Proudly Made In The USA
Shed Permits in KY: The Ultimate Guide
Thinking about adding a shed to your property in Kentucky? Before you start clearing space or picking out materials, it is important to understand the permit rules that may apply. Shed permits in KY can vary by county and city, and what seems like a simple backyard project can quickly run into delays or fines if local requirements are ignored. Knowing when a permit is required, how size and placement factor in, and which offices to check with can save you time, money, and stress as you plan your shed build.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Kentucky?
Yes, in Kentucky, a shed usually requires a permit once it is larger than 200 square feet, although some local governments set the threshold lower at around 120 square feet based on their building codes. Smaller detached sheds under 200 square feet are often exempt, but it is still important to check with your local code enforcement office to confirm setback, zoning, and placement requirements before building.
What Size Shed Can I Build Without a Permit in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, many local jurisdictions allow you to build a detached one-story storage shed, playhouse, or similar structure without a building permit as long as it is 200 square feet or smaller. However, some areas set a lower limit, with places like Shelby County only allowing permit exemptions for structures up to 120 square feet.
How Do I Get a Shed Permit in Kentucky?
To obtain a shed permit in Kentucky, you usually need to file an application with your local city or county planning and zoning office, along with a site plan and the required fee. Permits are most often needed for sheds larger than 120 to 200 square feet or for any structure that includes electricity or plumbing, while smaller sheds may qualify for an exemption. Permit fees can vary widely but commonly fall between $50 and $2,000, depending on the shed’s size and overall complexity.
Shed Permit Requirements for Cities in KY
To find the appropriate office for shed permit requirements in Kentucky, refer to the table below for your city or local jurisdiction. The table is designed to help you determine where to apply and who to contact for permitting information, but specific requirements may vary by location.
Please note that Four Winds does not offer sheds in every area listed. Some locations are included for informational purposes only. Be sure to visit our service areas page to confirm whether we provide sheds in your area.
| Ashland | Building Inspection |
| Bowling Green | Building Division |
| Cave City | Planning & Zoning |
| Elizabethtown | Planning & Development |
| Erlanger | Building & Zoning |
| Frankfort | Building & Construction |
| Franklin | Planning & Zoning |
| Glasgow | Building & Electrical Inspections |
| Georgetown | Building Inspection |
| Henderson | Building Codes & Permits |
| Horse Cave | Zoning |
| Hopkinsville | Code Enforcement |
| Independence | City Website |
| Jeffersontown | Building Department |
| Lexington | Building Permits |
| Louisville | Building Permits |
| Morgantown | Visit Butler County Website |
| Madisonville | Community Development & Construction |
| Russellville | Building & Zoning |
| Smiths Grove | Planning & Zoning |
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Ashland, Kentucky?
Yes, you do need a permit for a shed in Ashland, Kentucky. The city requires permits for all residential and commercial construction, including accessory structures like sheds. For sheds that are 200 square feet or larger, a standard building permit is required. Sheds that are under 200 square feet still require a permit, but they fall under a homeowner permit category. In addition, any shed that includes electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems will also require the appropriate permits.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Bowling Green, Kentucky?
In the City of Bowling Green, Kentucky, a building permit is usually not required for a detached residential storage shed, playhouse, or similar accessory structure that is under 200 square feet. A permit becomes necessary if the shed is 200 square feet or larger or if the project includes any electrical work.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Cave City, Kentucky?
Yes, in Cave City, Kentucky, a building permit is typically required to build, place, or modify any structure, including a shed. Although statewide guidelines sometimes allow smaller detached accessory structures under about 120 to 200 square feet to be exempt, you should always confirm the exact local requirements with Cave City code enforcement or the Joint City-County Planning Commission before starting your project.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Elizabethtown, Kentucky?
Yes, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a shed generally requires a building permit based on its size and features. Detached one-story storage sheds, playhouses, and similar structures that are 200 square feet or less are typically exempt under state residential codes. Larger sheds or those with electrical components will require a permit and may also need zoning approval from the city’s Planning and Development Department.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Erlanger, Kentucky?
Yes, you likely need a building permit for a shed in Erlanger, Kentucky, since the city requires permits for constructing or modifying any structure. While very small sheds may be exempt in some areas, Erlanger requires at least a zoning permit for accessory buildings that are 200 square feet or smaller, typically costing around $35, with additional building permits required for larger sheds.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Frankfort, Kentucky?
In Frankfort, Kentucky, a small detached accessory shed that is 200 square feet or less typically does not require a building permit. However, a zoning permit is still required for these smaller structures. If the shed is larger than 200 square feet, you must obtain a full building permit through the Planning and Community Development department.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Franklin, Kentucky?
Yes, in Franklin and Simpson County, Kentucky, a shed generally requires a building permit, especially if it is larger than 120 square feet. Smaller storage sheds under 120 square feet may be exempt in some areas, but it is strongly recommended to verify specific size limits and zoning requirements with the Simpson County, Kentucky, planning department.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Glasgow, Kentucky?
Yes, in Glasgow, Kentucky, you generally need a building permit for a detached accessory structure, such as a shed, if it is larger than 120 square feet. Smaller one-story storage buildings under this size may be exempt, but they must still meet local zoning and setback requirements. Any shed with a permanent foundation requires a permit, regardless of size.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Georgetown, Kentucky?
In Georgetown and Scott County, Kentucky, a one-story detached storage shed that is 200 square feet or less usually does not require a building permit under the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code exemptions. If the shed is larger than 200 square feet, a building permit is required.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Henderson, Kentucky?
