1. Electrical permits: Walk-in
2. Zoning only permits: (i.e. fence, small shed, driveway etc....) Walk-in
3. Residential permits: (new house, deck, detached garage, room addition etc...) approximately three to five business days.
4. Commercial permits: (all other permits - excluding electrical, zoning only or residential) approximately three to five business days.

1. Electrical permits: Walk-in
2. Zoning only permits: (i.e. fence, small shed, driveway etc....) Walk-in
3. Residential permits: (new house, deck, detached garage, room addition etc...) approximately two to four business days. 
4. Commercial permits: (all other permits - excluding electrical, zoning only or not residential) approximately two to four business days.

There are many possible reasons why a permit might take longer than the approximate time noted above.

- Not enough information was submitted for the zoning review to be approved (i.e. site plan did not have enough information, no information submitted on type or height of fence to be installed). 
- Not enough information was submitted for the building review to be approved (i.e. construction documents did not include all structural information needed, construction documents did not address / include life safety / fire safety code issues). 
- Staff members are out of office due to professional or personal reasons 
- Permits are processed in the order in which they are received and there may be an unusually high volume of permits.

- The construction documents need to be of sufficient clarity. Below are some of the drawings and/or information that need to be submitted.
- Front, side, and rear elevations drawings. 
- Floor plan showing all interior and exterior walls.
- Floor plan showing the use of each room or space (i.e. - bedroom, kitchen, bathroom etc...).
- All structural information - load bearing walls, floor joist, ceiling joist or trusses, steel beams, wood beams, steel columns, wood columns, headers and/or beams for all framed opening in load bearing walls.
- All structural information regarding the footer and foundation - width and thickness of footers. Height and thickness of foundation walls. Size and spacing of all rebar in the footer and foundation.

Note: The information listed above is only a partial list of information that may or may not be required. A larger project (such as a new custom home) will require more information than an alteration or small room addition. The drawings need to be complete and the plans should be of sufficient clarity so you can generate a material list and construct the building with few or no questions (i.e what size I-beam do I need to install or what size window is being installed in the bedroom). The better the plans, the smoother the project will go for all that need to use them (owner, contractor, supplier, inspector etc...).

- One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. 
- Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
- Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one-and two-family dwellings.
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.- Replacing windows.
- New siding or residing.
- Ordinary re-roofing (no sheathing and/or structural members are being repaired or replaced).
- Ordinary repair such as repairing/replacing drywall or a door. Repairs made to any structural element of your home is not considered ordinary repair. Replacing any structural element in your home is not considered ordinary repair. Please call our office if you are not sure if a permit is required.

Note: Above items in bold will require a zoning permit.

In Covington, you can apply in person at 20 West Pike Street, Covington, KY. The telephone number is (859) 292-2184.

In Cold Spring you can apply in person at 1010 Monmouth St, Newport, KY. The telephone number is (859) 292-3884.

All other cities and unincorporated Kenton County can obtain an occupational license by applying in person at 303 Court St, Suite 601, Covington, KY. The telephone number is (859) 392-1440.

Most cases there are no additional fees. The permit fees cover the following items:

- Two plan reviews- if you do not pass your initial plan review you must provide all additional information needed to pass your second plan review. If a third plan review is required, there will be an additional plan review fee.

- The cost of all required inspections are included in the permit fee. If you fail one of the required inspections, there will not be any additional inspection fees. If you fail two or more inspections a re-inspection fee must be paid prior to a final inspection and/or Certificate of Occupancy being issued.

- See fee schedule for other fees such as fast track fees, fees for work stared/completed prior to obtaining a permit etc.

This website provides a list of fee schedules.