Bolthole Index

Montgomery County, Kentucky

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Montgomery County, Kentucky

62Index Score / 100
#66 of 120 in Kentucky

An ordinary single-family home in unincorporated Montgomery County, Kentucky does not need a county building permit, but Kentucky's statewide building code and separate plumbing, electrical and septic requirements still apply123. Montgomery County has no countywide zoning, although subdivisions within 5 miles of Mount Sterling must follow the city's zoning and subdivision regulations45.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required; Montgomery County has no local building inspector12
Zoning
No countywide zoning; subdivisions within 5 miles of Mount Sterling follow the city's zoning and subdivision rules45
Septic permit
Montgomery County Health Department, Environmental Services67
Owner-builder plumbing permit
Yes, for your own home: one homeowner permit per individual every five years89
State plumbing permit
Required statewide: $50 base fee plus $14 per opening for a residential permit10
Tiny home
No county zoning restriction in unincorporated areas; building, septic and utility rules still apply1112
Septic minimum lot size
0.75 acres, required by local Board of Health regulations to install a system13
Septic soil difficulty
Only 5.7% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field14

Who to call

Building permits

Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) — Montgomery County Inspector Sheet

DHBC's official directory of who inspects what in Montgomery County: confirms there's no local building inspector, routes electrical inspection requests, and lists the county health department for septic

Also useful

Montgomery County Fiscal Court (County Judge Executive)

County government administration; the office to contact for electrical inspection routing and general county questions where no dedicated department exists

(859) 498-8707

44 West Main Street, Mount Sterling, KY

Septic permits

Montgomery County Health Department, Environmental Services (Onsite Sewage)

Onsite sewage (septic) system site evaluations, construction permits, installer certification and final inspections for Montgomery County

859-498-3808

117 Civic Center, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353

Zoning

City of Mount Sterling Building Inspector

City building permits and questions about Mount Sterling zoning and subdivision regulations

859-498-8725

33 N. Maysville Street Mt. Sterling, KY 40353

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Montgomery County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

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

No. An ordinary single-family home in unincorporated Montgomery County does not need a county building permit because the county has no local building inspector and no local ordinance requiring that permit was established12. Kentucky also does not require a certificate of occupancy for a single-family dwelling unless local government has established code-enforcement jurisdiction; no Montgomery County ordinance requiring one was confirmed15. Kentucky's statewide residential code still applies even where no local single-family inspection program operates; mechanical and electrical inspections remain separate316. Commercial construction goes through the state Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction17. Qualifying farm dwellings and farm structures outside a municipality receive a conditional building-code exemption when the farm-use, registration and activity requirements are met18.

Who handles building, electrical and septic permits in Montgomery County?

There's no county building department to call because Montgomery County does not run one17. For electrical work, Kentucky's DHBC inspector sheet routes applicants to the County Judge Executive's office or the relevant city office17. Plumbing runs through the state: a plumbing construction permit is required before construction, installation or alteration, and it can be issued to a licensed master plumber or a homeowner working on their own personal residence19. The Montgomery County Health Department handles septic site evaluations, construction permits and final inspections under Kentucky's statewide onsite-sewage program2021. The Health Department inspects existing septic systems when electric service is being obtained, but the published rule does not say that every electric connection requires that inspection22.

Does Montgomery County have zoning?

No, not countywide. Montgomery County has no official county planning and zoning, but subdivisions within a 5-mile radius of Mount Sterling must comply with the city's zoning and subdivision regulations45. Montgomery County does not publish countywide zoning districts; Mount Sterling itself has zoning and requires city building permits, so contact the City Building Inspector for rules in the city or the stated subdivision area232425. In unincorporated areas outside that exception, the county sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit1226272829. Those are zoning answers, not exemptions from health, road, floodplain, private restrictions or building-code rules; a private sewage system still needs a permit, and the local septic rule generally requires 0.75 acre30.

How do septic permits work in Montgomery County?

A new or altered septic system in Montgomery County goes through the county Health Department under Kentucky's statewide onsite-sewage standards631. The Environmentalist evaluates the site before approval, the permit must be obtained before construction, and the Environmentalist performs the final inspection3032. The application needs a lot plat with a topographic map and a soil analysis submitted in duplicate, and the permit is valid for 1 year unless the Cabinet extends it33. Published fees are $250 for the site evaluation, $300 for the sewage permit, $100 for a tank-replacement permit, $200 for a repair permit and $100 for an existing-system inspection34. The local rule generally requires 0.75 acre, with a variance process for undue hardship that cannot create a public-health nuisance30. Only 5.7% of Montgomery County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so complete the evaluation before treating acreage as buildable14.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Montgomery County?