Yes, a permit is typically required for a shed in Henderson, Kentucky, because accessory structures such as yard barns and detached garages must be reviewed for setback rules, easements, and compliance with the Kentucky Building Code. Although smaller sheds may follow a simpler approval process, it is best to check with the Henderson County Codes Department or the City of Henderson before starting construction to make sure all local requirements are met.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Horse Cave, Kentucky?
Yes, in Horse Cave, Kentucky, a permit is usually required for a shed, particularly when the structure is larger than about 120 to 200 square feet. Smaller detached storage sheds that are single-story and under roughly 120 square feet are sometimes exempt, but it is strongly advised to confirm the rules with the Hart County planning office or the local zoning authority to ensure you meet all local requirements.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Hopkinsville, Kentucky?
Yes, in the City of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, permits are generally required for new construction, including accessory buildings such as sheds. Although some Kentucky cities allow exemptions for very small sheds under 120 square feet, you should contact Hopkinsville Community Development Services to verify the rules for your property since they oversee zoning, building permits, and land disturbance regulations.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Independence, Kentucky?
Yes, in Independence, Kentucky, a shed usually requires a permit if it is larger than 200 square feet since the city follows the Kentucky Residential Code, which allows an exemption for one-story detached accessory structures below that size. Even so, zoning approval may still be needed, no matter the shed size, so it is important to confirm requirements with the City of Independence Building and Zoning Department before starting construction.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Jeffersontown, Kentucky?
In Jeffersontown, Kentucky, a building permit is typically not required for a small one-story detached storage shed or playhouse when the floor area is 120 square feet or less. If the shed is larger than 120 square feet, a permit is required since the City of Jeffersontown building department must approve all construction work, additions, and structural changes.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Lexington, Kentucky?
Yes, in Lexington, Kentucky, you generally need to check with the local building department and obtain a permit if your shed exceeds a certain size or has features such as electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation. Lexington requires building permits for new residential structures and accessory buildings, and you can apply through the city’s permit portal or by contacting Building Inspection for guidance. Even if a permit isn’t required based on shed size, you still must meet zoning and setback rules and confirm exact thresholds with the city before building.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Louisville, Kentucky?
Yes, in Louisville, Kentucky, you generally need a permit to build a shed if it is larger than about 120 square feet. Smaller sheds under this size often do not require a building permit, but they must still comply with local zoning rules, such as setbacks from property lines and placement on the lot. A permit is usually required regardless of size if the shed includes electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation, and it is best to confirm requirements with Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations before building.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Morgantown, Kentucky?
Yes, in Morgantown, Kentucky, you’ll likely need a building permit before constructing a shed because local law makes it unlawful to begin constructing any building or accessory structure without first getting a permit from the zoning/building administrator. This applies to sheds and other accessory buildings on your property. Although state and general Kentucky rules often let small sheds under about 120 square feet be exempt from permitting in some jurisdictions, you should still check with Morgantown City Hall for specific thresholds, zoning setbacks, and size limits before building.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Madisonville, Kentucky?
Yes, in Madisonville, Kentucky, you usually need a building permit to construct a shed because the city requires a permit for all new structures and accessory buildings, including sheds, decks, fences, and similar projects, before you start construction. Building permits are also required for any structural work or additions and must be approved by the city’s Zoning & Permit Office. Even if a small shed might be exempt in some areas of Kentucky, you still must check with Madisonville Community Development & Construction Standards to confirm the exact requirements, size limits, and zoning setbacks before building.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Russellville, Kentucky?
Yes, in Russellville, Kentucky, you usually need a building permit to build, expand, or modify any structure, including a shed, since the city follows international building codes. Although there may be exemptions for very small detached accessory buildings, often those under 120 square feet, it is important to confirm the specific requirements with the local city or county planning or zoning office.
Do I Need a Permit for a Shed in Smiths Grove, Kentucky?
Yes, in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, a building permit is typically needed for detached accessory buildings such as sheds. Although very small or portable sheds may be exempt in some cases, most structures require a permit to confirm they meet Warren County zoning regulations.
Shed Permit Requirements for Counties in KY
To locate the appropriate office for shed permit requirements in Kentucky counties, refer to the table below for your specific county or local jurisdiction. The table is designed to help you determine where to submit your application and who to contact regarding permits, as regulations may differ by area. Please note that we do not provide services in every county listed below.
Can I Put a Shed Next to My Fence in Kentucky?
Yes, you can generally place a shed next to your fence in Kentucky, but there are rules that determine how close it can be. Most counties and cities have setback requirements, meaning your shed must be a certain distance from property lines, fences, easements, and other structures. These distances vary by local zoning and building codes, so you should check with your city or county planning or zoning office before installing your shed to make sure it meets the specific requirements for your area.
Can I Put a Shed Right Next to My House in Kentucky?
Yes, you can usually place a shed next to your house in Kentucky, but local zoning and building rules determine how close it can be. Many areas require a minimum distance between structures for safety and access. If the shed is very close or attached to the house, additional building standards may apply. Check with your local planning or zoning office to confirm the exact requirements.
Sheds Built to Comply With Kentucky’s Requirements
If you are looking for sheds built to comply with Kentucky’s requirements, Four Winds Store offers a wide selection of durable and customizable outbuildings to fit your needs. Choose from popular styles such as low barn, high barn, and ranch designs, all constructed with quality materials for long-lasting performance. Whether you need dependable storage, a workshop, or extra space for your property, their sheds combine strength, function, and style to deliver a solution you can rely on.
