Bolthole Index

Bourbon County, Kentucky

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Bourbon County, Kentucky

38Index Score / 100
#120 of 120 in Kentucky

Bourbon County, Kentucky requires building permits for new construction and covered work on existing structures1. The Bourbon County Joint Planning Office processes building permits and electrical permits, and county zoning districts apply in unincorporated Bourbon County, while cities may zone separately234. Septic permits for any address come from the Bourbon County Health Department after a site evaluation5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction and covered alterations1
Permit office
Bourbon County Joint Planning Office2
Zoning
Yes in unincorporated Bourbon County3
Septic permit
Required after a Health Department site evaluation67
RV living
Long-term private-land occupancy was not confirmed; ask Joint Planning8
Tiny homes
No countywide occupancy or minimum-size answer confirmed; ask Joint Planning8
Farmstead exemption
A form exists, but eligibility and scope must be confirmed9
Private wells
No owner permit or fee; a Kentucky-certified driller is required10

Who to call

Building permits

Bourbon County Joint Planning Office

Building and electrical permits, building inspections, zoning review and planning services for Bourbon County

859-987-2150

Paris Municipal Center 525 High Street, Room 112 Paris, KY 40361

Zoning

Bourbon County Joint Planning Office

Zoning districts, zoning maps, permitted uses and planning services in Bourbon County

859-987-2150

Paris Municipal Center 525 High Street, Room 112 Paris, KY 40361

Septic permits

Bourbon County Health Department

Septic site evaluations, construction permits, repair permits and existing-system inspections

(859) 987-1915

341 East Main Street, Paris, KY 40361

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Bourbon County, Kentucky?

Yes. Bourbon County requires a building permit for all new residential and nonresidential construction and for covered alterations to an existing structure1. Covered work also includes enlargement, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes and listed electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work11. Bourbon County requires the proper permits and inspections for work subject to its building-permit program12. Kentucky's residential and building codes govern covered construction13. The county offers a farmstead-exemption form, but the available material does not establish who qualifies or which work the exemption covers; confirm the form's scope with Joint Planning before relying on it9. An owner who performs HVAC work on property the owner owns and occupies has a state licensing exemption, but an initial HVAC system still requires a permit14.

Who issues Bourbon County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Bourbon County Joint Planning Office processes building and electrical permits and provides planning and zoning services215. The office is in the Paris Municipal Center at 525 High Street, Room 112, Paris, KY 40361, and its phone number is 859-987-21502. Building inspections occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and same-day permits and inspections are unavailable12. The stated processing period is 7 to 10 business days, with payment accepted by cash, check or credit card16. Kentucky divides some inspection responsibility between state and local authorities, while the local building inspector serves the City of Paris and Bourbon County17. Kentucky does not require a certificate of occupancy for a single-family dwelling unless a local government has established jurisdiction to enforce the Uniform State Building Code18. Ask Joint Planning which plans and trade approvals apply, how to schedule each inspection, and whether a certificate of occupancy applies to your project.

Does Bourbon County have zoning?

Yes. Zoning applies in unincorporated Bourbon County3. Municipal zoning may apply separately inside incorporated cities, so a parcel inside city limits needs its own zoning check, while septic permits stay with the Bourbon County Health Department either way45. Bourbon County's zoning maps show where districts apply, while its ordinances explain what may be done in each district8. The available material does not provide the district schedule or confirm countywide answers for RV occupancy, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height. Ask the Joint Planning Office to identify the parcel's district and confirm the proposed principal use, accessory uses, dwelling type and dimensional standards15. Kentucky allows zoning to regulate land activities, structure location and dimensions, density and other district standards, while agricultural land receives specific statutory limits and exceptions19. Land division within a planning-unit jurisdiction generally needs planning-commission plat approval before recording, with a conditional exception for qualifying agricultural divisions that do not create a new street2021.

How do septic permits work in Bourbon County?

