Kentucky

Kentucky Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

Your Kentucky carport permit question depends on where you live, because there is one statewide building code but who checks your project changes from place to place. State law says permits and inspections for single-family homes are not mandatory unless your local government passes an ordinance requiring them, so rules for a carport or garage on a home lot vary a lot from county to county and city to city. Business and commercial buildings fall under the Kentucky Building Code. Before you order, call your county or city building office and ask what applies at your address.

Building code in effect

Kentucky builds to the 2018 Kentucky Building Code (based on the 2015 International Building Code) and the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (based on the 2015 International Residential Code), as listed by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. The code is uniform statewide: local governments may not adopt their own different building code for one- and two-family homes. The state has a task force working on code updates, so ask your local office if a newer edition has taken effect before you submit plans.

Who issues permits

Permits come from your local building official, usually a county, city or joint planning and building office. Under KRS 198B.060, each local government is supposed to have a building official or contract for inspection services, but permits for single-family homes are only required where a local ordinance says so. For business or commercial buildings, the Kentucky Building Code applies, and the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction can point you to the right reviewer. Zoning is often a separate approval through your planning commission, even where no building permit is needed.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Small sheds: The Kentucky Residential Code (R105.2) exempts one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses from a permit if the floor area is 200 square feet or less. Most carports and garages we sell are larger than that.
Home lots without a local program: State law does not make permits mandatory for single-family homes unless your local government has an ordinance. Some rural areas may not require a building permit for a residential garage or carport, but zoning rules can still apply.
Post-frame size limits: The Kentucky Residential Code (R327) limits residential post-frame accessory buildings to 48 feet wide, 16-foot walls and a 20-foot mean roof height. Anything bigger needs structural calculations.
Commercial property: A carport or garage for a business falls under the Kentucky Building Code, not the residential code. Expect plan review and a permit.
Exempt is not lawless: The code says a permit exemption does not let you ignore the code or other laws, so setbacks and zoning still count.

Farm buildings

Kentucky exempts farm buildings from the state building code. Under KRS 198B.010(4) and Section R101.2 of the Kentucky Residential Code, farm dwellings and other farm buildings incident to running the farm are exempt when they are outside city limits. The exemption does not apply if the building is used for retail trade, is a regular workplace for 10 or more people, or is used to process or store timber products. The code defines a farm as land in bona fide agricultural or horticultural use that is qualified and registered with the county property valuation administrator. Some counties ask you to sign an agricultural affidavit, so call your local office first.

Wind and snow

Kentucky's residential code uses a basic design wind speed of 115 mph for every county, and ground snow loads run about 15 to 20 PSF depending on the county. Higher elevations in the eastern mountains, such as parts of Bell and Letcher counties, may need a site-specific snow study. Ask your county building office what wind speed and snow load your building must be designed for. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Call your county or city building office before you order. Ask if you need a building permit, a zoning permit or both, what the setbacks are, and what wind and snow ratings they want.
If you're on a farm and plan to claim the agricultural exemption, ask the county if they need an affidavit or proof the land is registered as agricultural with the PVA.
Check your HOA rules and deed restrictions. They can limit size, color or placement even where the county doesn't.
Have a level site ready before delivery: a concrete slab, a gravel pad or well-graded ground. If your county wants engineered drawings for a certified building, let us know and we can help you get them.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Kentucky?
It depends on your county or city. State law doesn't require permits for single-family homes unless your local government has an ordinance, but many cities and counties do. Call your local building office and ask about both building and zoning permits.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Kentucky?
If your area has a local building program, a garage over 200 square feet usually needs a permit. For a business, the Kentucky Building Code applies and you should expect a permit and plan review. Zoning setbacks apply either way.

Are farm buildings exempt?
Yes, in most cases. Farm buildings used to run the farm and located outside city limits are exempt from the state building code, unless they're used for retail trade, employ 10 or more people regularly, or store or process timber products. Your county may ask for an affidavit.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

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