Jurisdiction Codes
State editions — Kentucky
Building code. The Kentucky Building Code (based on the IBC with Kentucky amendments) is administered by the KY Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. Plan review and inspection authority splits between the state and certified local programs depending on building type. KY DHBC ↗ · last verified 2026-10-24
Contractor licensing. Kentucky does not license general contractors at the state level. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work are state-licensed trades — verify the license of any sub in those trades before they start. Local jurisdictions may add registration requirements. KY DHBC ↗ · last verified 2026-10-24
Electrical licensing & permits. Electrical work requires a licensed electrical contractor and licensed electricians under KY law, with permits and inspections through the state or a certified local program. KY DHBC — Electrical Division ↗ · last verified 2026-10-24
Local layer — Louisville Metro
Building & construction permits. Construction permits, plan review, and inspections in Louisville Metro run through Louisville Metro Codes & Regulations / Develop Louisville. Permit requirements vary by scope — additions, structural work, and demolitions are permitted work; confirm scope-by-scope before starting. Louisville Metro Government ↗ · last verified 2026-10-24
Landmarks / historic districts. Exterior work on properties in local landmark districts or on designated landmarks requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission before work begins — including windows, roofing materials, and paint on regulated elements. Louisville Metro Landmarks Commission ↗ · last verified 2026-10-24
Vacant & cited properties. Cited properties carry open code-enforcement cases in Louisville Metro's Accela Citizen Access portal. Pull the case file for any cited address before bidding: violations, fines, and stop-work orders attach to the property, not just the owner. Louisville Metro Accela Citizen Access ↗ · last verified 2026-10-24