The Bourbon County Health Department handles onsite wastewater site evaluations and related permits56. For new construction not served by sanitary sewer, start with a site evaluation so a certified inspector can determine whether the site and soils support an onsite system and what system type is appropriate722. The listed fees are $285 for the site evaluation, $400 for a construction permit, $280 for a repair permit and $150 for an existing-system function statement23. Obtain the construction permit before building any part of a new or altered system24. An installed, constructed, altered or repaired system must be inspected before backfilling, although the county page does not establish routine inspection of every existing system2526. Only 2.1% of county soils rate without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation a purchase contingency27.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Bourbon County?

We could not confirm a county rule generally allowing long-term RV living or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Bourbon County. Zoning applies in unincorporated Bourbon County, and the zoning map and ordinance determine what may be done in each district38. Ask Joint Planning whether the parcel's district allows the proposed dwelling, whether an RV may be occupied during construction, and what lot, setback and dwelling-size standards apply15. Kentucky's limited rule for sleeping in a lawfully parked vehicle on a public road, street or parking lot for less than 12 hours does not establish permission for residential RV occupancy on private land28. A tiny home involving new construction or covered alterations requires a Bourbon County building permit1. Where sanitary sewer is unavailable, onsite wastewater requires a site evaluation and an approved system type based on soil conditions22. Kentucky generally prohibits seepage pits, cesspools and dry wells, subject to narrow regulatory exceptions29.

What are the steps to build a home in Bourbon County?

  1. Ask the Bourbon County Joint Planning Office to identify the zoning district and confirm the proposed home and site plan815.
  2. Arrange the Bourbon County Health Department site evaluation before fixing the homesite or onsite-system design30.
  3. Submit the building-permit application to Joint Planning and allow 7 to 10 business days for processing16.
  4. Obtain the onsite wastewater construction permit before building or altering any part of the system24.
  5. Apply to the Kentucky highway District Engineer if a new single-family driveway will enter a state right-of-way31.
  6. Use a Kentucky-certified driller if the property needs a private well; the owner does not pay a separate well-permit fee10.
  7. Schedule required building inspections and the onsite-system inspection before backfilling1225.
  8. Ask Joint Planning whether a certificate of occupancy applies before you move in; Kentucky does not require one for a single-family dwelling unless a local government has established enforcement jurisdiction18.

What should you check before buying land in Bourbon County?

Check the zoning district and proposed use with Joint Planning before treating a parcel as buildable815. Make the septic site evaluation an early contingency because only 2.1% of county soils rate without severe limits for a conventional drain field27. Check the flood map: development in an identified Kentucky floodplain requires state and local floodplain permits, but we could not confirm Bourbon County's local application path or floodplain contact32. Confirm whether access is county, city, private or state maintained; a new farm or single-family driveway on a state highway requires a written application to the Kentucky highway District Engineer31. About 72.1% of Bourbon County land has a slope of 15% or less, but parcel-level grade and drainage still need field verification33. Typical farmland value is about $7,039 per acre, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,563343536.

Watch-outs

  • Joint Planning states a 7-to-10-business-day processing period and does not offer same-day permits or inspections16.
  • Only 2.1% of Bourbon County soils rate without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so secure the health department's site evaluation before committing to a homesite2737.
  • Development in an identified floodplain needs state and local floodplain permits, but Bourbon County's local application path and floodplain contact were not confirmed32.

