Bolthole Index

Johnson County, Kentucky

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

63Index Score / 100
#65 of 120 in Kentucky

A single-family home in unincorporated Johnson County, Kentucky needs no state-required building permit, building inspection or certificate of occupancy unless a local ordinance requires them123. We could not confirm the county's local requirement; ask the County Judge Executive's Office45. Paintsville has its own zoning, while septic permits go through the Johnson County Health Department under Kentucky's statewide program678.

At a glance

Building permit
No state-required permit, building inspection or certificate of occupancy for a single-family dwelling unless a local ordinance requires them; Johnson County's local rule is unconfirmed1234
Building code
Mandatory Kentucky Residential Code for single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and townhouses, including unincorporated land9
Zoning
Unincorporated county zoning is unconfirmed; Paintsville has its own zoning code106
Septic permits
Required before construction, installation or alteration; submit the application to the Johnson County Health Department inspector8711
RV / tiny home living
Permanent-foundation tiny houses have a Kentucky Residential Code path; local placement and long-term RV occupancy rules remain unconfirmed1210
Owner-builder
Separate qualifying-homeowner routes for septic and plumbing; applications are required before work1314
Floodplain
Both state and local permits are required for construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area15
Private well
No owner permit application or fee, but a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller must do the work16

Who to call

Building permits

Johnson County Judge Executive's Office

Starting contact for county building-permit, zoning, road-access and jurisdiction questions

(606) 789-2550

mmckenzie@johnsoncountyky.com

P. O. Box 868, 230 Court Street, Suite 201, Paintsville, KY 41240

Septic permits

Johnson County Health Department Environmental Services

Site evaluation, permitting and inspection questions for residential and commercial septic systems

(606) 789-2590

630 James Trimble Blvd, Paintsville, Kentucky 41240

Floodplain permits

Johnson County Floodplain Coordinator

Local floodplain-permit questions before development in Johnson County

(606) 789-2550

230 Court Street, Suite 201, Paintsville, KY 41240

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 Johnson County, Kentucky?

Kentucky does not require a building permit, building inspection or certificate of occupancy for a single-family dwelling unless a local ordinance requires them123. Johnson County's local requirement for unincorporated land could not be confirmed; ask the County Judge Executive's Office before treating a parcel as permit-free45. The mandatory state residential code still applies to single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and townhouses in Johnson County, even where a single-family building permit is not required91. Plumbing requires a separate permit before work begins, and applicable HVAC and electrical inspection requirements remain even without a local single-family inspection program172.

Who handles Johnson County building permits and inspections?

For an unincorporated Johnson County parcel, start with the Johnson County Judge Executive's Office to ask whether a local ordinance requires a building permit and which inspector has jurisdiction45. Kentucky's single-family exception does not establish a general owner-builder exemption from local building requirements1. A homeowner may obtain a plumbing permit for an owner-occupied home or a home built for personal residential use by applying before work, filing an affidavit and personally performing code-compliant work14. Only 1 new-home homeowner plumbing permit may be issued to an individual in a 5-year period14. Septic has a separate qualifying-homeowner route through the Johnson County Health Department137.

Does Johnson County, Kentucky have zoning?

We could not confirm a zoning ordinance or map governing unincorporated Johnson County; ask the County Judge Executive's Office about the parcel's setbacks, minimum lot and dwelling sizes, manufactured homes and accessory dwellings105. Inside Paintsville, the city has its own zoning code; the unincorporated county answer does not describe city zoning6. Septic site evaluations, inspections and homeowner permits remain with the Johnson County Health Department under Kentucky's statewide program7. Kentucky authorizes counties to regulate structure locations, distances and density through zoning, so an unconfirmed county ordinance is not permission to ignore parcel-specific restrictions1810.

How do septic permits work in Johnson County?

Kentucky sets the onsite-sewage framework, while Johnson County Health Department Environmental Services inspects residential and commercial septic installation and repair7. Submit form DFS-307 to the local certified inspector with the $50 state permit fee and an additional local board-of-health fee1119. The local fee amount could not be confirmed, so ask Environmental Services for the current total before applying2021. A certified inspector or professional engineer must evaluate the proposed site, and every installation, alteration or repair must be inspected before backfilling2223. A qualifying homeowner may receive a permit to do the work personally, subject to the application, eligibility and limited excavation exceptions13. Only 0.4% of Johnson County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation early24.

