Bolthole Index

Calloway County, Kentucky

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

61Index Score / 100
#72 of 120 in Kentucky

Unincorporated Calloway County, Kentucky appears to require building permits; ask the Local Building Inspector which projects are covered.12 Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, while Murray has its own building-permit and zoning rules.345 Septic site evaluations and construction permits come from the Calloway County Health Department, including interim private systems inside Murray where public sewer is unavailable.678

At a glance

Building permit
Confirm with the local inspector; the available county material does not publish the complete scope19
Zoning
Countywide zoning could not be confirmed; subdivision rules still apply310
Septic
Site evaluation, permit and installation inspection required711
RV living
Long-term occupancy on private land is unconfirmed; ask the local inspector12
Tiny home
No county-specific occupancy or minimum-size rule was confirmed3
Owner-builder
Conditional homeowner plumbing permit; no general building-permit exemption confirmed13
Private well
No owner permit application or fee for well construction or abandonment; certified driller required14

Who to call

Building permits

Local Building Inspector — K&S Building Ins. LLC

New building inspections in Calloway County

270-762-0350

Septic permits

Calloway County Health Department

Site evaluations, permits and inspections for onsite wastewater systems

270-753-3381

info@callowayhealth.org

602 Memory Lane Murray, Ky 42071

Floodplain permits

Calloway County Floodplain Officer

Local floodplain questions and development-permit coordination

270-759-3549

jtidwell@callowaycountyky.gov

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Calloway County appears to require a building permit and the state directory identifies a local inspector, but the published material does not define every covered project or inspection stage.1 Kentucky adopted the 2018 Kentucky Building Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, and Calloway County administers them locally through its listed building inspector.15 Local inspection applies to single-family homes where the local inspection program applies.9

That distinction matters because Kentucky's residential rule says a single-family home needs no permit, inspection or occupancy certificate unless a local ordinance requires one.16 Before ordering materials, give the Local Building Inspector your parcel location, whether it lies inside city limits, the proposed use, and whether the work is a new home, addition, accessory building or conversion. The county directs questions about new building inspections to that office.2

Who issues building permits and inspections in Calloway County?

For unincorporated Calloway County, start with the Local Building Inspector at K&S Building Ins. LLC, the county’s listed contact for new building inspections.2 Ask which application, plans, fees and inspection stages apply to your proposed structure. Inside Murray, building erection, movement, additions and structural alterations require a building permit reviewed by the city’s Zoning Official.4 Septic approval stays with the Calloway County Health Department, including interim private systems inside Murray where public sewer is unavailable.678

Land division is separate: covered subdivisions require Fiscal Court approval, and final plats generally must be approved and recorded with the Calloway County Clerk before sale or transfer, except for lots already of record.1017 The county subdivision regulations exclude territory regulated, or permitted to be regulated, by Murray.10

Does Calloway County have zoning?

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Calloway County or an official statement that the county has no zoning.3 Inside Murray, the city administers its own zoning code and map; those city rules do not establish the rules for unincorporated land.5 Septic site approval remains with the Calloway County Health Department, including interim private systems inside Murray where public sewer is unavailable.68

Calloway County still requires Fiscal Court approval for covered subdivisions, and land within the floodway may not be platted for residential occupancy or building sites.1018 We could not confirm parcel-specific setbacks, lot coverage, building height, minimum dwelling size or accessory-dwelling rules; ask the Local Building Inspector which authority can answer for your parcel.32

How do septic permits work in Calloway County?

The Calloway County Health Department decides whether site and soil conditions are suitable for an onsite wastewater system.6 The process has a site evaluation and a Permit to Construct, with applicable fees due before work begins; the permit may be obtained only by a Kentucky-certified installer or the homeowner who will install the system.7 The system is inspected during installation for compliance with Kentucky regulations.11

Call before choosing a house site: only 1.5% of mapped county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field.19 That soil rating is a screening signal, not a parcel decision, so the health department's site evaluation is essential. Where sewer is unavailable, Kentucky plumbing rules require the house drain to connect to an approved private sewage-disposal system.20

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

We could not confirm a Calloway County rule authorizing long-term RV residence or temporary camping on private land; ask the Local Building Inspector about your parcel and proposed use.2 Kentucky’s exclusion of event-related RV parking from campground regulation for up to 30 days does not authorize residential RV use.21

We also could not confirm a Calloway County tiny-home occupancy or minimum-size rule.3 Ask the Local Building Inspector how the proposed unit is classified and what inspections apply.2 If the unit will use onsite sewage, obtain the Calloway County Health Department’s site evaluation and construction permit before installation.7