Sources

  1. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  2. Bourbon County Joint Planning Office (bourboncountyplanning.com)
  3. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic Services | Bourbon County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  6. Environmental/Food Services | Bourbon County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  7. Environmental/Food Services | Bourbon County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  8. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  10. Water Well Information for Home Owners (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Permitting (2026 county census)
  12. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  13. KRS 198B.050 Uniform State Building Code (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. KRS 198B.674 — Exemptions (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Bourbon County Joint Planning Office (bourboncountyplanning.com)
  16. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  17. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  18. apps.legislature.ky.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. KRS 100.203 Content of zoning regulations (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. KRS 100.277 — Commission approval required for subdivisions (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. KRS 100.111 — Definitions for chapter (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Environmental/Food Services | Bourbon County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  23. Environmental/Food Services | Bourbon County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  24. 902 KAR 10:085 Kentucky on-site sewage disposal systems, quoted and re-checked
  25. 902 KAR 10:085. System Installation Inspection (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Bourbon County Health Department — Septic Services, quoted and re-checked
  27. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  28. KRS 511.110 — Unlawful camping (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. 902 KAR 10:085 Kentucky Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Bourbon County Joint Planning Commission | Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  31. 603 KAR 1:020 Driveway approaches, entrances; construction and maintenance (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Find Your Flood Zone (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  35. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Bourbon County Health Department (bourboncohd.org)

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Bourbon County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleBourbon CountyNicholas CountyHarrison CountyClark CountyFayette CountyScott CountyMontgomery County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesNoYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.WEDCO District Health Dept.WEDCO District Health Dept.County Health Dept.Lexington-Fayette County Health Dept.WEDCO District Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Bourbon County in Kentucky

38
County map
Bourbon County highlighted among the Kentucky counties · colored by Index score

How Bourbon County scores

Seclusion26100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency26100% ev.
Admin Boringness4190% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$258kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$7,039Land / acre
49.2"Annual rain
1.3% of yrsSevere drought
6.6 / yr (+6.2)Mid-century 100°F days
12.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.91" (+9.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.81×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,345Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.98%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
64,402People within 30 min
4,536,471People within 2 hr
59,819Radius comparison (15 mi)
69.5People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
72.1%Land at 15% slope or less
2.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
3,758 acWorkable land screen
7.8%Wooded land
38.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Bourbon County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Millersburg · North Middletown · Paris

Answers from the rulebook for Bourbon County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Bourbon County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction, alterations, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, and listed electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work administered through the Bourbon County Joint Planning Office.

    • A permit must be obtained before covered work.
    • A building permit is required on all new residential and non-residential construction and listed alterations.
    • Demolition permits are required before demolition.
    • In-ground swimming pools require permits.
    • Applications generally require seven to ten business days for processing.
    • Accepted payment methods are cash, check, or credit card.

    processing time: 7–10 business days

    “Building permits are required when any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Inspector and obtain the required permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, and listed electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work in Bourbon County.
      “A building permit is required on all new construction (residential and non-residential) and any alterations that are being made on an existing structure”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building work requiring permits in Bourbon County.

    • Building inspections are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays.
    • The county states that fines may be imposed for work requiring building permits and inspections.
    • Electrical inspections are conducted by the State Electrical Inspector.
    “BUILDING INSPECTIONS TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building work requiring Bourbon County building permits and inspections.
      “We have the authority to impose fines on contractors or residents who do not obtain the proper permits and inspections for work requiring building permits.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and ordinances administered through the Bourbon County Joint Planning Office.

    • The official page states that zoning districts apply in Bourbon County but does not specify incorporated-area boundaries.
    “the County’s zoning districts and where they apply.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of county and municipal zoning within Bourbon County; the county page confirms county zoning districts but does not establish that the county administers every incorporated municipality’s ordinance.

    • Municipal zoning may apply separately within incorporated municipalities.
    • The county Joint Planning Office states that it provides planning and zoning services.
    “quick info sheets for the unincorporated Bourbon County and the Cities of Millersburg and North Middletown.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and zoning maps in Bourbon County.

    • The official page states that zoning maps show where districts are located and ordinances state what can be done in each district.
    “Zoning maps show where districts are located”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Bourbon County zoning districts and their geographic application.
      “Zoning maps show where districts are located, while the ordinances provide information about what can be done in each district.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater site evaluations and related permits in Bourbon County.

    • The Bourbon County Health Department page states that site evaluations are required when a planned build is not served by sanitary sewers.
    “Contact Bill Caldwell at 859-987-2323 for more information or to set an appointment.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    New construction not served by sanitary sewers and requiring an on-site wastewater system.

