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HB 662

AN ACT relating to the regulation of low voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by William Lawrence

Allows certain low voltage battery-charged security fences on non-residential properties to be installed and operated without local permit, while preserving local safety and code e

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Bill Summary · HB 662

Summary of HB 662 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose

HB 662, titled “AN ACT relating to the regulation of low voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments,” creates a targeted statewide authorization for certain security fences. The bill allows low voltage battery-charged security fences to be installed and operated on non-residential properties without requiring local government permits, subject to a few protections and exceptions. The intent is to streamline installation while preserving local safety and code enforcement roles.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of a low voltage battery-charged security fence (new KRS Chapter 65, Section 1):

    • Fence is integrated with an alarm system that notifies an alarm monitoring station and the property occupant upon intrusion.
    • Powered by a 12-volt (or less) direct current storage battery that delivers periodic voltage impulses.
    • Includes a battery charging device certified to IEC Standard 60335-2-76 (or successor).
    • Surrounded by a non-electric perimeter barrier.
    • Height: at least 10 feet, or at least 2 feet higher than the surrounding non-electric barrier, whichever is greater.
    • Postings: Warning signs reading “WARNING—ELECTRIC FENCE” (or substantially similar) at intervals not greater than 30 feet.
    • Excludes: certain security alarms not attached to a capable electric fence system; and fences surrounding properties used or zoned exclusively for residential purposes.

  • Permitting and local government authority

    • For non-residential properties, such fences may be installed and operated without local government permit, approval, or other authorization, except that an alarm permit may still be required by the local government.
    • Local governments retain general regulatory authority over:
    • Safety, building, electrical, and fire codes (including the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Electrical Code).
    • Uniform setback, height, and lot coverage requirements applicable to fences and accessory structures.
    • The authorization does not limit other local government powers to regulate nonelectric perimeter barriers.

  • Residential property limitation

    • The bill expressly does not apply to low voltage battery-charged security fences surrounding properties zoned or used exclusively for residential purposes.

  • Enforcement and compliance

    • Local governments continue to enforce applicable safety and building codes, electrical codes, and zoning/height/setback standards through existing inspection and code compliance mechanisms.

Affected Parties

  • Property owners/operators of non-residential properties may install and operate qualifying low voltage battery-charged security fences without prior local permit (beyond potential alarm permits).
  • Local governments (cities, counties, urban counties, charter/consolidated/unified local governments) retain enforcement authority over general codes and fence-related requirements.
  • Alarm permit administrators within local jurisdictions (where required) may still govern alarm-related aspects.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The measure creates a new section within Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 65.
  • Effective date is not specified in the provided text (assumed upon passage/going into law unless otherwise stated).
  • Fiscal impact: Indeterminable but estimated to be minimal. Potentially reduces local permit-revenue from fences that previously required permits; current permit fees vary by jurisdiction (e.g., Nicholasville $100 nonresidential, Campbell County $50).
  • Legislative history: Passed the House (3/5/2026) with a favorable report, moved through committees, and advanced to the Senate (as of the provided action history).

Practical Implications

  • Streamlines deployment of certain security fencing for commercial and non-residential sites.
  • Keeps safety and compliance standards aligned with existing codes, ensuring electrical, fire, and structural considerations remain governed at the local level.
  • Maintains local government oversight via alarm permitting and uniform fencing standards, while reducing administrative permitting barriers for eligible fences.

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

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