Unincorporated Montgomery County has no county zoning-based minimum dwelling size, but building, septic, utility, health, road and private restrictions still apply to a tiny home12. We could not confirm whether long-term occupancy of one RV on private land is allowed; ask the Fiscal Court before using an RV as a permanent residence35. A publicly available RV community with 2 or more transient spaces needs an operating permit, but that rule does not answer whether one RV may be occupied on private land36. State rules also govern special-event camping within RV communities, not ordinary camping on a private parcel37. Manufactured-home communities require state permitting, but that does not establish whether an individual manufactured home may be placed on a particular private parcel38. Subdivisions within 5 miles of Mount Sterling follow city rules, so ask the City Building Inspector about the specific site3925.

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

  1. Determine whether the parcel is inside Mount Sterling or in a subdivision within 5 miles of the city; if so, ask the City Building Inspector about city building permits, zoning and subdivision review3925.
  1. Order the Health Department's septic site evaluation; installation generally requires at least 0.75 acre, and the published fees are $250 for the evaluation and $300 for the permit3040.
  1. Apply for the state plumbing permit, or use the homeowner permit pathway if you qualify and will personally do the work919.
  1. Arrange the electrical inspection through the County Judge Executive's office or the relevant city office17.
  1. Obtain the applicable state floodplain permit before development in a floodplain, and ask whether a local floodplain permit is also required41.
  1. Obtain an entrance permit from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet district office for a new or reconstructed driveway onto a state-maintained road42.
  1. Build to the Kentucky Residential Code even though an ordinary single-family home outside city jurisdiction has no county building permit or routine building inspection123.

What to check before you buy land in Montgomery County

Check septic feasibility first: only 5.7% of Montgomery County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and the local septic rule generally requires at least 0.75 acre1430. Approved nonwater-carriage toilets or greywater systems can reduce design flow only within an approved onsite system; site evaluation, septic permitting and Health Department approval still apply43. Ask whether the parcel is inside Mount Sterling or in a subdivision within 5 miles of the city, because the city's rules apply in those settings5. A new or reconstructed driveway onto a state-maintained road requires a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet entrance permit; that fact does not establish a permit rule for other roads42. Floodplain development needs the applicable state permit, and local approval may also apply41. A private well has no owner-applied construction fee or permit, but a Kentucky-certified water-well driller must do the work44.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm whether Montgomery County allows long-term RV occupancy on private land; ask the Fiscal Court before treating temporary camping permission as approval for a permanent RV residence1135.
  • The five-mile Mount Sterling rule is stated for subdivisions, not every parcel in the radius; ask the Fiscal Court and City Building Inspector which jurisdiction applies before relying on county zoning status3525.

Sources

  1. Kentucky Dept of Housing, Buildings & Construction - Montgomery County sheet (2026 county census)
  2. KRS 198B.060 — Local enforcement of Uniform State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  4. Montgomery County Fiscal Court FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  5. Montgomery County Fiscal Court | Kentucky, quoted and re-checked
  6. Local Environmental Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. Montgomery County Health Department, Environmental Services (Onsite Sewage) (montgomerycountyhealthky.gov)
  8. Frequently Asked Questions (Plumbing) — Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (2026 county census)
  9. Frequently Asked Questions (Plumbing) — Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, quoted and re-checked
  10. Division of Plumbing Fee Change and Permit Information (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Kentucky law on county zoning and building authority
  12. Montgomery County Fiscal Court | Kentucky, quoted and re-checked
  13. Onsite Sewage | Montgomery County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  14. 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
  15. KRS 198B.060 — Local enforcement of Uniform State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  16. KRS 198B.060 — Local enforcement of Uniform State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  17. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) — Montgomery County Inspector Sheet (dhbc.ky.gov)
  18. Bulletin 2025-01: 2018 Kentucky Building Code 101.2.2; 2018 Kentucky Residential Code R101.2.3, quoted and re-checked
  19. Division of Plumbing Fee Change and Permit Information (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  21. Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems Program (Kentucky statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Onsite Sewage | Montgomery County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  23. Montgomery County Fiscal Court FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  24. Montgomery County Fiscal Court FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  25. City of Mount Sterling Building Inspector (mtsterling.ky.gov)
  26. Montgomery County Fiscal Court | Kentucky, quoted and re-checked
  27. Montgomery County Fiscal Court | Kentucky, quoted and re-checked
  28. Montgomery County Fiscal Court | Kentucky, quoted and re-checked
  29. Montgomery County Fiscal Court | Kentucky, quoted and re-checked
  30. Onsite Sewage | Montgomery County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  31. 902 KAR 10:085 — Kentucky on-site sewage disposal systems, quoted and re-checked
  32. Onsite Sewage | Montgomery County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  33. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  34. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  35. Montgomery County Fiscal Court (County Judge Executive) (montgomerycounty.ky.gov)
  36. KRS 219.320 — Definitions for manufactured or mobile home and recreational vehicle communities, quoted and re-checked
  37. 902 KAR 15:020. Recreational vehicles, quoted and re-checked
  38. 902 KAR 15:010. Manufactured and mobile home communities, quoted and re-checked
  39. Montgomery County Fiscal Court, quoted and re-checked
  40. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  41. Understand Your Flood Hazards, quoted and re-checked
  42. Maintenance Guidance Manual: Construction of Private & Commercial Entrances, quoted and re-checked
  43. 902 KAR 10:085 Kentucky on-site sewage disposal systems, quoted and re-checked
  44. Water Well Information for Home Owners, quoted and re-checked

