10 adopted codes · 49 cities tracked
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC)
International Existing Building Code
International Energy Conservation Code
International Energy Conservation Code
International Fire Code
International Fuel Gas Code
International Mechanical Code
International Plumbing Code
The Kentucky Building Code (KBC) is based on the 2015 IBC with Kentucky amendments (Fourth Edition effective February 2024). Western Kentucky is in the New Madrid Seismic Zone with Seismic Design Category D in some counties. Central and western Kentucky experience tornado activity. The Ohio River valley is flood-prone. Kentucky has 120 counties — the third most of any state. Enforcement is mandatory statewide for commercial buildings but varies for residential. Louisville Metro Government and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government have their own expanded jurisdiction building departments.