Bolthole Index

Union County, Kentucky

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

68Index Score / 100
#35 of 120 in Kentucky

Union County, Kentucky excepts single-family dwellings from its building-code inspection permit requirement, while covered multi-family, commercial and change-of-occupancy projects go to the state Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction1. Electrical work still requires a county electrical permit1. Zoning coverage of unincorporated land is unconfirmed, and septic permits go through the Green River District Health Department23.

At a glance

Building permit
Single-family dwellings are excepted; permits for multi-family, commercial and occupancy-change construction go to the state DHBC1
Electrical permit
Required for all electrical work in Union County, through the county's certified electrical inspector1
Zoning
The county's zoning map covers Morganfield, Sturgis and Waverly city limits; coverage of unincorporated land is unconfirmed42
Septic
Permitted by the Green River District Health Department's Union County Health Center3
Owner-builder exemption
None confirmed on an authoritative county source5
Statewide default
No permit, inspection or certificate of occupancy for a single-family home unless a local ordinance requires it6
Driveway access
A written application to the state Department of Highways district engineer is required for a new farm or single-family driveway onto a state road7
Septic-friendly soils
About 17.9% of the county's soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field8

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Union County Joint Planning Commission

Administers the county's zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations and comprehensive plan; formed as a joint city-county body under KRS Chapter 100

(270) 389-2093

510 South Mart Street, Morganfield, KY 42437

Building permits

Union County Building Code (Planning Commission page; permits routed to state DHBC)

States which construction requires a building-code inspection permit in Union County, routes those permit applications to the state Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, and administers local electrical permits

(502) 573-0373

Zoning

Union County Zoning Ordinance & Map (Planning Commission page)

Describes the boundaries and purpose of the county's adopted zoning ordinance and map

Septic permits

Union County Health Center (Green River District Health Department) — Onsite Sewage Program

Local Green River District Health Department office for Union County; administers onsite sewage (septic) site evaluations and permits under Kentucky's statewide program

(270) 389-1230

218 W. McElroy St., Morganfield, KY 42437

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

It depends what you are building. Union County's own building-code page states that building-code inspection permits are required for new construction and alteration of multi-family dwellings, commercial buildings, and changes of occupancy, but single-family dwellings are the stated exception to that requirement1. For the categories that do need a permit, the county directs applicants to the state's Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction rather than handling it locally, at (502) 573-03731. This lines up with Kentucky's statewide default, under which permits, inspections and certificates of occupancy are not required for a single-family dwelling unless a local ordinance requires them6. Electrical work is different: electrical permits are required for all electrical work in Union County, including in a single-family home, and a homeowner may pull that permit for the home they currently live in while doing the work themselves1.

Who handles construction permits in Union County, and how do you reach them?

For multi-family, commercial or change-of-occupancy construction, direct your permit application to the state's Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction in Frankfort at (502) 573-0373, since Union County routes these applications there rather than issuing them itself1. Union County's published building-permit application covers residential, commercial and industrial construction, alterations, demolition or moving, and changes in use; it asks for property, use, structural, setback, drainage and applicant information9. For electrical work, contact the county's certified electrical inspector through the Union County Planning Commission1. General planning and zoning questions go to the Union County Joint Planning Commission at 510 South Mart Street in Morganfield, (270) 389-2093, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.10.

Does Union County have zoning?

Union County has an adopted zoning ordinance and map administered by the Union County Joint Planning Commission, a body formed in 1972 through an interlocal agreement between the Union County Fiscal Court and the cities of Morganfield, Sturgis, Uniontown and Waverly, with Uniontown later withdrawing in 1979410. The zoning map itself displays land-use zones and districts within the boundaries of the cities of Morganfield, Sturgis and Waverly, so the confirmed zoning coverage is city-based rather than established as reaching unincorporated county land2. Kentucky law lets a county's legislative body and fiscal court enact permanent zoning once the required comprehensive-plan elements are adopted, and a joint city-county commission like Union County's can exercise that authority within its planning unit, but whether the zoning ordinance's district rules extend past city limits onto unincorporated parcels was not confirmed on the county's own pages, so ask the Planning Commission directly for your specific parcel11. Subdivision of land, by contrast, needs planning-commission approval statewide regardless of zoning district, so any lot split in Union County still runs through this same commission12.

How do septic permits work in Union County?

Septic systems in Union County are permitted through the Green River District Health Department's Union County Health Center rather than a county building office3. Reach that office at (270) 389-1230, at 218 West McElroy Street in Morganfield13. A homeowner who wants to install the homeowner's own system must obtain a homeowner permit through the local health department, and the design must follow an onsite evaluation of the site's soil and conditions14. Every installed, constructed, altered or repaired system must be inspected by a certified inspector before use15. About 17.9% of Union County's soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain the site evaluation before committing to a building location8.