Written October 7, 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Montgomery County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleMontgomery CountyBath CountyClark CountyNicholas CountyMenifee CountyPowell CountyBourbon County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedRequiredLimitedLimitedNot requiredRequired
County zoningNoNoYesNoNoNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.Gateway District Health Dept.County Health Dept.WEDCO District Health Dept.Gateway District Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Montgomery County in Kentucky

62
County map
Montgomery County highlighted among the Kentucky counties · colored by Index score

How Montgomery County scores

Seclusion31100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness89100% ev.
Durability76100% ev.
Property Autonomy33100% ev.
Carry Cost85100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$230kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$4,254Land / acre
49.5"Annual rain
0.9% of yrsSevere drought
6.4 / yr (+6.1)Mid-century 100°F days
12 daysMid-century dry spell
1.9" (+10.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.83×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,331Home insurance / yr
0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.45%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
66,483People within 30 min
3,969,598People within 2 hr
55,616Radius comparison (15 mi)
144.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
48.7%Land at 15% slope or less
5.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
7,151 acWorkable land screen
37%Wooded land
81.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.3°FAvg temp

Scout Montgomery County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Montgomery County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Montgomery 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.

Camargo · Jeffersonville · Mount Sterling

Answers from the rulebook for Montgomery County

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

Montgomery County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Countywide planning and zoning in Montgomery County, excluding the specifically described Mount Sterling subdivision-regulation area.

    • The county source states that subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mount Sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the City's zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • The source also states that planning and zoning regulations exist in the City of Mount Sterling.

    Mount Sterling subdivision-regulation radius: 5 mile radius (Applies to subdivisions within the radius.)

    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning and subdivision controls across Montgomery County, aggregated from the county's stated absence of official county planning and zoning and the City of Mount Sterling's documented regulations.

    • The county does not administer each local ordinance.
    • Subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mount Sterling must comply with the City's zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • The county source states that the City of Mount Sterling has planning and zoning regulations.

    Mount Sterling subdivision-regulation radius: 5 mile radius (Applies to subdivisions within the radius.)

    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling. There are planning and zoning regulations in the city of Mt. Sterling.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local land-use controls across Montgomery County; the conclusion aggregates municipality-specific zoning and the Mount Sterling-area subdivision regulations, without attributing each local ordinance to the county.
      “Notes: Subdivision regulations enforced 5 miles beyond citylimits, zoning jurisdiction is city only.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning across Montgomery County, aggregated by the county: generally no county planning and zoning, but subdivisions within 5 miles of Mount Sterling are subject to the City of Mount Sterling's zoning and subdivision regulations.
      “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling. There are planning and zoning regulations in the city of Mt. Sterling.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published (with conditions)

    Countywide zoning-district publication for Montgomery County, especially unincorporated areas.

    • The Montgomery County Fiscal Court states that there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County.
    • Subdivisions within a 5-mile radius of the City of Mt. Sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the City of Mt. Sterling zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • The county statement does not establish the contents or district names of the City's regulations.

    Mt. Sterling zoning radius: <= 5 miles (Applies to subdivisions within the stated radius.)

    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone (with conditions)

    Zoning-based minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Montgomery County.

    • Montgomery County's official page states there is no official planning and zoning in the county.
    • This claim addresses zoning-based controls only and does not establish that every dwelling is lawful under building, health, septic, utility, or other state requirements.
    • Subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mt. Sterling are subject to the City's zoning and subdivision regulations.
    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum-lot-size regulation in unincorporated Montgomery County.

    • The county states that it has no official planning and zoning.
    • A separate Montgomery County Board of Health rule requires a minimum lot size of 32670 square feet (3/4 acre) for installation of a private sewage disposal system, subject to the applicable septic rule and any variance process.
    • Subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mt. Sterling remain subject to the city's zoning and subdivision regulations.

    minimum lot size for private sewage disposal system: 32670 square feet (3/4 acre; applies to issuance of the private sewage disposal permit under the Montgomery County Board of Health regulation)

    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None (with conditions) — Zoning-based minimum lot size in unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
    • None — County zoning-based minimum lot-size requirements in unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setback regulation in unincorporated Montgomery County.

