BillTrack50 logo
Free Signup Login
Bill

Bill > HB618

KY HB618

KY HB618
AN ACT relating to residential housing.

summary

Introduced
02/11/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amend KRS 198B.050 to require that building code standards for 2, 3, and 4 family homes not be more stringent than those for single-family homes; amend KRS 198B.060 to apply exemption for single-family homes to 2, 3, and 4 family homes; permit third-party plan review and inspections under new procedures; create a new section of KRS Chapter 198B to define terms; require regulatory authorities to provide information to prospective applicants regarding requirements to apply for a permit; require a regulatory authority to inform an applicant of whether the application is complete within 3 days and include whether the regulatory authority is able to perform plan review and inspection within specified time limits; require a regulatory authority to conduct plan review within 14 days of receipt of a complete application and inspections within 5 days of any request for an inspection being made; provide for circumstances in which deadlines may be extended; permit an applicant to use a qualifying third-party inspector; set out circumstances under which a regulatory authority may collect fees depending on use of a third-party inspector; set out what a third-party inspector may review and set out qualifications and requirements the third-party inspector must meet; require a regulatory authority to issue a permit within 1 business day of the completion of required plan reviews and inspections associated with an otherwise complete application; state that any ordinance, rule, or regulation contrary is void and unenforceable; state that a regulatory authority may issue a stop work order if a condition of a project constitute an immediate threat to public safety and welfare; establish immunity for the regulatory authority for action of an applicant or third-party inspector; EFFECTIVE July 1, 2027.

AI Summary

This bill aims to streamline the process for obtaining building permits for residential housing, particularly for 2, 3, and 4-family dwellings, by ensuring their building code standards are no more stringent than those for single-family homes and by allowing these types of homes to be exempt from mandatory inspections if a local government chooses. It introduces a new process for third-party plan reviews and inspections, where qualified professionals like licensed architects, engineers, or certified inspectors can perform these tasks, potentially speeding up the permit process. The bill mandates that regulatory authorities (government entities responsible for permits) must provide clear information to applicants about requirements and timelines, notify them within three days if an application is complete, and conduct plan reviews within 14 days and inspections within 5 days of a request. If the regulatory authority cannot meet these deadlines, or if an applicant chooses to use a third-party inspector, specific procedures and fee adjustments are outlined, including refunds if the authority fails to meet its own deadlines. A qualifying third-party inspector must be independent of the project and the regulatory authority, meet specific qualifications, maintain insurance, and submit reports to the regulatory authority. Once all reviews and inspections are complete, the regulatory authority must issue a permit within one business day. The bill also states that any conflicting local rules are void and allows regulatory authorities to issue stop-work orders only if there's an immediate threat to public safety, while also providing immunity to regulatory authorities for the actions of third-party inspectors or applicants. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

to Local Government (H) (on 02/19/2026)

bill text

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...