The City has a permitting process for construction and land disturbance activities within the City limits.  A Land Disturbance Permit and Supplemental form is required for any land disturbance activity greater than 1,000 square feet and must be obtained prior to applying for a building and zoning compliance permit with the Nelson County Code Enforcement Department and Nelson County Planning Commission.  Depending on the type of construction, additional requirements may apply. Please review our Compliance Guide to help determine appropriate erosion control best management practices for any planned land disturbance activities.

Construction activities will be evaluated based on the size of disturbed area and/or the amount of impervious surface that will be created once construction is complete.  Every site that requires a land disturbance permit is required to submit a Performance Bond and Permit Fee with their application.  The Performance Bond is refunded in full pending final inspection by the City Stormwater Inspector.  The Permit Fees and minimum Performance Bonds can be found in the City's Fee Schedule for Encroachment Work & Land Disturbance Activities.

When applying for a land disturbance permit, please fill out and submit the Subcontractor List form. Note that this can be filled out electronically in a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader or printed out and filled out by hand.

Permits are valid for 12 months (one year) from the date of issuance to construct the entrance, encroachment, and/or land disturbing activities in accordance with the permit. If work cannot be completed by the expiration date, a written request for an extension shall be submitted to the Office of the City Engineer no later than 14 days prior to the expiration date.  If approved, a revised land disturbance permit will be issued upon payment in the amount of an additional permit fee.

Building Additions, Entrances, Sidewalks, & Right-of-Way Work

Class 1 Sites - Minor construction activities such as decks, garages, storage buildings, and additions more than 1,000 square feet and/or entrances, sidewalk repairs, and right-of-way work.

Permit Fee: $50
Minimum Performance Bond: $750

Example: Adding a new entrance to your home with the proposed entrance location crossing a drainage ditch.

• Come to City Hall and submit a Land Disturbance Permit application, $50 permit fee, and $750 performance bond
• Following approval, begin work
• Maintain best management practices (BMPs) during construction
• Entrance pipe should be a minimum 15" diameter
• Prior to pouring any concrete or placing asphalt driveway surface, contact the City for driveway inspection to ensure proper driveway drainage
• Once site is 70% vegetated, contact the City for permit release
• City will conduct final inspection and release the permit and bond
• Please allow two weeks for bond to be returned

Single & Multi-Family Home Construction

Class 2 Sites - Single lot sites (i.e. individual single and multi-family homes)

Permit Fee: $300
Minimum Performance Bond: $1,000

Example: Building a 2,000 sq. ft. single family home in a subdivision that requires a sidewalk 80ft long and 4ft wide.

• Come to City Hall and submit a Land Disturbance Permit application, $300 permit fee, and  performance bond of $3,080 ($1000 minimum + 320 Ft² sidewalk x $6.50/sqft).  Total amount payable to obtain the Permit would be $3,380 with $3,080 Refunded upon Release of Permit.
• A list of all contractors who will perform work on the job site must be provided at the time of application (all contractors must have a valid business license with the City of Bardstown)
• Following approval, begin work
• Maintain best management practices (BMPs) during construction
• All sidewalks must meet ADA requirements (Max cross slope 2%, Max longitudinal slope 5% - this includes locations where sidewalk crosses driveways)
• Prior to pouring concrete or placing asphalt driveway surface, contact the City for driveway and/or sidewalk inspection to ensure proper driveway drainage and sidewalks meet ADA requirements
• Once site is 70% vegetated, contact the City for permit release
• City will conduct final inspection and release the permit and bond
• Please allow two weeks for bond to be returned