Boone County at a Glance
Residential replacement permit fee: $105 (single unit) · $50 per additional unit
Apply: Online portal or in person at 2950 Washington St, 3rd Floor, Burlington KY 41005
Phone: 859-334-2218 or 859-334-3979
Homeowner pull allowed: Yes — once every 5 years, primary residence only
Emergency installs: Proceed if needed; apply next business day or face double fee
Boone County's Local HVAC Program
Boone County is one of Kentucky's larger counties — home to Florence, Burlington, Hebron, Union, and Walton — and it administers its own HVAC inspection program with local inspectors rather than relying on the state DHBC. This means all HVAC permit applications, fees, and inspections for properties within unincorporated Boone County go through the Boone County Building Department.
Cities within Boone County (such as Florence or Erlanger) may have their own building departments. If your property is within city limits, confirm which office has jurisdiction before applying.
What Projects Require a Permit in Boone County?
Kentucky law applies in full: a permit is required for every HVAC installation, replacement, and system modification. This includes:
- Central air conditioner replacements — even 1-for-1 same-model swaps
- Gas furnace replacements
- Heat pump installations (air-source and geothermal)
- Ductless mini-split installations
- New HVAC installations in additions or new construction
- Additional air handlers, zones, or supplemental heat sources
Important note on water heaters: Boone County's Building Department does not issue permits or conduct inspections for water heaters. For water heater permits, contact the Kentucky Division of Plumbing at 859-331-8228.
Permit Fees — Verified 2024/2025
| Project Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential HVAC replacement — 1 unit | $105 | Single-family and multi-family residential |
| Each additional unit (same address, same permit) | $50 | Applies when replacing multiple systems in a single multi-unit building |
| Commercial HVAC — 2,000 sq ft or less | $125 | See commercial fee schedule for larger buildings |
| Commercial — 2,001 to 10,000 sq ft | $180 | |
| Commercial — 10,001 to 25,000 sq ft | $270 | |
| Emergency installation (permit applied next business day) | Standard fee | Double fee if not filed by close of business the next day |
Accepted payment: Cash, checks payable to "Boone County Fiscal Court," Visa, and Mastercard. No American Express. Fees are paid at time of application.
How to Apply for an HVAC Permit in Boone County
Boone County offers both online and in-person application options. Contractors are strongly encouraged to use the online portal, which allows permit applications to be submitted, tracked, and approved without an in-person visit.
- Create an account on the online portal
Go to the Boone County Building Department's online permit portal (accessible via boonecountyky.org). Sign up using your business email. Contractors should register with their Kentucky Master HVAC License number.
- Complete the HVAC permit application
Select "HVAC Residential" or "HVAC Commercial." Enter the job address, equipment details (make, model, tonnage, BTU), and contractor credentials. Homeowners applying under the exemption select the homeowner application type.
- Upload required documentation
Contractors must attach: a copy of their valid Kentucky Master HVAC License or wallet card, a valid Boone County Occupational License, and a Kentucky Workers Compensation Insurance Certificate. Equipment cut sheets (design specs) are required for residential HVAC designs — if not available at permit submission, they may be provided at the jobsite during inspection.
- Pay the permit fee
$105 for a single residential replacement. Payment is collected at time of application. Online portal accepts credit/debit cards.
- Receive permit and post at job site
One approved permit set is returned to the applicant and must be posted at the job site during installation. The inspector will verify permit presence at inspection.
- Complete installation and call for inspection
After installation is complete, schedule the final inspection. For replacements, only a final inspection is required. The inspector checks the completed system — do not cover or conceal any work before inspection.
What Boone County HVAC Inspectors Check
A certified Boone County Building Inspector — sometimes two if training is underway — will inspect both the indoor and outdoor units on a residential replacement. Typically, the final inspection covers:
Outdoor Unit (Condenser/Heat Pump):
- Unit placement and clearances from structures, fences, and property lines per manufacturer specs
- Refrigerant line set connections and insulation
- Electrical disconnect properly sized and within sight of unit
- Condenser pad stability and leveling
- Equipment data plate matching the permit application
Indoor Unit (Air Handler/Furnace):
- Furnace flue venting — material, pitch, clearances, and exterior termination point
- Gas line connection, shutoff valve, and pressure test for gas furnaces
- Condensate drain routing, trap, and termination
- Filter slot size, accessibility, and installed filter
- Electrical connections and breaker sizing
- Thermostat wiring and labeling
If the Inspection Fails
If the inspector finds a deficiency, they will document it on the inspection report. The contractor (or homeowner) must correct the issue and call for a re-inspection. Boone County does not charge a re-inspection fee for the first re-inspection on a residential replacement, but this can vary — confirm with the department. Do not close walls or conceal any work until the final inspection is passed.
Emergency HVAC Installations in Boone County
Boone County explicitly accommodates emergency HVAC replacements. If a system fails during extreme summer heat or a winter cold snap and must be replaced immediately:
- Contact Boone County Building at 859-334-2218 or 859-334-3979 — leave a message with the job address, contractor name, and nature of the work if no one answers
- Proceed with the installation
- Apply for the permit on the very next business day
- If the permit is not applied for by close of business the next day, a double permit fee ($210 instead of $105) will be assessed
This is one of the most homeowner-friendly emergency provisions in the region. Contractors working Boone County regularly appreciate that an emergency installation won't automatically result in a penalty if documented promptly.
Homeowner Permit Rules in Boone County
Under Kentucky law, homeowners may pull their own HVAC permit for their primary residence — but only once every five years. Boone County follows this state rule exactly. Homeowners applying must:
- Use the homeowner application form (separate from the contractor application)
- Certify that they own and reside in the property
- Perform all the work personally (cannot hire an unlicensed third party using the homeowner permit)
- Still have a licensed HVAC technician handle all refrigerant — the homeowner exemption does not waive EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling requirements
- Understand that only one such permit will be issued to them in any five-year period statewide
Neighbor Counties — Same Process?
Boone County borders Campbell and Kenton counties. Each has its own local HVAC program with separate fees and portals. If your property is in Campbell County, contact their building department separately. The $105 fee and online portal are specific to Boone County.