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

Kentucky's residential code expressly covers a tiny house used as a single dwelling unit on a permanent foundation; the home must follow that code except where its tiny-house section says otherwise12. We could not confirm Johnson County's rules for tiny-home placement, minimum dwelling size, long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping10. Ask the Johnson County Judge Executive's Office about the exact parcel and any municipality with jurisdiction before placing or occupying a unit5. Inside a regulated recreational vehicle community, each RV space must contain at least 1,500 square feet, and RVs must meet state separation and boundary setbacks2526. Those community standards do not answer whether long-term RV residence is allowed on an ordinary private parcel26. If sewer is unavailable, a dwelling's house drain must connect to an approved private sewage-disposal system27.

Building a home in Johnson County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and ask the Johnson County Judge Executive's Office whether a local building permit, zoning approval or county-road entrance approval applies5.
  1. Check the flood map before choosing a building site; construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires both state and local floodplain permits28.
  1. Arrange a septic site evaluation, then submit form DFS-307, the $50 state fee and the additional local fee to the Johnson County Health Department's certified inspector22111921.
  1. Decide whether a certified septic installer or a qualifying homeowner will do the work; the homeowner route requires an application before construction and personal performance subject to narrow exceptions13.
  1. Obtain a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet permit for access to a state highway-system road or work in its right-of-way; ask the county about access from county-maintained roads295.
  1. Build one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses to the Kentucky Residential Code even if a single-family project ultimately does not require a local building permit91.

What to check before you buy land in Johnson County

Check usable terrain and septic feasibility before treating the asking price as the project cost. Only 11.7% of Johnson County land is at a slope of 15% or less, and only 0.4% of soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field3024. The county is 91.1% wooded, so clearing, access and grading can materially shape a rural build31. Check the flood map and contact the Floodplain Coordinator before development if the site lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area3228. Confirm legal road access: access to a state highway-system road requires a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet permit, ask the County Judge Executive's Office about county-maintained roads295. If dividing land for septic-served lots, budget for an individual evaluation of every proposed lot or site33. A property owner does not file a permit application or pay a fee to construct or abandon a private water well, but a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller must perform the work16.

Watch-outs

  • Johnson County's local building-permit and countywide zoning status could not be confirmed; ask the County Judge Executive's Office about the parcel before relying on the state single-family exception4105.
  • Mapped floodplain construction requires both state and local permits, not just a building or septic approval28.
  • Conventional septic suitability is difficult countywide, with only 0.4% of soils rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field24.

Sources

  1. 815 KAR 7:125 Kentucky Residential Code, quoted and re-checked
  2. 815 KAR 7:125 Kentucky Residential Code, quoted and re-checked
  3. 815 KAR 7:125 Kentucky Residential Code, quoted and re-checked
  4. 815 KAR 7:125, Kentucky Residential Code (2026 county census)
  5. Johnson County Judge Executive's Office (johnsoncoky.com)
  6. Paintsville: official source (Johnson County), quoted and re-checked
  7. Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program, quoted and re-checked
  8. 902 KAR 10:110, Permit prerequisite, quoted and re-checked
  9. 815 KAR 7:125 Kentucky Residential Code, quoted and re-checked
  10. (2026 county census)
  11. 902 KAR 10:110 Issuance of on-site sewage disposal system permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. 2018 Kentucky Residential Code, Third Edition, quoted and re-checked
  13. 902 KAR 10:110. Issuance of on-site sewage disposal system permits, quoted and re-checked
  14. Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction Plumbing FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  15. Johnson County - Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  16. Water Well Information for Home Owners, quoted and re-checked
  17. Division of Plumbing Fee Change and Permit Information (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. KRS 100.203 Content of zoning regulations (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 902 KAR 10:110, Issuance of on-site sewage disposal system permits, quoted and re-checked
  20. 902 KAR 10:110, Issuance of on-site sewage disposal system permits, quoted and re-checked
  21. Johnson County Health Department Environmental Services (johnsoncohealthdept.org)
  22. 902 KAR 10:085 Kentucky on-site sewage disposal systems, quoted and re-checked
  23. 902 KAR 10:085 Kentucky on-site sewage disposal systems, quoted and re-checked
  24. 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
  25. 902 KAR 15:020. Recreational vehicles, quoted and re-checked
  26. 902 KAR 15:020. Recreational vehicles, quoted and re-checked
  27. 815 KAR 20:130 House sewers and storm water piping, quoted and re-checked
  28. Johnson County Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  29. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Permits Branch, quoted and re-checked
  30. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Johnson County Floodplain Coordinator (johnsoncoky.com)
  33. 902 KAR 10:085 Kentucky on-site sewage disposal systems, quoted and re-checked

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

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Johnson County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleJohnson CountyLawrence CountyMartin CountyMagoffin CountyMorgan CountyFloyd CountyElliott County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimited
County zoningNot publishedNot publishedNoNoNoNot publishedNot published
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.Gateway District Health Dept.