Building a home in Calloway County: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and describe the project to the Local Building Inspector; the county publishes that office as the contact for new building inspections.2
  2. If creating or changing lots, resolve Fiscal Court plat approval and recording before transfer or construction dependent on the plat.17
  3. Have the Calloway County Health Department evaluate the site and obtain the Permit to Construct before septic work begins.7
  4. Apply for a plumbing permit before work begins. A Calloway County homeowner may personally perform plumbing, sewerage or drainage work in a home the homeowner occupies or builds for personal residential use, with an affidavit and state plumbing-code compliance.13 For a new home, the homeowner must not have obtained another homeowner new-home permit within the preceding five years; this is not a general building-permit exemption.13
  5. If the site is in an identified floodplain, obtain both state and local floodplain permits before development.22
  6. Apply in writing to the state highway district engineer before adding a farm or single-family driveway on a state right-of-way.23

What should you check before buying land in Calloway County?

Put septic suitability near the top of due diligence because only 1.5% of mapped soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation.19 Ask for the health department evaluation before treating a proposed homesite as buildable.6

Check the flood map and contact the county Floodplain Officer if any proposed driveway, fill, utility or structure is in a mapped floodplain.24 Kentucky requires both state and local permits for development in an identified floodplain.22 Confirm legal access and whether the connecting road is county, city or state maintained; a new driveway on a state highway has its own application requirement.23 For a private well, Kentucky requires a certified driller but no property-owner permit application or fee for construction or abandonment.14 Budget around a 0.7% effective property-tax rate and a $1,215 median annual property-tax bill, while verifying the actual parcel assessment and exemptions.2526

Watch-outs

  • A local inspector is listed, but the available official material does not publish a complete building-permit scope; call before construction or material delivery.12
  • Countywide zoning, long-term RV occupancy, tiny-home standards and minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask the Local Building Inspector before choosing a dwelling or temporary living arrangement.32
  • A mapped floodplain project needs both state and local floodplain permits before development begins.22

Sources

  1. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) - Calloway County local inspector sheet (2026 county census)
  2. Local Building Inspector — K&S Building Ins. LLC (callowaycountyky.gov)
  3. (2026 county census)
  4. Murray: Murray Code § 156.076, Building Permits (Calloway County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Murray: Murray Code § 156.001, Title (Calloway County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  7. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  8. Murray: Murray Code § 52.10, Mandatory Sewer Connections (Calloway County), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  10. Subdivision Regulations of Calloway County, Kentucky, quoted and re-checked
  11. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  12. KRS 511.110 — Unlawful camping (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction frequently asked questions, quoted and re-checked
  14. Water Well Information for Home Owners (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Division of Building Code Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  16. 815 KAR 7:125, Kentucky Residential Code (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Subdivision Regulations of Calloway County, Kentucky, quoted and re-checked
  18. Calloway County Subdivision Regulations, Flood Protection, quoted and re-checked
  19. 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
  20. 815 KAR 20:130. House sewers and storm water piping; methods of installation (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. KRS 219.410 — Exclusions for personal or farm use, festivals, and events (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Find Your Flood Zone (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. 603 KAR 1:020 Driveway approaches, entrances; construction and maintenance (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Calloway County Floodplain Officer (callowaycountyky.gov)
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 12, 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

RuleCalloway CountyGraves CountyMarshall CountyTrigg CountyLyon CountyHickman CountyLivingston County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredNot required
County zoningNot publishedNoNoNoYesNot publishedNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Pennyrile District Health Dept.County Health Dept.Pennyrile District Health Dept.

County locator

Calloway County in Kentucky

61
County map
Calloway County highlighted among the Kentucky counties · colored by Index score

How Calloway County scores

Seclusion46100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency73100% ev.
Admin Boringness4968% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$173kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$5,167Land / acre
53.1"Annual rain
7.4% of yrsSevere drought
13 / yr (+11.4)Mid-century 100°F days
15.1 daysMid-century dry spell
2.66" (+9.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.66×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,774Home insurance / yr
1.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.38%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
59,501People within 30 min
1,513,439People within 2 hr
51,749Radius comparison (15 mi)
99.4People / sq mi
0.7%Federal land
83.3%Land at 15% slope or less
1.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
3,360 acWorkable land screen
41.4%Wooded land
54.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Calloway 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.

Not yet researched: Hazel

Answers from the rulebook for Calloway County

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

Calloway County rules

  • InspectionsRequired

    Single-family homes in Calloway County where a local inspection program exists.

    • Kentucky states that all single-family homes are reviewed and inspected by the local county or city building official if an inspection program exists.
    • The Calloway County inspector directory identifies a local building inspector; the source does not specify the full program scope or all inspection stages.
    “Calloway County Local Building Inspector: Keith Miller”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Premises subject to the Calloway County subdivision regulations before occupancy.

