Prepare To Build

If you are planning to construct or significantly remodel a structure within the City of Murray, the following information will assist in understanding
the general requirements and provide contact agencies who will be able to supply more specific information.

Zoning & Subdivision Requirements
Your site and location must be in compliance with the City of Murray zoning and subdivision ordinances and suitable for your proposed use. You should be prepared to verify your property lines via a deed or survey. Zoning information can be obtained from the Department of Planning and Engineering.

Utility Availability
Do not assume that all utilities are available at your building site. Call the building official at 762-0330 to verify availability with the utility providers.

Site Improvements
Approval is required from the Department of Planning and Engineering for preconstruction improvements to your building site which may affect street
access, culvert installation, drainage and utility location.

Click here to view Stormwater Permit Requirements for Construction Activity (PDF).

Plan Review & Permit Application
An application for plan review and building permit must be submitted to the Department of Planning & Engineering along with two complete sets of building construction plans, a site plan, and appropriate fees. These plans and specifications must be approved prior to issuance of the building permit.

Click here to view the Plan Review Fee Schedule

Site Plan Requirements
Every application for a building permit submitted to this office shall be accompanied by a site plan drawn to a reasonable accuracy showing
the following:

∙ Lot boundaries, building site, existing buildings, and parking on the lot.

∙ Accurate dimensions of lot boundaries, yards, building size and buildings.

∙ Layout of off-street parking and loading spaces and driveways. (If planning new or altering previous street access, applicant shall apply for an encroachment permit.)

∙ Street name and number.

∙ Subdivision and lot number.

∙ Easements and building setback lines.

∙ North arrow.

∙ Recording information.

∙ Any information required by the Planning & Engineering Department.

Plumbing Systems
Plumbing plans for regulated structures must be submitted to the Calloway County Health Dept. for review and approval. Evidence of that approval must be submitted prior to issuance of the building permit. Plumbing inspectors can be contacted through the Calloway County Health Department. Connection to municipal utility mains must be
inspected by a representative of the local utility provider.

Electrical Services
Electrical wiring must comply with the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and are subject to the inspections and approval
of the certified electrical inspector appointed by this jurisdiction.

Building Permit Issuance
When all required approvals are in order and upon payment of proper fees, a building permit will be issued by the Department of Planning &
Engineering. A house number will also be assigned at this time. Commencement of construction prior to issuance of the building permit is
prohibited.

The Code
Buildings shall be constructed in compliance with the Kentucky Building Code and its referenced standards applicable at the time of permit issuance. Code books will be available through the Kentucky Dept. of Housing, Buildings & Construction, The 127 Building, 1047 U.S.
127S. Frankfort, KY 40601.

Change in Plans
Deviation from approved plans must be authorized by the approving agency. In some cases, submission of revised plans may be required.

Signs
Signs must comply with the municipal zoning ordinance. A permit is required prior to the installation of all signs and may be secured from
the Department of Planning & Engineering.

Other Required Permits

Pools & Decks:
All in-ground and above-ground pools over 24” in depth or 250 sq ft in size are considered an accessory building and will require a building permit.
Decks of any type will require a building permit.

Portable Buildings:
Portable buildings may be placed in the rear yard, as long as they meet required setbacks.  Any easement restrictions may be enforced without a permit if the buildings are left on the runners they are constructed on and not attached to a concrete pad or foundation. Site built garages or out-buildings are considered accessory structures and do require a building permit.

Fences:
Fences do not require building permits, but must meet zoning regulations.

Building Permit Application Process
(1) Secure application from Building Official.
(2) Complete application and return it to the Building Official, along with your fee.
(3) You must complete a separate application for gas, water and sewer taps.

Building Permit Fees
1-2 Family Dwellings: First 1,000 sq ft of floor space, $150. Each additional 100 sq ft, $5.

Additions & Alterations of 1-2 Family Dwellings: First 100 sq ft, $50, then $10 per 100 sq ft for additional footage.

Commercial-Industrial: Permit fee shall be $50 for the first $15,000 construction cost. An additional charge of $4/thousand from $15,000-
$100,000; $3/thousand from $100,000-$500,000; then $2/thousand from $500,000.  For detailed information on building fees, click here.

Other Requirements
It shall be the contractor/owners responsibility to keep the job site clean from debris that could be carried to adjoining property by wind or rain or any other means. It shall also be the contractor/owners responsibility to
keep mud and/or gravel off the paved city streets. Erosion control on the property shall be maintained in such a manner as to keep the soil from eroding onto the streets (Click here to view Stormwater Permit Requirements for Construction Activity). The City of Murray has a Storm Water Conveyance and Erosion Control Ordinance.  You should contact the Department of Planning & Engineering before beginning any land disturbance activity.  No person shall use or permit the use of any structure or premises that has been issued a permit under a building permit application until the building official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy for certain use groups. This will be determined at the issuance of the permit.

This web page is a guideline of the general requirements for construction within the City of Murray.  It is not intended to cover all details or special conditions.  For specific information, please contact the Department of Planning & Engineering at (270) 762-0330.

A printable brochure of this web page is available in PDF format.  Click here to access the file (PDF).

Building Department Links:
    Prepare to Build
    Building Permit Fee Schedule
    Inspection Stages
    Plan Review Fee Schedule
    Forms & Publications