    • A site evaluation is required before determining the approved system type. The county health page lists a $400 construction permit and $280 repair permit.

    construction permit fee: 400 USD · repair permit fee: 280 USD

    “The first step to obtaining a septic permit is the site evaluation.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Site evaluations and existing-system inspections for onsite wastewater systems in Bourbon County.

    • A certified inspector performs site evaluations.
    • The page separately lists a Function Statement for an existing system inspection.
    • The page does not establish that every septic system receives a routine inspection.

    existing system inspection fee: 150 USD (Function Statement)

    “Function Statement (Existing System Inspection) $150.00”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    On-site wastewater systems for property not served by sanitary sewers.

    • A site evaluation is required and the approved system type depends on soil conditions.
    “A certified inspector will perform the site evaluation to determine if site and soil conditions are suitable for onsite wastewater systems.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Farm exemption for new construction administered through Bourbon County permitting.

    • The page provides an Agricultural Exemption Form and Farmstead Application; the underlying eligibility conditions were not stated on the page opened.
    “FARM EXEMPTION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTION FORM Farmstead App.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Farm-related new construction for which the Bourbon County Joint Planning Office provides an agricultural exemption form.
      “By claiming Farmstead Exemption and forgoing a building permit and required building inspections”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Bourbon County on-site wastewater permits.

    • The health department page identifies the fee schedule as current; no building-permit dollar amounts were located on the opened county permitting page.

    site evaluation fee: 285 USD · construction permit fee: 400 USD · repair permit fee: 280 USD · existing system inspection function statement: 150 USD

    “Site Evaluation: $285 Permit: $400 Repair Permit: $280 Function Statement (Existing System Inspection) $150.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit and inspection process.

    • Applications are processed through the Bourbon County Joint Planning Office.
    • Applicants should allow seven to ten business days for processing.
    • No same-day permits or inspections are available.
    • Cash, check, and credit card are accepted.

    processing time: 7–10 business days

    “NO SAME DAY PERMITS OR INSPECTIONS [...] Building and Electrical permits are processed through the Bourbon County Joint Planning Office. Please call (859) 987-2150. Upon application submittal, please allow a seven to ten (7 – 10) business days for processing.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Kentucky rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual property owner performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work on property the individual owns and occupies.

    • The exemption applies to KRS 198B.650 to 198B.689, Kentucky's HVAC contractor provisions.
    • The owner must own and occupy the property.
    • For installation of an initial HVAC system, the owner must apply for a permit before beginning installation.
    • An exempt owner need not possess or show proof of an HVAC license to obtain the required HVAC permit.
    • Applying for the HVAC permit constitutes consent to inspection by authorized Commonwealth and relevant local-government inspectors.
    • No HVAC permit is required for installation on a manufactured home by a licensed manufactured-home retailer or manufacturer, and no permit or inspection is required for window-unit air conditioners, space heaters, or HVAC systems in buildings not designed for human occupancy.
    “KRS 198B.650 to 198B.689 shall not apply to: [...] (3) An individual owner of real property while practicing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work on or within property owned and occupied by the individual;”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings constructed statewide in Kentucky, including residential and nonresidential construction subject to the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code.

    • The 2015 International Building Code is the mandatory state building code for buildings constructed in Kentucky, subject to Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Building Code.
    • One-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses are governed by 815 KAR 7:125 and the 2015 International Residential Code with Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code.
    • Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are not required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.
    • Residential occupancies that are not single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, or townhouses must comply with the 2015 International Building Code and the 2018 Kentucky Building Code.
    • Manufactured homes are governed by KRS 227.550 through 227.665.

    base building code: 2015 International Building Code (Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Building Code supersede conflicting provisions) · residential code: 2015 International Residential Code; 2018 Kentucky Residential Code amendments (Applies to single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses under 815 KAR 7:125) · mandatory effective date: 2019-01-01