    • The subdivision regulations embrace all territory within Calloway County except territory regulated by or permitted to be regulated by the City of Murray.
    • The regulation defines a certificate of occupancy as a certificate that must be obtained before occupancy of any premises.
    “A certificate which must be obtained prior to occupancy of any premises.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater system site and soil suitability determinations in Calloway County.

    • The county health department performs the determination under Kentucky regulations.
    “The Calloway County Health Department is responsible for making the determination if site and soil conditions are suitable for onsite wastewater systems.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or repaired onsite sewage systems in Calloway County.

    • A site evaluation and Permit to Construct process are required before work is performed.
    • The Permit to Construct can only be obtained by a Kentucky certified installer or the homeowner who will install the system.
    • Applicable fees must be paid before work begins.

    new site evaluation fee: 250 USD · new permit fee: 250 USD · repair site evaluation fee: 250 USD · repair permit fee: 150 USD

    “This determination is completed in two stages—Site Evaluation and Permit to Construct process, both of which require payment of applicable fees prior to work being performed.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of onsite sewage systems in Calloway County.

    • Inspection occurs during installation.
    • The inspection ensures components and construction meet Kentucky regulations.
    “During the installation process, the system will be inspected to ensure that all components and the construction meet the Kentucky regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Calloway County, except territory regulated by or permitted to be regulated by the City of Murray.

    • All subdivision of land must receive Fiscal Court approval.
    • A plat must be approved before subdivision or recording.
    • Preliminary and final plats must be approved or disapproved within 90 days.
    • Construction of improvements cannot proceed until specified plat or improvement approvals are obtained.
    • Fees are due upon filing the subject plat.

    plat decision period: 90 days · minor plat fee: 10 USD · preliminary plat fee: 100 USD · final plat fee: 100 USD

    “All subdivision of land shall receive Fiscal Court approval.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Subdivision platting and building sites in floodway and floodplain areas of Calloway County.

    • Land within the floodway may not be platted for residential occupancy or building sites.
    • Other land subject to flooding may be platted only if it will not increase danger to health, life, and property.
    • Flooding-related land must also be considered under county ordinances and National Flood Insurance Program regulations.
    “Land within the floodway shall not be platted for residential occupancy or building sites. Other land subject to flooding may be platted which will not increase the danger to health, life, and property.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Subdivision approval and plat-recording process in Calloway County, except territory regulated by or permitted to be regulated by the City of Murray.

    • Preliminary and final plats require approval.
    • Final approval must be recorded with the Calloway County Clerk before certain transfers or recording.
    • The Fiscal Court may delegate approval authority to the County Judge/Executive or engineer, while retaining final approval authority.
    • The source does not publish a complete building-permit process.

    plat decision period: 90 days

    “Unless otherwise provided herein and except for lots currently of record, no lot, tract, or parcel in a subdivision in which the property is located, may be sold or transferred unless a Final Plat has been approved as provided by these regulations, and recorded with the Calloway County Clerk.”

Kentucky rules that apply here

  • Building permitNot required (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.

    • A local ordinance may independently require a permit.
    • The 2015 International Residential Code and 2018 Kentucky Residential Code apply to the covered residential construction.
    • This claim does not determine municipal or county permit ordinances.
    “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A homeowner personally performing plumbing, sewerage, or drainage work in a home occupied by the homeowner or constructed by the homeowner for the homeowner's own personal residential use, including work in Calloway County.

    • The permit application must be made before work begins.
    • The homeowner must file an affidavit stating that the homeowner will abide by the applicable terms.
    • All work must comply with 815 KAR Chapter 20 or the state plumbing code.
    • All work must be personally performed by the homeowner.
    • The homeowner must not have obtained another homeowner permit for construction of a new home within the preceding five years.
    • This claim concerns plumbing, sewerage, or drainage permits only; it does not establish a general building-permit exemption.

    new-home homeowner permits: per 1 permit per individual per five years

    “A homeowner who wishes to construct, install, or alter plumbing, sewerage, or drainage in a home occupied by the homeowner”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Homeowner-performed plumbing, sewerage, or drainage work in a home actually occupied by the homeowner or constructed by the homeowner for the homeowner's own personal residential use, including in Calloway County where the statewide rule applies.
      “Permits to construct, install or alter plumbing, sewerage or drainage may be issued to homeowners”
    • Conditional — An individual property owner performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work on property the individual owns and occupies.
      “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction in Calloway County subject to the Kentucky Building Code or Kentucky Residential Code, administered locally through the listed Calloway County building inspector.
      “The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction adopted the 2018 Kentucky Building Code, Second Edition and the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, Second Edition on August 3, 2019.”
    • 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.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Kentucky's statewide statutory framework for zoning-district texts and maps adopted by local planning units; the statutes do not provide a statewide inventory of individual district names or boundaries.

