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Permit Required

Deck Addition Permit Requirements — Louisville, KY

Yes. Two separate building permits are required: one for roof replacement (full tear-off) and one for new deck construction at 30 inches or more above grade in Louisville-Jefferson County Metro.

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What affects your permit requirement

Roof replacement requires a permit only if it involves a full tear-off or structural alteration; verify whether your project qualifies as a renovation under Kentucky Residential Code.
Deck height above grade determines permit necessity: decks 30 inches or more above grade require a permit; decks under 30 inches may be exempt if they meet all exemption criteria (200 sq ft max, unattached, not serving required exit).
Deck square footage directly affects permit fees at $0.105 per sq ft with a $75 minimum, so larger decks incur proportionally higher costs.
Estimated project cost for roofing is required at permit application and directly drives the fee calculation ($50 base + $2.50 per $1,000 of valuation).
Louisville Metro requires detailed submittal drawings for deck permits showing code compliance and confirmation that the deck does not encroach into required property setbacks.
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Typical requirements

Fee basis
  • Residential Roofing Permit (full tear-off / structural alteration): $50.00 base fee + $2.50 per $1,000 of estimated project cost, minimum $75.00
  • Residential Deck Permit (new construction, 1 & 2 family dwelling): $0.105 per square foot of deck area, minimum $75.00
Roofing permit requires estimated project cost to be submitted at application; deck permit is calculated on final deck square footage.
[fee schedule]
Department
Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government — Office of Construction Review
(502) 574-3321
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/construction-review/online-permitting-portal

These figures reflect typical jurisdiction data. Fees and timelines change. Run a free search on your exact address for jurisdiction-confirmed requirements before you bid or apply.

Frequently asked questions

01

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Louisville?

Yes. A full tear-off and replacement of a roof is a structural alteration requiring a building permit under the Kentucky Residential Code. Roofing is explicitly listed as a modification item that must be permitted. Contact the Office of Construction Review at (502) 574-3321 to verify whether your specific roofing scope qualifies.

02

Can I build a deck without a permit in Louisville, Kentucky?

Only if your deck meets all exemption criteria: not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, no more than 200 sq ft, not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a required exit door. Any deck at 30 inches or higher requires a full building permit. Submit detailed plans to the Office of Construction Review to confirm your deck's status.

03

How much does a deck permit cost in Louisville?

Deck permits are calculated at $0.105 per square foot of deck area, with a $75 minimum fee. A 200 sq ft deck costs $75 (minimum applies); an 800 sq ft deck costs $84. Actual cost depends on your final deck square footage.

04

How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Louisville?

Roof permits cost $50 base fee plus $2.50 per $1,000 of estimated project cost, with a $75 minimum. A $15,000 roof costs $87.50; a $25,000 roof costs $112.50. You must provide your estimated project cost at the time of application.

05

Where do I apply for building permits in Louisville?

Apply online through the Louisville Metro Business Portal (Accela Citizen Access) at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/construction-review/online-permitting-portal. You can upload plans, track review status, and pay fees online. The Deck Construction Guide is available to help with design standards and submittal requirements.

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