Building Codes Administration

The Building Codes Administration Department is dedicated to ensuring public safety. It collaborates with architects, engineers, builders, contractors, developers, and citizens to address building and electrical code issues. Enforcement of building codes is critical to this mission, as it guarantees that the minimum requirements for protecting public health, safety, and welfare are met. This includes ensuring structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety of life and property.

The department reviews building plans for residential and commercial projects, issues building permits, and conducts field inspections from the start to completion. These inspections ensure that projects are built according to approved plans and meet the minimum building code standards.

Department Staff

  • Brian Sims, CBO - Chief Building Official
  • Gary Forsyth, II - Deputy Building Official
  • John Lauber - Senior Building Official
  • Tim Tholemeier - Senior Building Official
  • Amy Eveler - Senior Building Official
  • Danny Arlinghaus - Associate Building Official
  • Jeffrey Barnes - Associate Building Official
  • Sheila Spradling - Certified Permit Technician
  • Danielle Jefferson - Certified Permit Technician
  • Jill Hensley - Associate Secretary

Quick Points of Contact

  • Schedule building inspections: call 859.957.2408
  • Ask permit process/submittal questions: call Sheila Spradling at 859.957.2408
  • Ask commercial plan review and inspection questions: call Tim Tholemeier, John Lauber, or Brian Sims at 859.957.2408
  • Ask residential plan review and inspections questions: call Gary Forsyth II at 859.957.2408
  • Ask zoning or code enforcement questions: call Rob Himes at 859.331.8980
  • Ask subdivision regulations questions: call Michelle Allender at 859.957.2405
  • Submit complaints, concerns, suggestions or other time sensitive issues: call Brian Sims or Gary Forsyth II at 859.957.2408
  • All other questions: call 859.331.8980

Contact Us

Email

Brian Sims, CBO 

Mailing & Physical Address

Building Codes Administration
Planning and Development Services of Kenton County
1840 Simon Kenton Way, Suite 3400
Covington, Kentucky 41011

Telephone

859-957-2408

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A:

Permits are processed by the order date they are received.

  • Electrical permits: 5 business days
  • Zoning only permits (i.e., fence, small shed, driveway, etc.): 1-3 business days
  • Residential permits (i.e., new house, deck, detached garage, room addition, HVAC, etc.): 12 business days
  • Commercial permits (i.e., new buildings, multi-family, fire suppression systems, fire alarm, range hood, HVAC, etc.): 12 business days

Please note that permit approval times may vary depending on the workload and the information provided during the application process. Please contact our office at (859) 957-2408 or permits@pdskc.org if you have any further questions regarding permits.

A:

Please use the checklists provided here. Please contact our office at (859) 957-2408 or permits@pdskc.org if you have any further questions regarding permits.

A:

The permit will be considered expired if any of the following conditions are met:

  • Work does not commence within six months
  • Work is stopped for more than six months
  • No inspections are completed

Extensions may be granted upon request. Please contact our office at (859) 957-2408 or permits@pdskc.org if you have any further questions regarding permits.

A:
  • 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 7 feet (2.1336 m) high.
  • Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route.
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
  • Swings and other playground equipment accessories to one-and two-family dwellings.
  • Replacing windows and window awnings supported by an exterior wall.
  • New siding or residing.
  • Ordinary re-roofing (no sheathing and/or structural members are being repaired or replaced).
  • Ordinary repairs such as repairing/replacing drywall or a door. Repairs made to any structural element of your home are not considered ordinary repairs. Replacing any structural element in your home is not considered ordinary repair. 
  • Note: The above items in bold will require a zoning permit. 

Please contact our office at (859) 957-2408 or permits@pdskc.org if you have any further questions regarding permits.