Fire Prevention Division

Responsibilities

The Fire Prevention Division of the Paducah Fire Department has the responsibility for the

  1. Issuance of permits
  2. Building and construction inspection
  3. Electrical inspection
  4. Codes enforcement (housing, zoning, building, electrical, etc.)
  5. Maintenance of city records for all construction and property improvement within the city or its jurisdiction
  6. Other such duties, functions, and responsibilities as may be delegated by the Fire Chief.

Divisions of Fire Prevention

Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal's Office conducts fire prevention inspections using the Kentucky Fire Prevention Code and offers various public education on fire safety.  

Code Enforcement.  Code Enforcement enforces all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in order to provide a healthy, clean, and pleasant environment for the citizens of Paducah. 

Construction.  Construction ensures that building and electrical work done within the city complies with codes, laws, and regulations mandated by the State. Building and site plans reviewed for compliance with codes, and inspections are scheduled for predetermined construction stages. Inspectors advise and confer with contractors and/or property owners before and during construction to help ensure compliance.

The City of Paducah requires permits before construction or remodeling work begins to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of our community. Major duties of the Fire Prevention Division include plan reviews, issuance of permits, and providing inspections. 

Apply for a Permit     Schedule a Kick-Start Meeting to Launch Your Project

Adopted Codes

Paducah Code of Ordinances

In addition to abiding by the codes adopted by the State of Kentucky, the Fire Prevention Division operates under several sections of the Paducah Code of Ordinances. 

Codes Adopted by Kentucky

What is the Kentucky Building Code (KBC)? The Commonwealth of Kentucky under Kentucky Revised Statute 198B indicates that all construction within the Commonwealth conform to a uniform building code, the Kentucky Building Code (KBC). 

The KBC defines what projects are required to obtain a permit and mandates the reviewing, approving, and inspection of buildings and structures that are under the applicability of the Kentucky Building Code and other referenced standards. This service is done though reviewing and approving of the construction documents and follow-up field inspections to ensure the building is constructed in accordance with the approved construction documents. Jurisdiction responsibilities are divided into state and local inspection in accordance with Section 104.0 of the Kentucky Building Code.

Section 105 of the Kentucky Building Code states: Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, remodel or change the occupancy of a building, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction adopted the 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (KRC). The codes are based on the 2015 International Building Code and the 2015 International Residential Code, both with Kentucky amendments. The mandatory effective date for the 2018 KBC and the 2018 KRC was January 1, 2019. 

Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, & Construction

Additional information is available through the International Code Council. 

  • 2018 Kentucky Building Code (KBC) (based on the 2015 International Building Code)  2018 Kentucky Residential Code (based on the 2015 International Residential Code)
  • 2015 International Mechanical Code 
  • 2015 International Fire Code (IFC)  (New construction projects and only when specifically referenced by the body of KBC)
  • 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (for use with the Kentucky Building Code and commercial buildings only)
  • 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (for use with the  Kentucky Residential Code only - see definition in IECC)
  • 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1--Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations & Code (815 KAR Chapter 20) State Boiler Regulation (KRS 236, 815  KAR 15)
  • 2013 NFPA 13 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
  • 2013 NFPA 13D - Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
  • 2013 NFPA 13R - Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up to and Including Four Stories in Height
  • 2013 NFPA 14 - Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
  • 2012 NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code
  • 2017 NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (effective October 1, 2014)
  • 2013 NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
  • 2012 NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code (Health Care Facilities)
  • 2015 International Existing Building Code

Note:  The above list is for reference only and is only representative of the many codes and standards currently used in Kentucky. For specific applications not listed above, contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction, Division of Building Codes Enforcement at 502-573-0373 or refer to Chapter 35 of the Kentucky Building Code.

Fire Prevention Division Vision & Mission

Promote Safety - Serve Community - Protect Life

Vision  Our vision is to be a recognized leader in building safety, fire prevention, and public services.

Mission  Our mission is to maintain a high level of safety and public welfare by providing professional level services of plan review, building, electrical, fire and property maintenance inspections, fire investigations and public education. We provide professional guidance of adopted standards and codes to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare for the citizens and visitors of Paducah.

Fire Prevention Division Contacts

Fire Prevention Division
City Hall, 1st Floor
300 South 5th Street
P.O. Box 2267
Paducah, KY 42002-2267

For construction related inquiries  270-444-8527
For yards and grounds complaints and/or existing housing problems  270-444-8522​ 

Greg Cherry - Deputy Chief Fire Prevention
April Tinsman - Battalion Chief
Janet Dicke - Executive Assistant I
Les Fugate - Chief Building Inspector
Dean Johnson - Deputy Building Inspector
Vaughn Hugen - Chief Electrical Inspector
David Jones - Code Enforcement Officer I
Debbie McGee - Permit Technician
Jeff Prescott - Deputy Electrical Inspector
Matt Stevens - Deputy Fire Marshal
Steve Utz - Code Enforcement Officer I
Matt Willett - Code Enforcement Officer I