    • The county states that it has no official planning and zoning.
    • Subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mt. Sterling remain subject to the city's zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • Other state, health, septic, floodplain, building-code, or private restrictions may still apply.
    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based setback requirements in unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage regulation in unincorporated Montgomery County.

    • The county states that it has no official planning and zoning.
    • Subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mt. Sterling remain subject to the city's zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • Other state, health, septic, floodplain, building-code, or private restrictions may still apply.
    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height regulation in unincorporated Montgomery County.

    • The county states that it has no official planning and zoning.
    • Subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mt. Sterling remain subject to the city's zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • Other state, health, septic, floodplain, building-code, airport, or private restrictions may still apply.
    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based building-height requirements in unincorporated Montgomery County.
      “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Montgomery County: no county rule sets this, because Montgomery County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county source states that subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mount Sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the City's zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • The source also states that planning and zoning regulations exist in the City of Mount Sterling.
    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Montgomery County: no county rule sets this, because Montgomery County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county source states that subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mount Sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the City's zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • The source also states that planning and zoning regulations exist in the City of Mount Sterling.
    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private sewage disposal systems in Montgomery County, Kentucky

    • The Montgomery County Health Department issues the local private sewage disposal permit.
    • The local regulation requires a minimum lot size of 32670 square feet (3/4 acre), a lot plat with topographical map, and a soil analysis submitted in duplicate.

    minimum lot size: >= 0.75 acre

    “No person, firm, or corporation shall Install a private sewage disposal system without having first obtained a permit from the Montgomery County Health Department”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of an on-site sewage disposal system in Montgomery County, Kentucky, including systems subject to local health department review.

    • The Montgomery County Health Department conducts site evaluations before approval.
    • A permit must be issued to the certified installer before the system is installed.
    • The Environmentalist conducts a final inspection after installation is complete.
    • The Montgomery County Health Department lists a site-evaluation fee of $250, a sewage-permit fee of $300, a tank-replacement permit fee of $100, a repair-system permit fee of $200, and an existing-system inspection fee of $100.
    • Local Board of Health Regulations require a minimum lot size of 0.75 acres to install an onsite sewage disposal system.
    • Montgomery County-specific regulations include minimum lot sizing for private sewage disposal systems and alternative onsite sewage system requirements.

    site evaluation fee: 250 USD · sewage permit fee: 300 USD · minimum lot size: >= 0.75 acres (Local Board of Health Regulations)

    “A permit is issued to the certified installer before the system is installed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a private or onsite sewage disposal system in Montgomery County
      “After the site evaluation has been conducted, 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

    Alternative onsite sewage systems requiring permanent operation and maintenance contracts in Montgomery County

    • The manufacturer or certified operator must perform semi-annual field service/inspections, or more frequently if required for proper operation.
    • Inspection reports must be submitted to the Department for Public Health, the owner, and the Montgomery County Health Department by the fifteenth day of the month following the service/inspection.
    • For a major malfunction involving sewage backup or surfacing, the owner must contact the Montgomery County Health Department and certified operator within 24 hours and reduce or cease wastewater flow as needed.

    inspection interval: 6 months (More frequent inspection may be required for proper operation.)

    “The manufacturer or a Certified Operator acting as agent, shall, at a minimum, perform semi-annual {every six months) field service/inspections on the system. If a more frequent service/inspection interval is a requirement for proper operation of a particular system, that service/inspection interval shall be performed .”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Existing onsite sewage disposal systems in Montgomery County when obtaining electric service.

    • The county page describes inspections for obtaining electric service; it does not state that every electric connection requires an inspection.
    • The cited county page does not establish water or sewer connection requirements.

    existing system inspection fee: 100 USD

    “This program deals with inspections of existing on-site sewage disposal systems for mortgages or to obtain electric service. The Health Environmentalist also investigates complaints filed on failing systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Obtaining electric service for property with an existing onsite sewage disposal system in Montgomery County
      “This program deals with inspections of existing on-site sewage disposal systems for mortgages or to obtain electric service.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage permits and related environmental services administered by the Montgomery County Health Department in Montgomery County.

    • Fees apply to the listed onsite sewage services; the page does not establish fees for every permit type in the county.
    • A permit is required before installation, and the permit is issued to a certified installer.
    • The page states a 0.75-acre minimum lot size for installing an onsite sewage disposal system.

    site evaluation: 250 USD · sewage permit: 300 USD · tank replacement permit: 100 USD · installer initial certification: 25 USD · repair system permit: 200 USD · existing system inspection: 100 USD · six-hour continuing education for installers: 50 USD

    “Site evaluation: $250 Sewage Permit: $300 Tank Replacement Permit: $100 [...] 6 Hour Continuing Education for Installers classes for Montgomery County: $50”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Published fees for onsite sewage evaluation, sewage permits, tank replacement permits, installer certification, repair system permits, existing system inspections, and Montgomery County installer continuing education.
      “Site evaluation: $250 Sewage Permit: $300 Tank Replacement Permit: $100 Installer (Initial Certification): $25”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage disposal systems in Montgomery County.

