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HB 618

AN ACT relating to residential housing.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Huff and 3 co-sponsors

HB 618 creates a mandatory Uniform State Building Code with a new option for qualified third-party inspectors to review plans and inspect small residential properties to speed perm

returned to Local Government (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 618

Summary of HB 618 (2026RS) — AN ACT relating to residential housing (Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 618 aims to reform Kentucky’s building regulation framework for residential construction by establishing a mandatory Uniform State Building Code administered by the state (with local enforcement alternatives). It introduces a new pathway for third-party inspectors to perform plan review and on-site inspections for qualifying residential properties, intended to address potential delays in regulatory timelines and ensure timely permitting and occupancy Certificates of Occupancy.

Key provisions and changes

  • Uniform State Building Code

    • The Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (or its successor) must adopt a mandatory Uniform State Building Code (USB Code) governing construction of all buildings.
    • The code covers general construction, structural quality, mechanical/electrical systems, and life safety, incorporating related codes (Kentucky Plumbing, boiler rules, and National Electrical Code).
    • It allows adoption of model codes from recognized organizations, with a requirement for democratic participation by the department and local governments in adopting new technologies and materials.
    • Local enforcement remains in place, but the department may preempt local programs if enforcement deficiencies persist (with procedures and timelines).

  • Local vs. state enforcement

    • Local governments must appoint building officials/inspectors or contract for enforcement of the USB Code. Permits, inspections, and Certificates of Occupancy for single-family to four-family dwellings may be optional unless a local ordinance requires them.
    • The department retains authority for plans approval and inspections for buildings not handled by local governments, except for single-family to four-family dwellings, which remain locally controlled unless preemption occurs.

  • Third-party inspections and timelines (new Section 3)

    • A new framework permits qualifying third-party inspectors (external architects, engineers, electrical inspectors, and other certified inspectors) to perform plan reviews and inspections for residential properties with ten or fewer units (qualifying property).
    • Regulatory authorities must provide applicants with clear timelines: plan reviews within 14 business days; inspections within 5 business days after written request, with extensions allowed for valid reasons (up to 14 additional days for plan reviews and 5 for inspections in certain cases).
    • If the regulatory authority cannot meet deadlines, applicants may use qualifying third-party inspectors at their own expense. Fees paid to the regulatory authority for review/inspection must be refunded (minus up to a $100 administrative fee).
    • If deadlines are missed after commitment, authorities must issue a temporary permit and refund fees.
    • Third-party inspectors must be independent, carry specified professional licenses, maintain minimum liability insurance ($1,000,000 per claim; $2,000,000 aggregate), and submit sworn affidavits and reports within five days of completion.
    • The regulatory authority must issue permits within one business day after completion/receipt of third-party inspection documentation.
    • Conflicting local ordinances are deemed void where they conflict with this section.

  • Compliance and accountability

    • Inspectors may be disciplined by their licensing boards; state/regional authorities retain immunity from liability for third-party inspections.
    • Fees must be designed to cover service costs and deposited to a dedicated trust fund.

  • Effective date

    • HB 618 takes effect July 1, 2027.

Who is affected

  • Local governments and their building departments (plan reviews, inspections, permits, occupancy certificates for many dwellings).
  • The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (state-level oversight and preemption authority).
  • Applicants for residential permits for properties with ten or fewer units who may opt for third-party inspectors if timelines cannot be met by the regulator.
  • Qualifying third-party inspectors (licensed professionals) who perform inspections/reviews and must meet insurance and reporting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Implemented USB Code and enforcement framework outlined, with potential preemption of local programs due to noncompliance.
  • Clear deadlines for plan review (14 business days) and inspections (5 business days); extensions allowed under specified conditions.
  • If authorities fail to meet deadlines, refunds are mandated; temporary permits may be issued.
  • New third-party inspection pathway requires regulatory compliance, affidavits, and post-inspection reporting within five days.

Overall, HB 618 seeks to accelerate residential permitting through a standardized state code and an optional third-party inspection pathway, potentially altering local revenue and workflows while emphasizing timely permit issuance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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