County locator

Johnson County in Kentucky

63
County map
Johnson County highlighted among the Kentucky counties · colored by Index score

How Johnson County scores

Seclusion59100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency47100% ev.
Admin Boringness7368% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost90100% 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 →

$140kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,144Land / acre
47.1"Annual rain
2.1% of yrsSevere drought
4.8 / yr (+4.6)Mid-century 100°F days
12.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.87" (+10.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.89×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,626Home insurance / yr
-0.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.42%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
40,999People within 30 min
1,385,742People within 2 hr
44,096Radius comparison (15 mi)
84.4People / sq mi
1.3%Federal land
11.7%Land at 15% slope or less
0.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
696 acWorkable land screen
91.1%Wooded land
54.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Johnson 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Johnson County

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

Johnson County rules

  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial septic-system installation and repair in Johnson County, Kentucky.

    • The Johnson County Health Department Environmental Services staff inspect installation and repair of residential and commercial septic systems.
    • Kentucky statewide regulations govern permit issuance, certified inspectors, certified installers, and applicable fees.
    • The permit is submitted to the local health department certified inspector having jurisdiction.
    “The staff also inspects the installation and repair of residential and commercial septic systems to protect surface and ground waters.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — Onsite sewage systems in Johnson County, including residential and commercial septic installation and repair.
      “The Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program is administered through local health departments”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction and development in Johnson County Special Flood Hazard Areas or areas inundated by the one-percent annual-chance flood.

    • Both state and local floodplain permits are required.
    • The requirement includes new or substantially improved residential and non-residential structures, bridges, excavation, and fill.
    • The source identifies SFHA zones A, AE, A1-A30, AH, and AO on FIRMs.
    • Applicants should contact the Floodplain Coordinator before beginning development.

    flood probability: 1 percent annual chance

    “Both a STATE & LOCAL floodplain permit is required for all construction activity in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction activity in Johnson County Special Flood Hazard Areas, including areas inundated by the one-percent annual-chance flood.
      “Both a STATE & LOCAL floodplain permit is required”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    The additional local board of health fee applicable to onsite sewage disposal permits in Johnson County.

    • The cited state regulation requires an additional fee established by the local board of health under KRS 211.355, but the amount was not stated in the official sources opened.
    • The state-mandated $50 onsite sewage disposal permit fee remains separately applicable.
    “The required fee as established by the local board of health in accordance with KRS 211.355.”

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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Single-family dwellings in Kentucky, including Johnson County.
      “shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A homeowner constructing, installing, or altering an on-site sewage disposal system in Johnson County, Kentucky, under the statewide Kentucky rule.

    • The applicant must be a homeowner as defined by the regulation; a builder or contractor engaged in constructing or rehabilitating residential structures for sale or resale is excluded from the homeowner definition.
    • The permit application must be made before construction of any portion of the proposed system.
    • All work must comply with 902 KAR 10:081, 902 KAR 10:085, and 902 KAR 10:110.
    • The homeowner must personally perform all work, except necessary excavation and backfilling may be performed by a certified installer if intent is notified at application and the installer's name and certification number are included.
    • Work involving electrically operated components is excepted from the homeowner-personal-performance requirement when local electrical codes require connection only by a certified or licensed professional electrician and do not permit homeowner-performed work.
    • No person may receive more than one homeowner permit to construct or alter an onsite sewage disposal system in any five-year period, except necessary repair or alteration of the originally permitted system.

    homeowner permit frequency: <= 1 permit per five years (Except for necessary repair or alteration of the originally permitted system.)

    “Permits to construct, install, or alter on-site sewage disposal systems may be issued to homeowners provided:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Homeowner plumbing, sewerage, or drainage work in a home occupied by the owner or constructed by the owner for personal residential use.
      “All the work shall be personally performed by the owner.”
    • 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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses constructed in Kentucky, including Johnson County.
      “shall be the mandatory state residential building code”
    • Partial — State building-code enforcement and inspections of existing public buildings applicable in Kentucky, including Johnson County.
      “In Kentucky the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction administers building code enforcement and inspections of existing public buildings for compliance with state fire safety codes.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Buildings constructed in Kentucky, including Johnson County, subject to the stated code distinctions.
      “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.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Single-family dwellings and other construction subject to Kentucky building-code jurisdiction.