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

Whether you can live in an RV long-term on unincorporated land in Union County is unconfirmed, since the county's zoning map is described as covering the cities of Morganfield, Sturgis and Waverly rather than an explicitly documented unincorporated-county rule2. Kentucky's statewide vehicle-sleeping rule only protects sleeping temporarily in a vehicle parked lawfully on a public road, street or parking lot for less than 12 hours, so it does not answer the separate question of living in an RV on private land16. A tiny home built as a single-family dwelling is excepted from Union County's building-code permit requirement the same way any other single-family home is, though it would still need any required electrical permit, so confirm siting and zoning directly with the Planning Commission before you commit to a location110.

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

First, call the Union County Joint Planning Commission at (270) 389-2093 to confirm your parcel's zoning status and whether any subdivision approval applies to your lot10. Second, contact the Union County Health Center at (270) 389-1230 for a septic site evaluation, since only about 17.9% of county soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field138. Third, apply for and obtain your septic construction permit through the health department before any site work begins17. Fourth, remember that a single-family dwelling itself does not need Union County's building-code inspection permit, but electrical work does, so arrange your electrical permit through the county's certified electrical inspector before that work begins1. Fifth, if you are adding a multi-family, commercial, or change-of-occupancy structure instead, direct that permit application to the state Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction at (502) 573-03731. Sixth, if your driveway will connect to a state-maintained road, submit a written application to the district engineer of the Kentucky Department of Highways before construction7. Seventh, schedule your final septic inspection with a certified inspector before the system is backfilled15.

What to check before you buy land in Union County

Union County farmland has recently sold for around $6,523 an acre, well above many surrounding rural counties, and typical homes in the county are valued near $141,5611819. The county gets about 47.6 inches of rain a year and has sat in severe drought about 3.7% of years2021. About 89.5% of the county's land sits at 15% slope or less, so grading is easy on most parcels, and about 17.9% of soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, a workable but not guaranteed share, so plan on a site evaluation228. About 20.5% of the county is wooded, less than many rural Kentucky counties, since much of Union County is in row-crop agriculture, which is part of why farmland here commands a higher price23. Confirm with the Planning Commission whether your specific parcel sits inside or outside a zoned city boundary before you assume either way about zoning2. Union County's effective property tax rate runs about 0.8%, with a median annual property tax bill near $858, and a typical home insurance premium around $1,711 a year242526.

Watch-outs

  • Union County's own building-code page excepts single-family dwellings from its building-code permit requirement; this contradicts the general 'required' summary elsewhere, so confirm directly with the Planning Commission if your project is anything other than a straightforward single-family home1.
  • The county's confirmed zoning map covers Morganfield, Sturgis and Waverly city limits; do not assume the same zoning rules automatically apply to unincorporated land without asking the Planning Commission directly2.
  • With only about 17.9% of Union County's soils rated free of severe septic limitations, get a site evaluation before you commit to a specific building spot8.

Sources

  1. Union County Building Code (Planning Commission page; permits routed to state DHBC) (unioncountyky.org)
  2. Union County Zoning Ordinance & Map (Planning Commission page) (unioncountyky.org)
  3. Green River District Health Department - Onsite Sewage (2026 county census)
  4. Union County KY Planning Commission - Zoning (2026 county census)
  5. (2026 county census)
  6. 815 KAR 7:125, Kentucky Residential Code (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. 603 KAR 1:020 Driveway approaches, entrances; construction and maintenance (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  9. Building Permit1.pdf, quoted and re-checked
  10. Union County Joint Planning Commission (unioncountyky.org)
  11. KRS 100.201 — Interim and permanent land use regulations authorized (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. KRS 100.277 — Commission approval required for subdivisions (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Union County Health Center (Green River District Health Department) — Onsite Sewage Program (healthdepartment.org)
  14. Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program, quoted and re-checked
  15. 902 KAR 10:085. System Installation Inspection (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. KRS 511.110 — Unlawful camping (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. 902 KAR 10:110. Issuance of on-site sewage disposal system permits (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  19. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  20. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Union County in Kentucky

68
County map
Union County highlighted among the Kentucky counties · colored by Index score

How Union County scores

Seclusion52100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency68100% ev.
Admin Boringness6890% ev.
Durability59100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% 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 →

$142kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$6,523Land / acre
47.6"Annual rain
3.7% of yrsSevere drought
11.2 / yr (+10.3)Mid-century 100°F days
15.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.99" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.79×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,711Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
25,459People within 30 min
1,637,517People within 2 hr
22,255Radius comparison (15 mi)
38.2People / sq mi
1.6%Federal land
89.5%Land at 15% slope or less
17.9%Septic soil without severe limits
37,944 acWorkable land screen
20.5%Wooded land
71.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.3°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Union County

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

Union County rules

  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage disposal systems in Union County, administered locally through the Green River District Health Department.