    • The Montgomery County Health Department conducts the site evaluation before approval.
    • The permit is issued to a certified installer before installation.
    • A final inspection occurs after installation.
    • The local regulation requires a minimum lot size of 32670 square feet (3/4 acre), a lot plat with topographical map, and a soil analysis submitted in duplicate.
    • The local Board of Health may grant a variance upon petition where undue hardship is shown, provided the variance does not result in a public health nuisance.
    • The state regulation requires the construction permit before construction of any portion of the system and requires a detailed drawing, specifications, and fees.
    • A permit is issued only by a certified inspector and only to a certified installer or qualifying homeowner, and expires one year from issuance unless extended by the Cabinet.

    minimum lot size: >= 0.75 acre (Local Board of Health regulation and state requirements still apply.) · permit validity: 1 year (Unless an extension is granted by the Cabinet.)

    “A permit is issued to the certified installer before the system is installed. Once installation is complete the Environmentalist conducts a final inspection”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Onsite sewage disposal system permitting in Montgomery County.
      “A permit is issued to the certified installer before the system is installed.”

Kentucky rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Single-family residences in Montgomery County, Kentucky, under the Kentucky Residential Code.

    • Permits are not required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.
    • The Kentucky Residential Code remains applicable to construction even where a permit is not required.
    • A local ordinance could impose a permit requirement; no Montgomery County ordinance requiring single-family permits was established by the sources reviewed.
    “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
    • 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.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A homeowner personally installing plumbing, sewerage, or drainage in a home occupied by the homeowner or being constructed for the homeowner's own personal residential use in Montgomery County, Kentucky.

    • The permit application must be made before work begins.
    • The homeowner must file an affidavit agreeing to abide by the applicable requirements.
    • All work must comply with the state plumbing code.
    • All work must be personally performed by the owner.
    • Only one homeowner permit for construction of a new home may be issued to an individual in a five-year period.
    • This is a conditional homeowner plumbing permit pathway, not a general exemption from all building, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing requirements.

    new-home homeowner permits per individual: <= 1 permit per five years (Only one homeowner permit for construction of a new home shall be issued to an individual in a five-year period.)

    “Permits to construct, install or alter plumbing, sewerage or drainage may be issued to homeowners who desire to install plumbing in homes actually occupied by them or in a home to be constructed by them for their own personal residential use, if all the following requirements are met:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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)

    Construction in Montgomery County, Kentucky, under Kentucky's mandatory statewide building-code system.

    • The 2015 International Building Code is mandatory for buildings constructed in Kentucky, subject to the 2018 Kentucky Building Code amendments.
    • One-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses are governed by 815 KAR 7:125 rather than the general 815 KAR 7:120 provisions.
    • The current 2018 Kentucky Building Code edition is the Fourth Edition, February 2024.
    • The current 2018 Kentucky Residential Code edition is the Third Edition, August 2024.
    • Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are not required for a single-family dwelling under 815 KAR 7:125 unless required by local ordinance.
    • All residential occupancies other than single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and 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.
    • The DHBC Montgomery County sheet lists no local building inspector and directs commercial construction to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction for building permits.

    Kentucky Building Code base edition: 2015 International Building Code (2018 Kentucky Building Code amendments supersede conflicting provisions) · Kentucky Building Code amendments: Fourth Edition, February 2024 · Kentucky Residential Code amendments: Third Edition, August 2024 · KBC amendment effective date: 2024-12-03

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

    Building inspections for single-family residences in Montgomery County, Kentucky.

    • Inspections are not required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.
    • Where a county or city lacks a single-family inspection program, the builder must still meet the Kentucky Residential Code.
    • In jurisdictions without a single-family inspection program, the DHBC states that there will be no building inspections except mechanical-system inspections by the Kentucky HVAC Division and electrical inspection by the local county electrical inspector.
    “For those counties or cities that do not have a single-family inspection program, the builder is still required to meet the KRC, but there will not be any building inspections except for the mechanical systems, which will be inspected by the Kentucky Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and by the local county electrical inspector.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.
      “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy for single-family residences in Montgomery County, Kentucky.

