Kentucky building code

Codes in force in Kentucky

Each code family with the edition and the date it took effect, as the adopting agency or statute states them.

Adopted by: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction³.

Scope, amendments and transition rules

International Residential Code (IRC)

Scope

Statewide; local amendments not allowed⁵

Applies to

One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses; permits and inspections for single-family dwellings only where a local ordinance requires them²

Local amendments allowed?

No⁵

Amendments

815 KAR 7:125; 2018 Kentucky Residential Code²

International Building Code (IBC)

Scope

Statewide; local amendments not allowed⁸

Applies to

All buildings except those governed by 815 KAR 7:125 and manufactured homes⁴

Local amendments allowed?

No⁸

Amendments

815 KAR 7:120; 2018 Kentucky Building Code⁴

International Existing Building Code (IEBC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁸

Energy code, residential

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁵

Energy code, commercial

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁸

International Mechanical Code (IMC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁸

International Fire Code (IFC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁸

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere³

Transition period

July 15, 2026⁹

State code: Kentucky State Plumbing Code, 815 KAR Chapter 20

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere³

State code: 815 KAR 10:060, Standards of Safety

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁷

State code: 2012 NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere⁸

How Kentucky adopts building codes

KRS 198B.050, 198B.060, 198B.080; 815 KAR 7:120; 815 KAR 7:125

• Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. The department shall adopt and promulgate a mandatory Uniform State Building Code that establishes standards for the construction of all buildings, as defined in KRS 198B.010, in the state.³
• Statewide; local amendments not allowed. Local governments shall not adopt or enforce any other building code; except that the Kentucky Residential Code shall govern detached single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and townhouses.⁸
• Adopted amendments shall be effective statewide.³
• Permits for single-family residences are local option. Each local government shall employ a building official or inspector and other code enforcement personnel as necessary, or shall contract for inspection and code enforcement services in accordance with subsections (8) and (11) of this section to enforce the Uniform State Building Code within the boundaries of its jurisdiction, except that permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be mandatory for single-family residences unless a local government passes an ordinance requiring inspections of single-family residences.³
• Current residential code: 2018 KRC based on 2015 IRC. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the 2015 International Residential Code for One (1) and Two (2) Family Dwellings (IRC) shall be the mandatory state residential building code for all single-family dwellings, two (2) family dwellings, and townhouses constructed in Kentucky, except that the Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code shall supersede any conflicting provision in the 2015 IRC.²
• Current commercial code: 2018 KBC based on 2015 IBC. The 2015 International Building shall be the mandatory state building code for all buildings constructed in Kentucky except that…⁴

Applies to

All buildings as defined in KRS 198B.010³

Can local rules be stricter?

No⁸

What local governments may change

2018 Kentucky Building Code 101.3; KRS 198B.060(1), (4)(b); KRS 227A.020(6)

• Local governments may not adopt or enforce another building code. Local governments shall not adopt or enforce any other building code; except that the Kentucky Residential Code shall govern detached single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and townhouses.⁸
• Code sets minimum and maximum requirements. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum/maximum requirements to provide a reasonable level…⁸
• Permits for single-family residences are local option. Each local government shall employ a building official or inspector and other code enforcement personnel as necessary, or shall contract for inspection and code enforcement services in accordance with subsections (8) and (11) of this section to enforce the Uniform State Building Code within the boundaries of its jurisdiction, except that permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be mandatory for single-family residences unless a local government passes an ordinance requiring inspections of single-family residences.³
• State cannot preempt local enforcement on single-family dwellings. If the commissioner determines that the local jurisdiction is not adequately performing any portion of its program, the department may preempt that portion of a local program, except that the department shall not preempt or assert jurisdiction for the enforcement of the code on single-family dwellings.³
• State electrical licensing supersedes local rules. KRS 227A.010 to 227A.140 shall supersede all ordinances or regulations regulating electricians, master electricians, and electrical contractors of any city, county…³

Residential code in Kentucky cities

The edition each city enforces, from the city’s own adoption page or ordinance.

For permits, exemptions and owner-builder rules, see Kentucky building permits. To compare editions across states, see the code adoption map.