    “Building Code. The 2015 International Building shall be the mandatory state building code for all buildings constructed in Kentucky except that: (1) The Kentucky amendments in the 2018 Kentucky Building Code shall supersede any conflicting provision in the 2015 International Building Code; (2) One (1) family dwellings, two (2) family dwellings, and townhouses shall be governed by 815 KAR 7:125; and (3) Manufactured homes shall be governed by KRS 227.550 through 227.665.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Commercial and single-family residential construction subject to Kentucky building codes.
      “The 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) went into effect Jan. 1, 2019, for commercial application.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Kentucky commercial buildings and single-family dwellings subject to the Kentucky Building Code or Kentucky Residential Code.
      “The 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) went into effect Jan. 1, 2019, for commercial application.”
    • Adopted — Mandatory Kentucky residential building-code standards for single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses constructed statewide, including unincorporated areas.
      “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.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings constructed or industrialized building systems assembled after the Uniform State Building Code became effective, including applicable Bourbon County projects.

    • The certificate must certify construction or assembly conforms to the Uniform State Building Code or applicable instructions.
    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for a single-family dwelling unless a local government has established jurisdiction for enforcement of the Uniform State Building Code.
    “shall be occupied until [...] issues a certificate of occupancy”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.
      “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping or sleeping in the specified public and private pedestrian or vehicle-use areas statewide.

    • The person must knowingly enter or remain in a listed area with intent to sleep or camp.
    • The area must not have been designated for sleeping or camping, or the individual must lack authorization to sleep or camp there.
    • The listed areas include streets, sidewalks, areas under bridges or underpasses, paths, parks, cemeteries, and other areas designated for pedestrians or vehicles, including ingress or egress areas to businesses, homes, or public buildings.
    • The first offense is a violation; a second or subsequent offense, or a first offense where the person refuses to cease, is a Class B misdemeanor.
    • The section does not prohibit customary and temporary use of recreational camping areas, rest areas, or other properties specifically designated for resting or sleeping.
    • Temporary sleeping in a vehicle parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot is not prevented when sleeping and parking occur for less than twelve (12) hours.

    temporary vehicle sleeping period: < 12 hours (The vehicle must be parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot.)

    “A person is guilty of unlawful camping when he or she knowingly enters or remains on a public or private street, sidewalk, area under a bridge or underpass, path, park, cemetery, or other area designated for use by pedestrians or vehicles, including areas used for ingress or egress to businesses, homes, or public buildings, with the intent to sleep or camp in that area, when the area has not been designated for the purpose of sleeping or camping or the individual lacks authorization to sleep or camp in the area.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Temporary camping locations for unsheltered homeless individuals designated by local governments under Kentucky law.
      “A local government may designate indoor or outdoor areas with defined boundaries in an area zoned for commercial or industrial use, separate from any area frequently used for public purposes, as a temporary camping location for unsheltered homeless individuals.”
    • Limited — Temporary parking of recreational vehicles on public or private property associated with specified publicly announced events.
      “Nothing in KRS 219.310 to 219.410 shall be construed to apply to the temporary parking of recreational vehicles on public or private property, for not more than thirty (30) days, associated with festivals, fairs, sporting events, yard sales, or other publicly announced events.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units on lots containing a single-family home in a county containing a consolidated local government, when a new lease is initiated after June 27, 2025 and the lot is in a traditional single-family home zone.

    • The owner may not lease or allow the accessory dwelling unit to be occupied unless the owner primarily resides in the single-family home, multifamily housing unit, or accessory dwelling unit on the lot.
    • The restriction applies only in a county containing a consolidated local government.
    • A traditional single-family home zone is a zone that, as of January 1, 2025, did not include multifamily homes as a permitted use.
    • The restriction does not apply to a lot containing only one single-family home and no accessory dwelling unit.
    • The statutory effective date is June 27, 2025.

    new lease applicability date: > 2025-06-27 (The statute applies to new leases initiated after June 27, 2025.)

