Kentucky HVAC permit requirements

2018 Kentucky Residential Code, Third Edition (August 2024) = 2015 IRC with Kentucky amendments (815 KAR 7:125, amended eff. 2024-12-03). KRC applies to 1&2-family dwellings and townhouses.

2009 IECC for residential buildings (KRC N1101.1: 'This chapter regulates the energy efficiency ... by the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code'; KY amendments N1101.2.1 basement walls, N1101.2.2 slab-on-grade alternative). 2012 IECC is commercial only.

KRC Chapter 14 amends only M1403.1, M1411.8 and M1416.1, so 2015 IRC M1401.3 is retained unamended: equipment 'shall be sized in accordance with ACCA Manual S ... based on building loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling calculation methodologies.' Separately, state homeowner HVAC permits require 'Proof of adequate sizing' (815 KAR 8:070 Sec. 2(2)(b)) and the homeowner form lists 'Duct design, load calculation' as required before issuance. Submittal of a load calc on contractor permits is not verified.

KRC Chapter 16 amends only M1601.4.1, so 2015 IRC M1601.1 (duct design) is retained unamended, but the Manual D wording of 2015 IRC M1601.1 could not be confirmed from an official source. State homeowner HVAC permits require 'A complete design plan of all related duct and piping of system' (815 KAR 8:070 Sec. 2(2)(b)).

State HVAC permit is mandatory only for the initial system (new construction, additions with an added system, first system in an existing building) per 815 KAR 8:070 Sec. 1. For replacements: 'A permit shall be issued and inspections performed upon request for the replacement of: (a) Furnaces; (b) Condensing units; (c) Heat pumps; (d) Fan coil units ...' (Sec. 3), i.e. optional at state level. Local HVAC jurisdictions (17 statewide) can be stricter; see Louisville. Also 815 KAR 7:125: 'Permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy shall not be required for a single-family dwelling unless required by local ordinance.' No load-calc rule for replacements found.

State HVAC permits are issued only to licensed master HVAC contractors (or qualifying homeowners); 'Online HVAC permitting is only available to licensed master HVAC contractors.' Homeowner application must include 'Proof of adequate sizing', 'A complete design plan of all related duct and piping of system', and an affidavit; form also asks 'Date of Sizing Calculations' and orientation. Contractor 1&2-family application contents not verified.

DHBC formed KBC/KRC task forces in 2024 to review the 2018, 2021 and 2024 I-codes for a new edition. No adoption or effective date is published.

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