    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.
    • For buildings subject to the Uniform State Building Code and local enforcement jurisdiction, Kentucky law generally requires occupancy only after the local building official or department representative issues a certificate of occupancy.
    • The sources reviewed did not establish a Montgomery County ordinance requiring certificates of occupancy for single-family residences.
    “Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require a certificate of occupancy to be issued for any single-family dwelling unless a local government has established jurisdiction for the enforcement of the Uniform State Building Code under this section.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings constructed in Kentucky under the Kentucky Residential Code.
      “Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Operation and occupancy of recreational vehicle communities in Montgomery County, including any community subject to Kentucky public-health regulation.

    • The rule governs recreational vehicle community construction, layout, sanitation, and operation; it does not establish a general countywide land-use rule for every privately parked RV.
    • A permit application to construct or alter a recreational vehicle community must be submitted to the local health department.
    • Each recreational vehicle space must contain at least 1,500 square feet and enough area for the maximum-size recreational vehicle.
    • Recreational vehicles must be separated from each other and other structures by at least 15 feet.
    • A recreational vehicle must be at least 25 feet from a public street or highway right-of-way and at least 10 feet from other community property boundary lines.
    • The community must be well drained and not in a floodplain; high-risk flood locations require an engineering study and flood insurance.
    • Exempt recreational vehicle communities defined in KRS 219.410 are not subject to 902 KAR 15:020 unless the regulation indicates otherwise.
    • A variance may be requested in writing from the local board of health or its designated agent; the request must include site information, a detailed site plan, the specific provision sought to be waived, reasons, and alternative-compliance evidence. The local board must act within 10 business days and provide a written decision within 5 business days of the decision.

    seasonal period: <= 90 days per calendar year (This is a definition of seasonal, not a general occupancy limit.) · special event: <= 14 consecutive days per calendar year (This is a definition of special event, not a general camping limit.) · minimum recreational vehicle space: >= 1500 square feet · separation from other RVs and structures: >= 15 feet · distance from public street or highway right-of-way: >= 25 feet · distance from other community property boundary lines: >= 10 feet

    “Each recreational vehicle space shall contain a minimum of 1,500 square feet and adequate square footage to accommodate the maximum size recreational vehicle. [...] Recreational vehicles shall be separated from each other and from other structures by at least fifteen (15) feet.”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Qualified manufactured homes in residential zones in Montgomery County where single-family residences are permitted, subject to applicable compatibility standards and recorded deed, covenant, or subdivision restrictions.

    • A qualified manufactured home must be manufactured no more than five years before installation, have transport-only parts removed, be affixed to a permanent foundation, be connected to appropriate facilities, and comply with KRS 227.570.
    • The qualified home must be at least 20 feet wide at its smallest width or two stories and have at least 900 square feet of total living area, with the main entrance facing the street.
    • Local governments may adopt compatibility standards for roof pitch, livable square footage, exterior finishing materials, foundation skirting, attached structures, setbacks, lot dimensions, and orientation, but architectural standards must be equivalent to and no more stringent than those applied to site-built homes in the same zone.
    • The statute does not affect restrictions in recorded deeds, covenants, or developers' subdivision restrictions.
    • The statute does not limit historic-property or historic-district regulations.
    • Any conflicting zoning regulation, ordinance, or requirement is void and unenforceable.
    • The statute does not eliminate health, septic, building-code, installation, or permit requirements.

    maximum age at installation: <= 5 years (Qualified manufactured home definition.) · minimum width: >= 20 feet (Alternatively, the home may be two stories in height.) · minimum total living area: >= 900 square feet (Statutory exception may apply where lot dimensions or setbacks cannot reasonably accommodate these minimums.) · compatibility radius: <= 0.125 mile (Compatibility is measured against existing housing within the stated radius.)

    “Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a local government shall not adopt or enforce any zoning regulation, ordinance, or other requirement that: (a) Excludes qualified manufactured homes from any residential zone where single-family residences are permitted; (b) Discriminates against qualified manufactured homes; or (c) Imposes foundation requirements on manufactured homes that:”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Use of approved nonwater-carriage toilets or approved greywater systems as part of an onsite sewage disposal system in Montgomery County

    • The nonwater-carriage device must be approved and installed exclusively in the residence for the design-flow reduction to apply.
    • An approved greywater system must separate all greywater from the onsite sewage disposal system and create no other greywater-type wastes.
    • The onsite sewage system remains subject to site evaluation, permit, and local health department approval requirements.
    • The local Montgomery County regulation defines private sewage disposal systems broadly to include septic tanks, pits, subsoil drainage systems, or other appurtenances used to treat or dispose of wastewater or human excreta on the premises.
    “If approved permanent nonwater carriage water closet type devices, such as composting, incinerator, or oil carriage toilets, are installed exclusively in a residence, the daily design waste flow unit for that specific residence may be reduced to the amount in Table 1, Column B.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • 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.”
    • Prohibited — Use of seepage pits, cesspools, or dry wells as onsite sewage disposal systems statewide in Kentucky, subject to the Section 13 exception.
      “Except as provided in Section 13 of this administrative regulation, use of seepage pits, cesspools, or dry wells;”
  • Well permitNot required

    Construction or abandonment of a private domestic water well by the property owner in Montgomery County

    • Well construction, modification, and abandonment must be performed by a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller.
    • The certified driller must complete and submit required documentation and provide the owner a copy within sixty days of completing the well.
    • This claim concerns permitting applications or fees required of the property owner; it does not eliminate the certified-driller requirement.

    owner permit application or fee: none (Certified driller requirements still apply.)