    “In a county containing a consolidated local government, for new leases initiated after June 27, 2025, a property owner shall not lease or allow to be occupied any single-family home, multifamily housing unit, or accessory dwelling unit located on a lot that contains a single-family home and that is located in a traditional single-family home zone, unless the owner primarily resides in the single-family home or multifamily housing unit or an accessory dwelling unit on the lot.”
  • Well permitNot required

    Construction or abandonment of a private water well by a property owner statewide in Kentucky.

    • Construction, modification, and abandonment must be performed by a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller.
    • The certified driller must complete and submit required documentation within sixty days after completion.
    • The conclusion concerns owner permitting applications and fees; it does not eliminate the separate driller-certification requirement.

    well documentation submission deadline: 60 days after completion

    “there are no permitting applications or fees for constructing or abandoning a water well required of the property owner.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings subject to the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.

    • A building must have an independent connection to either a public or private sewer or sewer system.
    • If a sewer is not available, the house drain must connect to an approved private sewage disposal system.
    • The cited rule does not establish a universal requirement to connect to public water service.
    “If a sewer is not available, the house drain from a building shall connect with an approved private sewage disposal system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land within a Kentucky planning-unit jurisdiction.

    • All subdivision of land must receive planning-commission approval.
    • A person may not subdivide land before securing approval of a planning-commission plat.
    • A subdivision plat may not be recorded by the county clerk until commission approval is entered on the plat.
    • The statute's agricultural-use exception is addressed separately in KRS 100.111(22).
    “All subdivision of land shall receive commission approval. No person or his agent shall subdivide any land before securing the approval of the planning commission of a plat designating the areas to be subdivided, and no plat of a subdivision of land within the planning unit jurisdiction shall be recorded by the county clerk until the plat has been approved by the commission and the approval entered thereon in writing by the chairman, secretary, or other duly authorized officer of the commission.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or additional private farm or single-family dwelling driveway approaches on Kentucky Department of Highways rights-of-way.

    • The owner or occupant must make formal written application to the District Engineer of the Department of Highways.
    • The applicant must furnish required drainage pipe, tile, or other drainage structure at the applicant's own expense.
    • The Department may participate up to $300 for specified construction work.
    • No indemnity bond or other security is required unless estimated construction cost within the right-of-way exceeds $300.
    • The District Engineer may approve or disapprove the application.

    department participation maximum: <= 300 USD (specified drainage, grading, and surfacing work within right-of-way limits)

    “The owner or occupant of property, who desires to construct new or additional private farm or single family dwelling driveway approaches, shall make formal application in writing, to the District Engineer of the Department of Highways.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New, additional, relocated, or modified driveway entrance approaches serving commercial property or property used for a purpose other than farming or a single-family dwelling.
      “The owner or occupant of property, used for commercial or any purpose other than farming or single family dwelling, who desires to construct new or additional driveway entrance approaches, to relocate, or make other changes in existing driveway entrance approaches thereto, shall make application for a permit to the District Engineer of the Department of Highways upon standard forms furnished by the Transportation Cabinet.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in an identified Kentucky floodplain, including development in mapped A and AE zones.

    • Both a state and local floodplain permit are required for development in an identified floodplain.
    • State and local permits are required for development in A and AE zones.
    • The Kentucky Division of Water issues general or individual floodplain permits.
    • General permits cover eligible activities that do not change the Base Flood Elevation and have minimal flood-risk potential.
    • Developments that do not meet general-permit eligibility or could change the Base Flood Elevation require an individual permit.
    • The source directs applicants to consult the local floodplain coordinator for local requirements.

    general permit nonsubstantial improvement threshold: < 50 percent of structure valuation (including labor)

    “Any development in an identified floodplain in Kentucky requires a state and a local floodplain permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development activity within flood plains when proposed by a Kentucky state agency; this is not a complete countywide Bourbon County floodplain rule.
      “Upon receipt and review by the secretary of notice from a state agency proposing development activity within the flood plain”
  • Campground & park staysTemporary only (with conditions)

    Sleeping temporarily in a recreational vehicle or other vehicle in a vehicle-based location covered by KRS 511.110.

