Fayette County Building Department

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Fayette County
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Frequently Asked Questions

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When is a permit required?
When is a permit NOT required?
What inspections are required for utilities?
Do I need a permit to construct a pool?
If so, what are the requirements?
Do I need a permit to construct a deck?
If so, what are the requirements?
Do I need a State License for commercial projects?
How do I become a registered contractor in Fayette County?
How do I renew my registration?
What forms will I need to complete to become a registered contractor in Fayette County?
Who answers my floodplain questions?
What inspections will I need?
Do I need a permit for a barn used directly for agricultural purposes?
What if I disagree with the results of an inspection?

When is a permit required?

A permit is required for the following projects:

	New buildings including storage buildings, boat houses, docks, greenhouses and screen enclosures
	Masonry fence walls
	Re-roofing
	Swimming pools (in-ground or above-ground) and spas
	Temporary buildings (construction, etc.)
	Demolition
	Room additions
	Patios and decks
	Driveways and parking pads
	Interior alterations and renovations
	Structural repairs
	New electrical, plumbing, gas and air-conditioning systems
	Fire sprinkler systems
	Signs
	Awnings
	Fireplaces
	Fire Suppression Hood System

If you are uncertain whether a building permit is required, please contact the Building Department.

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When is a permit NOT required?

Work exempt from approval

Approvals shall NOT be required for the following. Exemption from the requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

	One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 square meters).
	Fences not over 6 feet (1829mm) high.
	Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
	Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ration of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
	Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
	Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
	Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610mm) deep.
	Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one-, two-, or three-family dwelling.
	Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which does not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and does not require additional support.

If you are uncertain whether a building permit is required, please contact the Building Department.

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What inspections are required for utilities?

Utility companies require inspections to turn on services that have been disconnected for 180 days or more. A permit IS required for us to do the inspection.

Electric
We provide inspections for:

Service Releases
Temporary Services
Service Upgrades

Gas

We provide inspection for gas services and gas piping.

If you are uncertain whether a building permit is required, please contact the Building Department.

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Do I need a permit to build a pool?
If so, what are the requirements?

Yes, you do need a permit to construct a pool. To review the requirements follow this link.

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Do I need a permit to construct a deck?
If so, what are the requirements?

Yes, you do need a permit to construct a deck. To review the requirements follow this link.

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Do I need a State License for commercial projects?

Yes, you do need a State License for commercial projects. To understand why follow this link.

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How do I become a registered contractor in Fayette County?
How do I renew my registration?

To see how to become a registered contractor or renew your registration follow this link.

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What forms will I need to complete to become a registered contractor in Fayette County?

You will need to complete the Contractor Registration Application and the Contractor Registration Bond Form.

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Who answers my floodplain questions?

Contact the Floodplain Manager at the Building Department. 740-335-2212 or see the Floodplain Management page.

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What inspections will I need?

When you receive your permit you will also receive an inspection sheet with the required inspections for that job checked off.

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Do I need a permit for a barn used directly for agricultural purposes?

The determination of Agricultural Exemption can only be made by the zoning official. If an Agricultural Exemption is granted, no building permit will be required.

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What if I disagree with the results of an inspection?

Feel free to ask our inspector to cite the code section that they are referencing or contact our office and speak to the Chief Building Offical or the Building Department Administrator.

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