Kentucky, Hart County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Hart County Plumbing Permit Requirements

In Hart County, Kentucky, plumbing permits are generally handled by the state's Division of Plumbing, under the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC). However, local entities also play a role in the permitting process, especially for building and electrical permits.

County Jurisdiction: While the Kentucky Division of Plumbing issues plumbing construction permits and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with the state plumbing code, local building departments or county officials are involved in the overall building permit process. For specific information regarding plumbing permits in Hart County, it is recommended to contact the Hart County Court House at 270-524-5219 or the designated plumbing information line at 270-524-3509.
Unincorporated Areas: For properties in unincorporated areas of Kentucky, plumbing permits and inspections are typically managed by the DHBC regional office or the state Division of Plumbing. However, local county offices may still require separate building or electrical permits. In Hart County, the Building/Electrical Inspector can be reached at 270-527-5423. For unincorporated areas of Hart County, the Hart County Building Permitting Office oversees building and mobile home permits.

Key Requirements and Considerations:

A plumbing permit is required for all new plumbing installations, as well as for any relocation of fixtures, soil, waste openings, or conductors in existing installations.
Permits are also necessary for new or replacement water services and house sewers.
Homeowners can obtain permits for plumbing work on their own personal residences, provided they perform all the work themselves and adhere to the state plumbing code.
All plumbing work must be performed by a licensed journeyman plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber, unless a homeowner's permit is obtained.
Before any plumbing work is concealed, it must be tested, inspected, and approved by the state plumbing inspector.
For properties connecting to a septic system, a septic tank release number from the Hart County Health Department (270-524-2511 Ext 3) is required for building and electrical permits.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Kentucky, including Hart County.

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

Select a City in Hart County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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