Building Inspector

Building Inspector: Robert Bliss

bob bliss web photo 1.jpg I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. About 30 years ago I moved to the city of Farmington Hills, a suburb of Detroit, where I last worked. I was first a Housing Rehabilitation Specialist then as a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner and lastly promoted to Building Official where I ran the Building Department until I retired in 2017.

I have been married to my wife Becky for 23 years and we have a spoiled dog named Charlie. I have 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. After Becky and I both retired, we moved to Mount Sterling, Kentucky in 2018 to be closer to Becky’s parents that live in Lexington. We enjoy living in this community and appreciate the friendliness of the people here. In February 2019, I was fortunate enough to be hired as a Building Inspector for the City of Mount Sterling.

I feel very privileged to work with a great group of people and I am excited to hopefully make a difference in the future of this community. For a small town Becky and I are impressed at the many activities there are here for children and adults alike and look forward to attending more of these events in the future.

Building Inspector: James Johnson

Jim Johnson joined the office on September 29, 2021. He has a good background in commercial building and is eager to help you with your project inquiries.

BUILDING INSPECTOR JIM JOHNSON.jpg

When is a BUILDING PERMIT required?

It might be easier to ask when a permit is not needed. Below is a list of work that is exempt from obtaining a building permit.

Permits shall not be required for the following:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage shed, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.

2. Fences not over 7 feet high.

3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the grade at the bottom of the wall to the top of the wall.

4. Water storage tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

5. Sidewalks (you may qualify for a grant, see below!) and driveways.

6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

7. Swings and other playground equipment.

8. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

9. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door with a ramp or stairway.

What about SWIMMING POOLS? See the requirements for pools here: Requirements for Swimming Pools 2022.pdf

Most projects that involve siding, windows, and roofs require a permit. Building permits are a low cost insurance that the project you are performing is being done correctly and up to the minimum building codes. Building permits are also required by the city ordinance and by state law. Some items, even though permits are not required, are still subject to zoning regulations as far as setbacks from property lines. It is easier to ask first then to have to move or remove your project.

Please feel free to call if you have and questions or would like to discuss your project before you start.

Download A Building Permit - Sign Permit- Dumpster Application

Sign Permit Application.pdf

DUMPSTER ORDINANCE.pdf - Permits are required before a dumpster may be placed on a city street or right-of-way. Use Building Permit Application to apply: Building Permit Application.pdf

Affidavit of Assurances.pdf - Required by contractors.

Application for Conditional Use Permit.pdf

Application for Dimensional Variance.pdf

Building Permit Application.pdf

Building Fee Schedule 2024.pdf