A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project.  The purpose of a permit is to allow the enforcement of the codes which have been adopted as law by a state, county, township, or city. No matter what the specific project may be, the enforcement of codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The unity of government which enforces the code is acting to assure safe construction.

Code Officials and Inspectors use building permits as a vital step in their enforcement of codes.  You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel.  When that home or business building does not comply with the codes, your investment could be reduced.  Applying for a building permit notifies the Code Officials that you are constructing or remodeling a building so he or she can ensure code compliance. Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to protect us by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and therefore ensuring the public health, safety and welfare.  Before any construction or remodeling work begins, application for a permit should be made. Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimumstandards are met and appropriate materials are used.  Contact the Inspection Department for permit fee information. 

For more information click the following links:

• Permit Steps and Applications
• City of Paducah Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18
• International Code Council    4051 W. Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795

Building permits are typically required for the following:

• New Buildings
• Additions
• Electrical Systems
• Demolitions
• Renovations
• Mobile Homes
• Prefabricated Structures
• Temporary Buildings
• HVAC Systems (heating, ventilating, air conditioning)
• Miscellaneous for residential (fireplace, pools, decks, fences, etc.)
• Miscellaneous for commercial (remodel, repair, electrical upgrades, etc.)