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Qualified manufactured homes in residential zones of local governments engaged in planning and zoning under KRS Chapter 100

    • Applies to cities, counties, urban-county, charter county, unified local and consolidated local governments engaged in planning and zoning under KRS Chapter 100
    • Qualified manufactured home: manufactured not more than 5 years before installation, transport parts removed, permanent foundation, installed per KRS 227.570, at least 20 feet wide (or two stories with entrance facing street), at least 900 sq ft living area
    • Local governments may adopt compatibility standards limited to roof pitch, livable square footage, exterior materials, foundation skirting, attached structures, and setbacks/lot dimensions/orientation no stricter than for site-built homes
    • Architectural standards must be equivalent to, not more stringent than, those for other single-family structures in the zone
    • Compatibility measured by assessed value of housing within 1/8 mile
    • Smaller homes may be treated as qualified if lot setbacks would not reasonably accommodate a 20 ft / 900 sq ft home
    • Does not affect deed restrictions, covenants or historic property regulations; violating regulations are void
    • Text effective July 1, 2026

    minimum width: >= 20 feet (or two stories with main entrance facing street; smaller homes if lot cannot accommodate) · minimum living area: >= 900 square feet (smaller if lot cannot accommodate) · compatibility radius: <= 0.125 mile

    “a local government shall not adopt or enforce any zoning regulation, ordinance, or other requirement that: (a) excludes qualified manufactured homes from any residential zone where single-family residences are permitted”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Every on-site sewage disposal system installed, constructed, altered, or repaired in Oldham County under Kentucky's statewide onsite sewage rules.

    • Inspection must be performed by a certified inspector.
    • The rule applies to systems installed, constructed, altered, or repaired.
    • The program is administered through local health departments, which perform site evaluations and inspections.
    • A site evaluation is required before obtaining a permit to construct, install, or alter an onsite sewage disposal system.
    • The regulation states that a variance may not waive site evaluation or system inspection.
    • The regulation history states the current certification effective date as 2023-08-10.
    “Backfilling shall not be done until after the system has been inspected and approved to that point of construction by a certified inspector.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Site evaluation and approval for on-site sewage disposal systems in Oldham County.
      “A certified inspector or professional engineer shall evaluate each proposed site.”
    • Required — Every Kentucky onsite sewage disposal system that is installed, constructed, altered, or repaired.
      “Every on-site sewage disposal system installed, constructed, altered, or repaired shall be inspected by a certified inspector.”
  • Off-grid sanitationProhibited

    Use of seepage pits, cesspools, or dry wells as onsite sewage disposal systems statewide in Kentucky, subject to the Section 13 exception.

    • The prohibition is subject to the exception provided in Section 13 of 902 KAR 10:085.
    • Section 13 permits limited repair or alteration of existing seepage-pit systems when municipal or public sewage treatment is unavailable and repair or alteration is required because of malfunction, damage, or upgrade.
    • A limited single-family vacant-lot exception applies to certain lots purchased on or before May 1, 1992, if bona fide construction began by December 25, 1992.
    “Except as provided in Section 13 of this administrative regulation, use of seepage pits, cesspools, or dry wells;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Well permitNot required

    Construction or abandonment of a private water well by a property owner statewide in Kentucky.

    • Construction, modification, and abandonment must be performed by a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller.
    • The certified driller must complete and submit required documentation within sixty days after completion.
    • The conclusion concerns owner permitting applications and fees; it does not eliminate the separate driller-certification requirement.

    well documentation submission deadline: 60 days after completion

    “there are no permitting applications or fees for constructing or abandoning a water well required of the property owner.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Kentucky farmstead exemption for plumbing permits and related plumbing, sewerage, or drainage work.
      “To qualify for a farmstead exemption the following must be met. A farm dwelling together with other farm buildings and structures incident to the operation and maintenance of the farm situated on 10 acres or more of land which is located outside the corporate limits of a municipality.”
    • 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.”
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Building-permit requirement for a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, or similar use that is governed by the Kentucky Residential Code.

    • The exemption is limited to one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses.
    • The floor area must not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m²).
    • The exemption does not authorize work that violates the code or any other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction.
    • The Kentucky Residential Code applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses no more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures.
    • 815 KAR 7:125 separately provides that permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are not required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.

    maximum exempt accessory-structure floor area: <= 200 sq ft (One-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses.) · maximum exempt accessory-structure floor area: <= 18.58 m² (One-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses.)

    “One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m²).”
  • 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' statutory authority to enact zoning regulations, including county-regulated areas outside incorporated municipalities as determined by the applicable planning-unit and political-boundary structure.

    • The statute expressly authorizes both cities and counties to enact zoning regulations.
    • A zoning regulation must contain text listing the types of zones and regulations applicable in each zone, uniform throughout the zone, and provisions for variances, conditional-use permits, and nonconforming uses.
    • Authorized subjects include land activities, structure dimensions and locations, open-space and distance requirements, density, special-interest districts, fringe areas, and activities or structures near thoroughfares, water bodies, public facilities, aircraft facilities, unique places, and floodplains.
    • Agricultural land must have no regulations except that setback lines may be required for streets and highways; floodway or floodplain buildings or structures may be fully regulated; mobile homes and other dwellings may be regulated; and uses under KRS 100.111(2)(c) may be regulated as conditional uses.
    • The applicable planning unit and political boundaries determine the area governed by a county zoning regulation.
    “Cities and counties may enact zoning regulations which shall contain:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — 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.
      “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Kentucky county authority, as a local government, to enforce the Uniform State Building Code and issue building permits within its jurisdiction, including unincorporated residential construction.
      “Each local government shall employ a building official or inspector and other code enforcement personnel as necessary, or shall contract for inspection and code enforcement services in accordance with subsections (8) and (11) of this section to enforce the Uniform State Building Code within the boundaries of its jurisdiction, except that permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be mandatory for single-family residences unless a local government passes an ordinance requiring inspections of single-family residences.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Oldham County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Oldham County.
  • Building height — Building-height requirements in Oldham County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Oldham County.

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 Oldham County, Kentucky

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

Oldham County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and strong self-sufficiency basics: 51.4″/yr rainfall plus 53% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 450,568 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

How much does land cost in Oldham County, Kentucky?

Land in Oldham County runs about $8,262 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Oldham County?

Oldham County gets about 51.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.6% of years.

How remote is Oldham County?

A representative private-land location has about 450,568 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,322,332 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.

How Oldham compares in Kentucky

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