    • Zoning is enacted by a city or county under KRS Chapter 100 rather than automatically imposed statewide.
    • The zoning text must list the types of zones that may be used and the regulations for each zone.
    • The zoning map must show the boundaries of the area to be zoned and the boundaries of each zone.
    • Before enactment, the planning commission must prepare the zoning text and map and hold at least one public hearing.
    • After the hearing, the planning commission submits the approved text and map with its recommendation to legislative bodies and fiscal courts for adoption; passage requires a majority of the entire legislative body or fiscal court.
    • Planning units may be independent city or county units, joint city-county units, or regional groups of counties and cities.
    • Joint city-county and regional planning-unit jurisdiction is coterminous with political boundaries; an independent city planning unit may exercise consent-based extraterritorial jurisdiction up to five miles for subdivision and other regulations, subject to statutory limits.
    • KRS 100.203 states an effective date of July 13, 2004; KRS 100.207 states an effective date of July 15, 1988; those dates are included as source-stated statutory effective dates, not as dates for any particular local zoning map.
    “Cities and counties may enact zoning regulations which shall contain: (1) A text, which shall list the types of zones which may be used,”
  • 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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationProhibited

    Use of seepage pits, cesspools, or dry wells as onsite sewage disposal systems statewide in Kentucky, subject to the Section 13 exception.

    • The prohibition is subject to the exception provided in Section 13 of 902 KAR 10:085.
    • Section 13 permits limited repair or alteration of existing seepage-pit systems when municipal or public sewage treatment is unavailable and repair or alteration is required because of malfunction, damage, or upgrade.
    • A limited single-family vacant-lot exception applies to certain lots purchased on or before May 1, 1992, if bona fide construction began by December 25, 1992.
    “Except as provided in Section 13 of this administrative regulation, use of seepage pits, cesspools, or dry wells;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agritourism buildings subject to the Kentucky Building Code.

    • Except as otherwise provided, an agritourism building must comply with the Kentucky Building Code.
    • The exemption applies to an agritourism building built prior to December 31, 2016.
    • The pre-December 31, 2016 building is exempt from seismic requirements.
    • If the building has a capacity of 400 persons or is 6,000 square feet or less, it does not require the services of a Kentucky-licensed architect.

    construction date threshold: < December 31, 2016 · building capacity threshold: <= 400 persons (The statute states "has a capacity of four hundred (400) persons or is six thousand (6,000) square feet or less.") · building area threshold: <= 6000 square feet (The statute states "has a capacity of four hundred (400) persons or is six thousand (6,000) square feet or less.")

    “An agritourism building built prior to December 31, 2016, shall be exempt from the following requirements within the Kentucky Building Code: (a) An agritourism building built prior to December 31, 2016, shall not be required to comply with the seismic requirements within the Kentucky Building Code; and (b) If an agritourism building has a capacity of four hundred (400) persons or is six thousand (6,000) square feet or less, an agritourism building built prior to December 31, 2016, shall not require the services of an architect licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Division of land for agricultural use under Kentucky subdivision law.
      “provided that a division of land for agricultural use and not involving a new street shall not be deemed a subdivision.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Kentucky state plumbing installation permits administered by the Division of Plumbing.

    • Residential one- and two-family permits use a $50 base fee plus $14 per opening.
    • Domestic water heater-only permits are $50.
    • Commercial permits use a $50 base fee plus $20 per opening.
    • Medical gas piping permits use a $50 base fee plus $20 per opening.
    • The fee schedule is stated as effective March 1, 2022.

    residential base permit fee: 50 USD (one- and two-family permits) · residential opening fee: per 14 USD (opening) · commercial base permit fee: 50 USD (commercial permits) · commercial opening fee: per 20 USD (opening)

    “FEE CHANGE - Effective March 1, 2022, Plumbing installation permit fees will be as follows: Residential (One and Two Family) Permits: $50 base permit fee, $14 per opening fee Domestic Water Heater Only Permits: $50 Commercial Permits: $50 base permit fee; $20 per opening fee Medical Gas Piping Permits: $50 base permit fee; $20 per opening fee”
  • 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.

  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning regulation in Calloway County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning in Calloway County, including incorporated municipalities and other local authorities.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Calloway County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements under Calloway County subdivision or land-use rules.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Calloway County.
6 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • 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 Calloway County, Kentucky

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

Calloway County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 53.1″/yr rainfall plus 41.4% wooded land. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Calloway County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by Calloway County Health Department. 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 Calloway County, Kentucky?

Land in Calloway County runs about $5,167 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Calloway County?

Calloway County gets about 53.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.4% of years.

How remote is Calloway County?

A representative private-land location has about 59,501 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,513,439 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 Calloway compares in Kentucky

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