Permit requirements · Kentucky
Lexington-Fayette, KY HVAC permit requirements
What the adopted code says, what the permit office actually collects, and where each answer comes from.
Adopted residential code
2018 Kentucky Residential Code (2015 IRC with KY amendments), plus 2015 IMC and 2009 National Fuel Gas Code for 1&2-family construction.
SourceEnergy code
2009 IECC for residential 1&2-family construction ('For use with Residential buildings only').
SourceLoad calculation (Manual J / S)
RequiredNo local amendment found. KRC keeps 2015 IRC M1401.3 unamended (Manual S sizing on Manual J loads). LFUCG's 2026 new-construction permit guide lists site, foundation, floor, framing and elevation plans only, with no HVAC or load-calc item.
SourceDuct design (Manual D)
Not verifiedInherits the state position. No local source found.
Equipment replacements (changeouts)
LFUCG Code Sec. 5-32 covers mechanical permit fees 'for the installation, replacement or addition of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems' and says no such permit is issued until the fee is paid to the Division of Building Inspection. Fee for 1&2-family: $105 first system + $50 each additional, including up to 3 inspections. This shows replacements are permitted locally. Whether a replacement permit is mandatory was not quoted from an official page.
SourceWhat the submittal asks for
The residential new-construction permit guide requires site, foundation, floor, framing/wall-section and elevation plans uploaded as PDF through the online portal. No mechanical-permit checklist was found.
SourcePermit portal
Questions
Does Lexington-Fayette, KY require a Manual J?
Yes. No local amendment found. KRC keeps 2015 IRC M1401.3 unamended (Manual S sizing on Manual J loads). LFUCG's 2026 new-construction permit guide lists site, foundation, floor, framing and elevation plans only, with no HVAC or load-calc item.
What code does Lexington-Fayette, KY use?
2018 Kentucky Residential Code (2015 IRC with KY amendments), plus 2015 IMC and 2009 National Fuel Gas Code for 1&2-family construction.
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