2018 Kentucky Building Code

The Kentucky Building Code is based upon the 2015 International Building Code published by the International Code Council, Inc., with Kentucky-specific amendments. It provides design and construction standards to ensure the public safety, health, and welfare insofar as they are affected by building construction and to secure safety to life and property from all hazards incident to the occupancy of buildings, structures, or premises. This edition presents the code with changes approved by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction through April 2018. The Kentucky Building Code is a “mini/maxi” code, meaning that it is a statewide, uniform, mandatory building code and no local government shall adopt or enforce any other building code governing commercial construction. The Kentucky Residential Code shall govern detached single family dwellings, two-family dwellings and townhouses and is adopted as 815 KAR 7:125. The Kentucky Building Code may be amended by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction through the regulatory process by considering proposals from code enforcement officials, construction professionals, other interested persons, and organizations. Amendments are discussed during open meetings of the Housing, Buildings and Construction Advisory Committee. Approved amendments by the Department and the Legislative Review Commission are printed in the Kentucky Administrative Register and posted on the Department’s website (dhbc.ky.gov).