    • The Green River District Health Department serves Union County.
    • Kentucky's onsite sewage program is administered through local health departments; local health-department inspectors perform site evaluations and inspections.
    “Green River District Health Department - serving Daviess, Henderson, Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Webster and Union Counties”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local — Onsite sewage disposal administration for Union County through the Green River District Health Department.
      “The Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program is administered through local health departments and begins with the use of onsite evaluations to determine if site and soil conditions are suitable for onsite wastewater systems.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, or alteration of onsite sewage disposal systems serving property in Union County.

    • A permit must be obtained from the local health department before construction, installation, or alteration.
    • The application requires DFS-307, a $50 onsite sewage disposal permit fee, and any additional fee established by the local board of health.
    • Cluster-system plan review is submitted to the Environmental Management Branch and accompanied by a $600 permit fee payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
    • Permits are generally issued only to certified installers, subject to the homeowner exception in 902 KAR 10:110 Section 2(4).

    onsite sewage disposal permit fee: 50 USD (Additional local board of health fee may apply.) · cluster system plan review permit fee: 600 USD (Payable by check or money order to the Kentucky State Treasurer.)

    “no person, firm, or corporation shall construct, install, alter [...] without having first obtained an on-site sewage disposal permit from the local health department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — A homeowner installing the homeowner's own onsite sewage system in Union County.
      “A homeowner who wishes to install his or her own system must obtain a homeowner’s permit through the local health department.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Onsite sewage site evaluations and installation inspections in Union County.

    • Local health-department onsite septic inspectors perform site evaluations and inspections.
    • A certified installer must install the system based on the site-evaluation results.
    • A licensed professional engineer may perform site evaluations and approve system designs in lieu of local-health-department inspection and certification where authorized by Kentucky law, but final installation inspection remains subject to applicable law.
    “Every on-site sewage disposal system installed, constructed, altered, or repaired shall be inspected by a certified inspector.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    The Union County building-permit application process.

    • The application includes new construction, alterations, demolition or moving, change in use, and other work categories.
    • The application requires property, use, structural, setback, drainage, and applicant information.
    • The form states that deed or subdivision restrictions may be more restrictive than the municipal zoning ordinance and places responsibility for researching those restrictions on the applicant.
    • The form includes staff approval or refusal and an appeal to the Board of Zoning Adjustment if refused.
    “BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION [...] New Residential Building [...] New Commercial Building [...] New Industrial Building [...] Remodeling or Alterations [...] Building Permit Approved [...] Building Permit Refused [...] If refused you may appeal to the Board of Zoning Adjustment”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The Union County Planning Commission administers a zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan; zoning districts principally cover the incorporated cities of Morganfield, Sturgis and Waverly.

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

Kentucky rules that apply here

  • Building permitNot required (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.

    • A local ordinance may independently require a permit.
    • The 2015 International Residential Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code apply to the covered residential construction.
    • This claim does not determine municipal or county permit ordinances.
    “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

    Building inspection jurisdiction under Kentucky building codes, including projects in Union County.

    • Responsibilities are shared between state and local government.
    • All single-family homes are reviewed and inspected by the local county or city building official if such an inspection program exists.
    • If a county or city lacks a single-family inspection program, the builder must still meet the Kentucky Residential Code, but building inspections do not occur except for mechanical systems inspected by Kentucky HVAC and the local county electrical inspector.
    • For jurisdictions without a local building inspection program, construction projects other than single-family dwellings must be submitted to the Division of Building Codes Enforcement for review and approval before construction starts.
    “All single-family homes built in Kentucky will be reviewed and inspected by the local county or city building official if such an inspection program exists.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.
      “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.

    • A local ordinance may independently require a certificate of occupancy.
    • This claim does not determine municipal or county certificate-of-occupancy ordinances.
    “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Buildings subject to the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.

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

    Agritourism buildings subject to the Kentucky Building Code.

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

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

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

    Subdivision of land within a Kentucky planning-unit jurisdiction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Any development in an identified floodplain in Kentucky requires a state and a local floodplain permit.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    maximum sleeping and parking period: < 12 hours

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

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

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

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

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

    permit fee ceiling: <= cost of the service provided

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building or electrical permit requirements in Union County.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning across Union County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts in Union County, including whether the county zoning ordinance and district map apply to unincorporated county land or only to incorporated municipalities.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Union County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Union County.
8 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Union County, Kentucky

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

Union County scores 68/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 47.6″/yr rainfall with little drought. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Union County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Green River District Health Department. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Union County, Kentucky?

Land in Union County runs about $6,523 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Union County?

Union County gets about 47.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.7% of years.

How remote is Union County?

A representative private-land location has about 25,459 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,637,517 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Union compares in Kentucky

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