    • Single-family inspections depend on whether a local building inspection program exists.
    • Mechanical systems remain subject to applicable HVAC and electrical inspection requirements where no local single-family inspection program exists.
    “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Existing public buildings in Kentucky, including those in Johnson County.
      “inspections of existing public buildings”
    • 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.”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required (with conditions)

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

    • A local ordinance may independently require a certificate of occupancy.
    • This claim does not determine municipal or county certificate-of-occupancy ordinances.
    “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Single-family dwellings in Kentucky, including Johnson County.
      “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • 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,”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    The minimum area of each recreational vehicle space within a regulated recreational vehicle community in Johnson County, Kentucky.

    • The 1,500-square-foot standard applies to each recreational vehicle space in a recreational vehicle community, not necessarily to an entire parcel or to an RV placed outside such a community.
    • Each space must also have adequate square footage to accommodate the maximum-size recreational vehicle.
    • The community must be on a well-drained area and not in a floodplain; high-risk flood locations require an engineering study and flood insurance.
    • A qualifying recreational vehicle community in existence on June 16, 1973 may receive an operating permit without fully meeting the design and construction requirements if the cabinet finds safe and sanitary operation and the listed facilities and services are present.
    • KRS 219.410 excludes specified farm-labor uses, government-operated temporary or seasonal parks and festivals, and temporary event-related RV parking lasting not more than thirty days.
    • A variance procedure exists for a site where special-event camping or a campground is proposed, subject to a written request and local board-of-health action.
    • Construction and operation of a regulated community require permits and fees, including a $70 construction or alteration application fee and a $150 annual operating-permit fee.

    minimum area of each recreational vehicle space: >= 1500 square feet (The space must also accommodate the maximum size recreational vehicle.)

    “Each recreational vehicle space shall contain a minimum of 1,500 square feet”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Recreational vehicle spaces and vehicles within a regulated recreational vehicle community in Johnson County, Kentucky.

    • The standards apply to a recreational vehicle community subject to 902 KAR 15:020; they are not a general countywide setback rule for every RV or every parcel.
    • The community must be on a well-drained area and not in a floodplain; if in an area at high risk for flooding, the applicant must submit an engineering study to the cabinet and maintain flood insurance.
    • Each space must have enough area to accommodate the maximum-size recreational vehicle, and each space must abut a community street.
    • Two-way community streets must be at least eighteen feet wide; one-way community streets must be at least twelve feet wide.
    • A recreational vehicle community in existence on June 16, 1973 may qualify for a permit despite not fully meeting the design and construction requirements if the cabinet determines it can be operated safely and sanitarily and it has the required service building, sanitary station, safe water supply, adequate sewage, and solid-waste disposal without creating a nuisance.
    • KRS 219.410 excludes farm-labor units on the owner's premises, certain government-operated temporary or seasonal parks and festivals, and temporary event-related RV parking lasting not more than thirty days.
    • The regulation provides a written variance procedure for a site where special-event camping or a campground is proposed; the request must identify the site, the provision sought to be waived, the reasons, and alternative-compliance evidence. The local board of health or its agent must act within ten business days and provide a written decision within five business days.
    • A permit to construct or alter a recreational vehicle community requires a $70 application fee; an annual operating permit requires a $150 fee, with annual inspection fees varying by number of spaces.

    separation between recreational vehicles and other structures: >= 15 feet · distance from public street or highway right-of-way: >= 25 feet · distance from other community property boundary lines: >= 10 feet

    “at least twenty-five (25) feet from a public street or highway right-of-way”
  • 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.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny houses used as single dwelling units set on a permanent foundation for purposes of Kentucky residential-code compliance

    • The tiny house must be used as a single dwelling unit and set on a permanent foundation.
    • Tiny houses must comply with the Kentucky Residential Code except where the tiny-house section provides otherwise.
    • Local land-use, septic, floodplain, and other applicable requirements remain unresolved by this claim.
    “R328.1 Scope. This section shall be applicable to tinyhouses used as single dwelling units set on a permanent foundation. Tiny houses shall comply with this code except as otherwise stated in this section.”
  • 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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, or alteration of an onsite sewage disposal system in Johnson County subject to Kentucky Cabinet regulation.

