HB 618: AN ACT relating to residential housing.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Amend KRS 198B.050 to require that building code standards for 2, 3, and 4 family homes not be more stringent than those for single-family homes; amend KRS 198B.060 to apply exemption for single-family homes to 2, 3, and 4 family homes; permit third-party plan review and inspections under new procedures; create a new section of KRS Chapter 198B to define terms; require regulatory authorities to provide information to prospective applicants regarding requirements to apply for a permit; require a regulatory authority to inform an applicant of whether the application is complete within 3 days and include whether the regulatory authority is able to perform plan review and inspection within specified time limits; require a regulatory authority to conduct plan review within 14 days of receipt of a complete application and inspections within 5 days of any request for an inspection being made; provide for circumstances in which deadlines may be extended; permit an applicant to use a qualifying third-party inspector; set out circumstances under which a regulatory authority may collect fees depending on use of a third-party inspector; set out what a third-party inspector may review and set out qualifications and requirements the third-party inspector must meet; require a regulatory authority to issue a permit within 1 business day of the completion of required plan reviews and inspections associated with an otherwise complete application; state that any ordinance, rule, or regulation contrary is void and unenforceable; state that a regulatory authority may issue a stop work order if a condition of a project constitute an immediate threat to public safety and welfare; establish immunity for the regulatory authority for action of an applicant or third-party inspector; EFFECTIVE July 1, 2027.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 4

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 13, 2026returned to Local Government (H)
2. March 13, 20261st reading
3. March 13, 2026taken from Local Government (H)
4. February 19, 2026to Local Government (H)
5. February 11, 2026to Committee on Committees (H)
6. February 11, 2026introduced in House