Permit Requirements for Shepherdsville, Kentucky
For Plumbing projects in Shepherdsville, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Bullitt County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
Help Us Improve This Guide
If you have found a direct link to a permit portal or a specific local ordinance for Plumbing in this area, please submit an update.
Because Shepherdsville is located within Bullitt County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Kentucky, Bullitt County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Bullitt County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Bullitt County, Kentucky, plumbing permits are handled by the Department of Building and Safety, which is part of the Planning and Development division. This department is responsible for issuing permits for new construction, remodeling with structural changes, and ensuring compliance with the Kentucky Building Code. For specific inquiries regarding plumbing permits or to schedule an inspection, you can contact the Division of Building and Safety at (502) 921-2970.
- Jurisdiction: Bullitt County's Department of Building and Safety oversees permit requirements.
- Permit Necessity: A plumbing permit is required for any new plumbing installation, or for any relocation of fixtures, soil, or waste openings in existing structures.
- Homeowner Permits: Homeowners may be able to obtain a permit to perform their own plumbing work, provided they meet specific criteria, including performing all work personally and adhering to the state plumbing code. A homeowner can typically only obtain one such permit every five years for their own residence.
- Licensed Professionals: Generally, all plumbing work, except for that performed by a homeowner with their own permit, must be installed by a licensed journeyman plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Unincorporated Areas
For properties in unincorporated areas of Kentucky, including Bullitt County, plumbing permit submission typically goes through the local building department. However, in some cases, permits for unincorporated areas may be handled by a regional office of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC).
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Kentucky:
Kentucky Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Kentucky Plumbing Statutes and Codes
Plumbing in Kentucky is primarily governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 318, which establishes the legal framework for the practice of plumbing, licensing requirements, and the authority to promulgate the state plumbing code. The technical standards for plumbing installations, materials, and methods are set forth in the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, which is codified under 815 KAR Chapter 20 of the Kentucky Administrative Regulations.
Unlike some other building codes that may adopt a specific edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) by reference, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code is a distinct set of regulations developed and maintained by the state. While it incorporates industry standards, it is specifically promulgated by the state department to address local, climatic, and regulatory conditions within the Commonwealth.
Regulatory Agencies
The primary state agency responsible for the administration, oversight, and enforcement of plumbing standards and licensing in Kentucky is the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), specifically through its Division of Plumbing. This division is responsible for:
- Issuing and renewing licenses for master and journeyman plumbers.
- Reviewing and issuing plumbing construction permits.
- Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.
- Administering the state plumbing examination through the State Plumbers Examining Committee.
While the DHBC maintains state-level authority, certain local jurisdictions may be authorized to administer and enforce the state plumbing code within their boundaries, provided they adhere to state regulations and employ qualified inspectors.
Resources to Learn More