Get a building permit
Before you start
Make sure you actually need a permit. Check "Does my project need a permit?"
If you're hiring a contractor or subcontractors, they must hold a current Louisville contractor license and be listed on your application.
What you'll need
- An account in our online portal
- The right application for your permit type: Residential, Commercial, Minor Permit, MEP Single Trade, Temporary Use, or Elevator
- Required documents for your project (including plans, checklists, or forms; see below for checklists)
- Your contractor's information
- Payment, due at different points depending on your permit type (see "How approval works" below)
- Create an account or log in.
- Click Apply → Permits → All.
- Choose your permit type. Not sure which one? Email us first — choosing wrong means re-submitting.
- Enter your property address.
- Tip: if the address doesn't show up, leave out directional words like North or West (e.g., type "749 Main" instead of "749 N Main").
- Add your contacts: property owner, applicant, and contractor.
- Upload your required documents.
- Pay your fees, if required at this step.
Documents you may need
Required forms for projects with detailed plans
Informational documents and resources
- Design Criteria (2024 Codes) (PDF)
- Building Height rules (PDF)
- Survey Requirements (PDF)
- Pre-Construction Document (PDF)
- Mine Hazard Map — check if your property is in a mine hazard zone
How approval works
Over-the-counter permits (for most minor and same-day permits):
You apply and pay at the same time.
Permits with plan review (most residential, commercial, and larger projects):
- We review your plans.
- Once approved, you'll get an email to pay your fees.
- After payment, it takes about 1 business day for us to approve it and issue your permit.
- You'll get your permit and inspection card through the portal. Print these and keep them at the job site.
How long will review take?
| Permit type | Review time |
| Same-day permits (A/C, furnace, water heater, minor electrical/mechanical/plumbing, sewer/water repair, re-roof, re-siding) | Same day or next business day |
| Fast-tracked permits (gas line, hot tub, fences, decks, demolition, foundation repair, new windows/doors, patios, signs, remodels) | 1–2 weeks |
| Residential permits (additions, foundations, mobile homes, multi-family, new homes) | 4–6 weeks |
| Commercial permits | 4–6 weeks |
| Roof top units, solar, telecommunication | 2–3 weeks |
| Construction trailers | 1–4 business days |
| Other temporary permits | 1–2 weeks |
| Contractor license | Same day or next business day |
| Inspection requests | Next business day |