    • The permit must be obtained from the local health department before construction, installation, or alteration.
    • Permits are generally issued only to certified installers, subject to the homeowner exception in 902 KAR 10:110, Section 2(4).
    • A construction permit application must include the required detailed drawing, specifications, and permit fees.
    • A permit is issued only by a certified inspector and to a certified installer or qualifying homeowner.
    • The permit expires one year after issuance unless the Cabinet grants an extension.

    permit expiration: 1 year from issuance (unless an extension is granted by the Cabinet)

    “a permit to construct, install, or alter an on-site sewage disposal system shall be obtained prior to construction”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, or alteration of an onsite sewage disposal system subject to Kentucky Cabinet regulation.
      “a permit to construct, install, or alter an on-site sewage disposal system shall be obtained prior to construction of any portion of that system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Every Kentucky onsite sewage disposal system that is installed, constructed, altered, or repaired.

    • Inspection must be by a certified inspector.
    • The installer must request that the installation inspection be scheduled and completed before the system is backfilled.
    • An installer affidavit may substitute for an initial inspection in the circumstances specified by the regulation, but the installation inspection requirement remains applicable.
    • A variance may not waive site evaluation or system inspection.
    “Every on-site sewage disposal system installed, constructed, altered, or repaired shall be inspected by a certified inspector.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Every onsite sewage disposal system installed, constructed, altered, or repaired in Johnson County.
      “shall be inspected by a certified inspector.”
    • Required — Site evaluation and construction-stage inspection of on-site sewage disposal systems in Johnson County.
      “A certified inspector or professional engineer shall evaluate each proposed site. Pursuant to subsections (2) through (9) of this section, an official site evaluation form shall be completed classifying each factor as:”
  • 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;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Buildings without an available public sewer in Johnson County.
      “Connection with Private Sewage Disposal System. If a sewer is not available, the house drain from a building shall connect with an approved private sewage disposal system.”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Use of an approved private onsite sewage disposal system for a building where a public sewer is unavailable.
      “If a sewer is not available, the house drain from a building shall connect with an approved private sewage disposal system.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — Construction or abandonment of private water wells in Johnson County by the property owner.
      “In Kentucky, there are no permitting applications or fees for constructing or abandoning a water well required of the property owner.”
    • Limited — Construction, alteration, repair, or abandonment of water supply wells in Kentucky.
      “A person shall not construct, alter, repair, or abandon a water well without first obtaining a water well driller or water well driller assistant certificate”
  • 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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision lots or sites proposed to use on-site sewage disposal systems in Johnson County.

    • Each individual lot or site must be evaluated individually.
    • If a site is unapprovable, the applicant must be advised of alternatives if available.
    • Cluster systems require perpetual ownership, operation, and maintenance documents.
    • A local health department may adopt more specific subdivision requirements if not in conflict with the statewide regulation.
    “Each individual lot or site shall be evaluated individually.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land within a Kentucky planning-unit jurisdiction.
      “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Access to Kentucky state highway-system roads, including roads within Johnson County.
      “wants access to a road on the state highway system”
    • 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 processPublished (with conditions)

    Plumbing construction and alteration work in Kentucky administered by the Division of Plumbing.

    • A plumbing construction permit must be obtained before construction, installation, or alteration.
    • Permits may be issued to licensed master plumbers or homeowners for plumbing in their own personal residences.
    • Work performed by someone other than a homeowner using the homeowner's own permit must be installed by a licensed journeyman plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
    • The Division reviews plans for construction on all buildings serving the public and inspects installations for compliance with the Kentucky State Plumbing Code.
    “No person, firm or corporation shall construct, install or alter any plumbing without first having procured a plumbing construction permit from the Division of Plumbing. Plumbing permits may be issued to licensed master plumbers or to homeowners for plumbing in their own personal residences.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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 Johnson County.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning across Johnson County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Johnson County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in Johnson County.
  • Building height — Building-height limits in Johnson County.
3 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • 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 Johnson County, Kentucky

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

Johnson County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Johnson County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones). Onsite septic is permitted by Johnson County Health Department (Environmental Services, under KY DPH / 902 KAR 10:085). 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 Johnson County, Kentucky?

Land in Johnson County runs about $3,144 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Johnson County?

Johnson County gets about 47.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.1% of years.

How remote is Johnson County?

A representative private-land location has about 40,999 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,385,742 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 Johnson compares in Kentucky

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