Kentucky, Laurel County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Laurel County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Laurel County, Kentucky, plumbing permit requirements are primarily handled by the Laurel County Health Department for on-site sewage disposal systems and by the state's Division of Plumbing for general plumbing installations. Properties in unincorporated areas of Laurel County fall under the jurisdiction of the London-Laurel County Joint Planning & Zoning Commission in partnership with the City of London Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement for building permits. However, plumbing-specific permits and inspections are generally managed at the state level or through the county health department for septic systems.
On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Septic Systems)
- A permit is required for the installation or modification of septic systems.
- The process begins with obtaining an "Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Application for Site Evaluation" (form DFS-319) from the Local Health Center.
- Details required include the number of bedrooms for residences or the type of business and plumbing fixtures for commercial properties.
- An evaluation fee of $240.00 must be paid to the Laurel County Health Department.
- A site evaluation by a Health Department official is conducted, and the site must meet specific requirements before installation can begin.
- The installer must request a final inspection before covering the system.
- Final approval from the Health Department is required before permanent electrical hook-up can be made.
General Plumbing Installations
- Plumbing permits are required for new plumbing installations, including water services and house sewers connecting to city sewer taps or septic systems.
- Permits are also needed if existing fixtures, soil, waste openings, or conductors are moved or relocated.
- Repairs to leaks, cocks, or valves, and cleaning of waste or sewer pipes do not require a permit.
- Plumbing work must comply with the current Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations, and Code.
- Homeowners can obtain permits for their own personal residences, but all work must be performed by the homeowner, who must sign an affidavit stating this.
- If a homeowner permit is obtained, the work must be personally performed by the homeowner, and they cannot have obtained another homeowner permit for a new home in the last five years.
- All plumbing work, other than 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.
- Plumbing installation permit fees vary, with a base fee for residential and commercial permits, and additional fees per opening.
- A plumbing permit may be issued to licensed master plumbers or to homeowners for their own personal residences.
Properties in Unincorporated Areas
Laurel County issues building permits specifically for properties in unincorporated areas. For these areas, the London-Laurel County Joint Planning & Zoning Commission, in conjunction with the City of London Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction, Division of Building Code Enforcement, handles building permits. However, plumbing-specific permits, especially for septic systems, are managed by the Laurel County Health Department, and general plumbing installation permits and inspections are overseen by the state's Division of Plumbing.