    “In Kentucky, 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
    • 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”
    • Not required — Construction or abandonment of a private water well by a property owner statewide in Kentucky.
      “there are no permitting applications or fees for constructing or abandoning a water well required of the property owner.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farm dwellings and other farm buildings and structures incident to the operation and maintenance of a farm, including qualifying agricultural buildings in unincorporated Montgomery County.

    • The farm structure must be located outside the boundary of a municipality.
    • Under the Kentucky Building Code exception, the structure must not be used in the business of retail trade, as a place of regular employment for ten or more people, or for the storage or processing of timber products.
    • Under the Kentucky Residential Code exception, the structure must be incident to the operation of the farm and must not be used in the business of retail trade, as a regular place of work for ten or more people, or for the processing or storage of timber products.
    • The farm must have a bona fide agricultural or horticultural use as defined by KRS 132.010(9) and (10), and must be qualified by and registered with the property valuation administrator in the county where the property is located.
    • Agricultural land generally requires at least ten contiguous acres for specified agricultural production, at least five contiguous acres for qualifying commercial aquaculture, or land meeting the requirements for qualifying state or federal agricultural-program payments; horticultural land generally requires at least five contiguous acres used commercially for specified horticultural purposes.
    • State and local building officials shall not require qualifying structures to obtain building permits or comply with provisions of the Kentucky Building Code or Kentucky Residential Code.
    • The exemption is limited to the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code and does not exempt the qualifying building or structure from applicable planning and zoning ordinances.
    • Qualifying structures are not issued a certificate of occupancy under the Department's bulletin.
    ““Building” shall not mean a manufactured home governed by the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. secs. 5401 et seq., or a farm dwelling or other farm buildings and structures incident to the operation and maintenance of the farm if the farm structures are located outside the boundary of a municipality and are not used in the business of retail trade or used as a place of regular employment for ten (10) or more people or structures used in the storage or processing of timber products.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Kentucky farmstead plumbing exemption, including qualifying farm dwellings and farm buildings in Montgomery County.
      “To qualify for a farmstead exemption the following must be met. A farm dwelling together with other farm buildings and structures incident to the operation and maintenance of the farm situated on 10 acres or more of land which is located outside the corporate limits of a municipality.”
    • 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.”
    • Conditional — Agritourism buildings subject to the Kentucky Building Code.
      “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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land within a Kentucky planning-unit jurisdiction.

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

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

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

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

    “The owner or occupant of property, who desires to construct new or additional private farm or single family dwelling driveway approaches, shall make formal application in writing, to the District Engineer of the Department of Highways.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Access to a Kentucky state highway or work in Kentucky state highway right-of-way, including a private driveway entrance where the state highway system is involved.
      “Any firm, individual, or governmental agency that wants access to a road on the state highway system [...] must obtain a permit”
    • Required — A new or reconstructed driveway entrance connecting to a state-maintained road in Montgomery County.
      “Any property owner desiring to construct a new entrance or reconstruct an existing one must obtain an entrance permit from the district office”
    • Required — New, additional, relocated, or modified driveway entrance approaches serving commercial property or property used for a purpose other than farming or a single-family dwelling.
      “The owner or occupant of property, used for commercial or any purpose other than farming or single family dwelling, who desires to construct new or additional driveway entrance approaches, to relocate, or make other changes in existing driveway entrance approaches thereto, shall make application for a permit to the District Engineer of the Department of Highways upon standard forms furnished by the Transportation Cabinet.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in, along, or across a stream, including development in the base floodplain, in Montgomery County, Kentucky.