    • The vehicle must be parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot.
    • Sleeping and parking at the location must occur for less than twelve (12) hours.
    • This provision does not establish permission for long-term or permanent RV occupancy on private land.
    • KRS 511.110 separately prohibits camping in specified areas when the area has not been designated for sleeping or camping or the person lacks authorization.

    maximum sleeping and parking period: < 12 hours

    “Nothing in this section shall prevent a person from sleeping temporarily in his or her vehicle parked lawfully on a public road, street, or parking lot, where the sleeping and parking of the vehicle at the location occur for a period of less than twelve (12) hours.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Kentucky counties' statutory authority to enact zoning regulations, including county-regulated areas outside incorporated municipalities as determined by the applicable planning-unit and political-boundary structure.

    • The statute expressly authorizes both cities and counties to enact zoning regulations.
    • A zoning regulation must contain text listing the types of zones and regulations applicable in each zone, uniform throughout the zone, and provisions for variances, conditional-use permits, and nonconforming uses.
    • Authorized subjects include land activities, structure dimensions and locations, open-space and distance requirements, density, special-interest districts, fringe areas, and activities or structures near thoroughfares, water bodies, public facilities, aircraft facilities, unique places, and floodplains.
    • Agricultural land must have no regulations except that setback lines may be required for streets and highways; floodway or floodplain buildings or structures may be fully regulated; mobile homes and other dwellings may be regulated; and uses under KRS 100.111(2)(c) may be regulated as conditional uses.
    • The applicable planning unit and political boundaries determine the area governed by a county zoning regulation.
    “Cities and counties may enact zoning regulations which shall contain:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Kentucky counties may adopt permanent land-use regulations, including zoning, through the applicable planning-unit process; this authority reaches county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas, subject to the statutory planning prerequisites.
      “When all required elements of the comprehensive plan have been adopted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, then the legislative bodies and fiscal courts within the planning unit may enact permanent land use regulations, including zoning and other kinds of growth management regulations”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Kentucky fiscal courts may adopt and enforce construction regulations and may require building permits for construction in the county, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • The construction regulations must be adopted by county order or resolution.
    • The regulations operate pursuant to KRS 198B.060 and the Uniform State Building Code framework.
    • A county building inspector may administer the regulations.
    • No person may build, erect, construct, reconstruct, remodel, relocate, alter, or repair a building within the county without first obtaining a building permit from the building inspector when the county permit system applies.
    • Permit fees must be reasonable and may not exceed the cost of the service provided.
    • A person aggrieved by the building inspector's ruling, order, or decision may appeal under KRS 198B.070.

    permit fee ceiling: <= cost of the service provided

    “The fiscal court of any county shall have authority, by order or resolution, to adopt, and to enforce, regulations governing construction as defined by KRS 198B.010 pursuant to the provisions of KRS 198B.060.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Kentucky county authority, as a local government, to enforce the Uniform State Building Code and issue building permits within its jurisdiction, including unincorporated residential construction.
      “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.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Bourbon County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Bourbon County.
  • Setbacks — Setback requirements in Bourbon County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Bourbon County.
  • Building height — Building-height requirements in Bourbon County.
4 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Bourbon County, Kentucky

Is Bourbon County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Bourbon County scores 38/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 64,402 people within a 30-minute drive and strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.2″/yr rainfall with little drought.

Do you need a building permit in Bourbon County, Kentucky?

Bourbon County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Bourbon County Health Department (Environmental Services). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Bourbon County, Kentucky?

Land in Bourbon County runs about $7,039 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Bourbon County?

Bourbon County gets about 49.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.3% of years.

How remote is Bourbon County?

A representative private-land location has about 64,402 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,536,471 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Bourbon compares in Kentucky

Compare side-by-side →See all 120 Kentucky counties ranked →