The Building Inspection Department plays an important role in enforcing building codes to allow safe construction of various building types and sizes.
Our mission
The Building Inspection Department is certified by the state of Kentucky to regulate all residential and commercial building construction in Somerset. This department reviews construction documents, issues permits and provides inspections on all building, mechanical and electrical systems. Its purpose is to provide uniform minimum standards and requirements for the construction, repair, alteration, and maintenance of buildings, as they relate to the conservation of energy, safety, and sanitation of buildings for their intended use and occupancy.
The City of Somerset Building Inspection Department has jurisdiction in the following areas: residential (single-family, hotels, motels, multi-family units), business offices, mercantile/retail stores, factory/industrial, storage (low and moderate), assembly (theaters, restaurants, bars, recreation centers), post-secondary education facilities and mixed-use developments.
Making Somerset a safe place to work, play and live
The importance of building codes, their regulation and enforcement, is often overlooked until a catastrophic fire or other construction-related tragedy draws attention to a structure. The building inspection department ensures that buildings in the City of Somerset are safe and accessible places to work, play and live by reviewing building plans, issuing building permits and inspecting buildings during various construction stages.
Ready to apply for a permit?
The Uniform Building Code requires that no building or structure regulated by the code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, converted or demolished without first obtaining a separate building permit for each building or structure.
INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED WHEN APPLYING FOR A BUILDING PERMIT:
• Copy of the structural drawing of the project
• List of all contractors and subcontractors, along with business license numbers
• Address and phone numbers for above
• All commercial buildings will require prior site plan approval.
The City of Somerset requires all contractors or subcontractors who perform work within the city limits to obtain a city business license, pay occupational tax, and meet the Commonwealth of Kentucky requirement for worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance.
Site plan
Minimum commercial plan review fee $285 paid
State job
Completed and signed building permit application
Structural drawings (if applicable)
List of general contractor(s) and subcontractor(s)
Business license for contractors and subcontractors
Insurance certificate
Permit fee paid
Copy of signed “Authorization to Proceed” letter
Inspection checklist/report
Grease Interceptor permit ($100, if applicable)
As-built drawings submitted (if applicable)
Copy of signed “Certificate of occupancy” letter
Fee schedule
The following fee schedule applies to inspections for the areas in which the City of Somerset has jurisdiction. You can use the worksheet below to calculate the total fee costs for your project.
| Occupancy Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Assembly | 16 cents |
| Business | 15 cents |
| Educational | 15 cents |
| Industrial factories | 15 cents |
| Mercantile (retail) | 15 cents |
| Residential | 15 cents |
| Storage | 15 cents |
| Utility + Miscellaneous | 13 cents |
| Production greenhouses | 10 cents |
Other Important Documents
Have a question or concern?
Reach out directly to our staff.
Building Inspection
Contact: Joe Lyons Building Inspector
Email: jlyons@cityofsomerset.com
Phone: 606.679.6366 (office)
606.305.2624 (cell)