    • The Kentucky Division of Water issues either a General Permit or an Individual Permit for floodplain development.
    • Eligible General Permit activities that do not increase the Base Flood Elevation may receive automatic coverage without an application or submission of plans and specifications.
    • General Permits cover only eligible activities and exclude new residential, non-residential, or appurtenant structures in the base floodplain, water-impounding structures, and development in Special Use Waters, Exceptional Waters, or Outstanding State Resource Waters.
    • Development that is not eligible for a General Permit or has potential to change the Base Flood Elevation requires an Individual Floodplain Development Permit under 401 KAR 4:060.
    • For an Individual Permit, applicants must complete and submit the required application to the Division of Water and public notification is generally required, but the Cabinet may waive public notification for construction projects with negligible flood impacts after receiving a written request from the applicant.
    • General Permit coverage does not require public notice because the General Permits have already been noticed by the Division.
    • A local floodplain permit may also be required where the county, city, or community is an eligible or participating National Flood Insurance Program community; local standards may be higher than statewide minimum requirements.
    “Any type of development in, along, or across a stream requires a floodplain permit from the Division.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, demolition, or renovation within a floodplain in Montgomery County, including projects affecting streams or wetlands where additional permits may apply.
      “Kentucky law (401 KAR 4:060​) requires a state floodplain permit before starting any construction, demolition, or renovation within a floodplain”
    • Required — Development in an identified Kentucky floodplain, including development in mapped A and AE zones.
      “Any development in an identified floodplain in Kentucky requires a state and a local floodplain permit.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Operation, construction, and alteration of manufactured or mobile home communities in Montgomery County.

    • A person desiring to operate a manufactured or mobile home community must submit Form DFS-200 to the local or district health department serving the county.
    • The cabinet inspects the community; if it complies with the regulation, a permit is issued.
    • An application to construct or alter a community must include a notarized Form DFS-317, a complete plan drawn to scale in triplicate, and a $70 plan-review fee.
    • If the community is in a floodplain, the plan must be submitted in quadruplicate.
    • The operating permit is nontransferable and must be renewed annually by June 30.
    • A $75 late renewal fee applies to applications not received or postmarked on or before July 31.
    • The community must comply with the state regulation and KRS 219.310 through 219.410.
    • This claim addresses manufactured-home communities; it does not establish a general countywide land-use prohibition on an individual manufactured home.

    operating permit application fee: 150 USD (Inspection fee also applies.) · plan review fee: 70 USD · permit renewal deadline: June 30 annually · late renewal fee: 75 USD (Applies when application is not received or postmarked on or before July 31.)

    “A person desiring to operate a manufactured or mobile home community shall complete and submit Form DFS-200, Application for a Permit, incorporated by reference in 902 KAR 10:040, to the local or district health department serving the county in which the community is located.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Operation of a recreational vehicle community in Kentucky: a parcel available to the public with two or more recreational-vehicle spaces occupied or intended for transient dwelling purposes.
      “No person shall operate a community without having first obtained a permit as provided for in KRS 219.310 to 219.410.”
    • Limited — Special-event camping or campground installation in a recreational vehicle community in Montgomery County.
      “"Special Event" is a nonroutine activity within a community not to exceed fourteen (14) consecutive days in a calendar year. [...] "Special Event Camping" is camping that is in conjunction with a special event.”
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Sleeping temporarily in a recreational vehicle or other vehicle in a vehicle-based location covered by KRS 511.110.
      “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.”

Inside cities and towns in Montgomery County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Planning and zoning within the City of Mount Sterling and the City's zoning and subdivision regulations applicable to subdivisions within the county-stated 5 mile radius.

    • The City of Mount Sterling's Planning & Zoning Commission meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers.
    • The Montgomery County Fiscal Court states that subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city must comply with the City's zoning and subdivision regulations.

    subdivision-regulation radius: 5 mile radius (Applies to subdivisions within the radius.) · Planning & Zoning Commission meeting frequency: second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. (At City Hall Council Chambers.)

    “Download the City’s Current Subdivision and Zoning Regs”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the City of Mt. Sterling, including areas outside the city limits if within the stated radius.

    • The subdivision must comply with the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.
    • The county page does not provide the specific ordinance sections, numeric standards, fees, or review process.

    radius from city: <= 5 miles (The source states “within a 5 mile radius.”)

    “While there is no official planning and zoning in Montgomery County, subdivisions within a 5 mile radius of the city of Mt. sterling are subject to planning and zoning and must comply with the requirement of the zoning and subdivision regulations of the City of Mt. Sterling.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Short-term rentals — Short-term-rental operation in Montgomery County, including unincorporated areas and the City of Mt. Sterling zoning area.

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 Montgomery County, Kentucky

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

Montgomery County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 66,483 people within a 30-minute drive and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Montgomery County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Montgomery 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.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Montgomery County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Montgomery County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. Operation and occupancy of recreational vehicle communities in Montgomery County, including any community subject to Kentucky public-health regulation. The rule governs recreational vehicle community construction, layout, sanitation, and operation; it does not establish a general countywide land-use rule for every privately parked RV. A permit application to construct or alter a recreational vehicle community must be submitted to the local health department. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Montgomery County, Kentucky?

Land in Montgomery County runs about $4,254 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Montgomery County?

Montgomery County gets about 49.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.9% of years.

How remote is Montgomery County?

A representative private-land location has about 66,483 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,969,598 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 Montgomery compares in Kentucky

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