Planning, Zoning & Building Code Enforcement

Franklin County Planning & Zoning

321 W. Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40601

Robert Hewitt, Director
rhewitt@franklincountyky.com

Ben Judah, Planning Supervisor

Mel Trivette, Chief Electrical Inspector
mtrivette@franklincountyky.com

Greg Owens, Chief Building Inspector
gowens@franklincountyky.com

Hours:

Monday – Friday

8:00 am – 4:30 pm

(502) 875-8701 Phone
(502) 875-8737 Fax

Planning, Zoning & Building Code Enforcement, through its staff, serve the citizens of Franklin County by providing building and electrical inspections for construction projects in Franklin County.

Staff administers the Franklin County Zoning Ordinance and the Frankfort and Franklin County Subdivision and Development Plan Regulations. In addition, the staff provides input into the development of the Community’s Comprehensive Plan, which provides the overall growth management framework to guide and shape the future landscape of Franklin County.

Joint Boards

The Frankfort/Franklin County Planning Commission hears zone map amendments, certain development plans and/or subdivisions, modifications to standards, and all projects within a Planned Unit Development. The Board consists of 5 City, 5 County, and 1 representative appointed by the Governor.

The Board of Zoning Adjustments considers dimensional variances to setbacks or height, conditional use permits, and appeals of administrative determinations. The Board consists of 4 City and 3 County representatives.

For more information about either of these boards click this link.

Building Permit Information

The Building Division is responsible for monitoring permitted construction of new and existing buildings to ensure that work performed meets code and ordinance regulations.

Building Permits are required for the following building projects: decks, inground pools, storage buildings (greater than 200 s.q. ft.), residences, and commercial buildings. Additionally renovations to any structure other than facial are required to have a building permit.

To obtain a building permit you must fill out an application and submit it along with two (2) sets of building plans to the planning and zoning office. All applications for building permits must be submitted to the office, no permit will be issued via email or online. To download the building permit application and supporting forms simply select it from the list on the right side of this page and download the form using Adobe Acrobat Reader, then return the completed forms along with any building plans to the planning and zoning office for review and issuance

Inspection Required
Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official at different stages throughout the project and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved.(Kentucky Building Code Section 109.1) Please call the office to schedule an appointment for inspection, no inspections will be scheduled via email or phone message.

Zoning Permit Information

Zoning Permits are required for the following projects: Fences, Storage Buildings (120 sq. ft. or less), above ground swimming pools, retaining walls (less than 4′ high), Driveways/sidewalks on private property. The permit fee is $10.00.

Electric Permit Information

The Electric Division is responsible for monitoring permitted installations of electrical wiring in new and existing buildings to ensure that work performed meets code and ordinance regulations.

Electric Permits are required for all new and existing buildings as well as electric upgrades, storm damage, swimming pools, and mobile homes.

To obtain an electric permit simply visit the Planning and Building Codes office and fill out an application and pay the inspection fees. The electric inspector will issue a permit and schedule inspections as requested by the client.

Inspection Required
Electrical work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the electric official at different stages throughout the project and such work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Please call the office to schedule an appointment for inspection, no inspections will be scheduled via email or phone message.

Any factory, warehouse, school, or other large structure which requires multiple inspections outside of the required temporary, rough-in and final inspections to keep up with the progress of electrical work being performed, fee will be 1% of the total electrical contract plus any add-ons. At the time the electrical contractor applies for the permit, a copy of the contract shall be furnished to the Planning & Building Codes office.

Franklin County Flood Information

Much of Franklin County is comprised of two 100-year floodplains; Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River floodplain.

For information regarding Flood Safety, Property Protection, Permitting, and Insurance please see Franklin County Flood Information or call 502-875-8701.

Want to check if your home or prospective home is in a flood zone? Click here to find out.

FEMA presentation about the Lower Kentucky Watershed

Storm Water & Drainage Information

Drainage Problems

Problems and/or issues relating to stormwater or drainage in Franklin County can be reported to the Planning Department. This would include information about pollutants that are being introduced to the drainage system. Additionally, issues relating to stormwater drainage flow, such as obstructions impeding the flow of stormwater, should also be conveyed to the department. You can report these issues by contacting:

Robert Hewitt, Director of Planning and Zoning

(502) 875-8701

rhewitt@franklincountyky.com

Regulations

To view regulations pertaining to Stormwater & Drainage Please click on the document links below:

Stormwater Procedure Manual

Illicit Discharge Control