Do I need a permit for a full bathroom remodel in
Independence, Kentucky?

You're replacing an old toilet, removing the pedestal sink and installing a new vanity with a new faucet, and updating the tile around the tub. The plumbing rough-in (drain and supply) stays in the exact same location; you're not moving any lines or extending the vent. This is surface-only work and exempt from permitting under Independence code. The tile installer does not need to show a waterproofing assembly because the existing tub/surround is not being altered — only cosmetic tile around existing fixtures. However, if the plumber who installs the new faucet discovers that the existing supply lines have lead solder (common in 1970s homes), they may need to replace those lines, which would trigger a permit for plumbing work; verify with the plumber upfront. The vanity installation itself does not need permits, but if the old pedestal sink was anchored to the wall stud and you're installing a new vanity cabinet, check that the vanity is properly supported (wall studs or blocking). Cost: $3,000–$7,000 total project (vanity $400–$800, faucet $150–$400, toilet $150–$400, labor $1,500–$3,500, tile $500–$1,500); no permit fee.

You're gutting and reconfiguring the bathroom: the toilet moves from the east wall to the north wall (requiring a new 3-inch drain and vent stack in a new location), the vanity shifts 4 feet west (new supply lines), and the tub is removed and replaced with a walk-in shower with a new curb, cement-board backing, and waterproofing membrane. A new exhaust fan is ducted through the roof. This triggers all permit requirements: fixture relocation (plumbing permit), new exhaust fan duct (electrical/mechanical), and waterproofing assembly change (IRC R702.4.2). The plan must show: a plumbing riser diagram with the new toilet drain sized at 3 inches, vent routing (new 2-inch vent, trap arm max 6 feet from toilet), new supply lines to the vanity with shutoffs, a section detail of the shower waterproofing (e.g., cement board + RedGard two-part epoxy membrane, or Schluter Kerdi board + Kerdi membrane), exhaust fan CFM and duct size (4-inch is standard), duct termination location (roof soffit or wall cap, no attic discharge), and all electrical circuits with GFCI protection shown. Independence code requires that the new shower have a pressure-balanced mixing valve; specify this on the plan. The toilet drain relocation is the riskiest element: if the existing drain from the house trap runs east and you need the new toilet drain to run north, you may need to extend the main vent or add a secondary vent, which could cost an extra $500–$1,500 in labor and materials. Rough plumbing inspection will check trap arm length, vent sizing, and P-trap configuration; rough electrical will verify GFCI circuits and hardwired exhaust fan; framing (if studs are moved) and drywall will be inspected if applicable; final inspection will verify exhaust fan duct termination, waterproofing continuity, and GFCI outlet placement. Plan review typically takes 3-4 weeks; inspections take 4-6 weeks total. Permit fee: $450–$700 (valuation ~$15,000–$20,000 for labor + materials + fixture costs). Owner-builder permits allowed if you own and occupy the home.

The main bathroom has the toilet and tub staying in place, but the vanity supply lines are being relocated 8 feet to a new location along the hallway-facing wall. Additionally, you're carving out a new powder room (toilet + small sink) from a bedroom closet just outside the main bathroom. The main bathroom vanity relocation is a permit-required plumbing change (new supply lines). The powder room, however, is a NEW bathroom, not a remodel — and new bathrooms trigger structural review, full rough-in inspection, and more stringent code compliance. New bathrooms must have dedicated vent stacks (cannot tie into existing vents per IRC P3114), separate GFCI circuits, and often require a structural report if existing joists are cut for the drain stack. The city distinguishes between 'remodel' (reconfiguring existing bathroom) and 'new construction' (adding a net-new bathroom or powder room); this project spans both categories and requires two separate permits. Permit 1 (main bathroom vanity relocation): $250–$400, plan review 2-3 weeks. Permit 2 (new powder room): $400–$600, plan review 3-4 weeks (more stringent because it's new construction, not alteration). For the main bathroom, plans must show new supply lines to the vanity location with shutoffs and an updated floor plan. For the powder room, you must provide: a plumbing riser showing a dedicated 2-inch vent stack (roofed separately), a 3-inch toilet drain (sized per IRC P3201.1 table), supply lines with a new cleanout at the main trap, a floor plan with dimensions, electrical diagram with dedicated GFCI circuit, and structural notes about joist cutting (or confirmation that no structural members are affected). The 1950s construction means lead-paint disclosure is required for both bathrooms; any wall disturbance triggers lead-safe work practices or professional lead abatement. The powder room's new vent stack is the wild card: if the attic has limited space or the roof pitch is steep (typical for 1950s homes), routing a new vent to the roof exterior may require flashing installation ($200–$400) and possible structural blocking. Inspections for the vanity relocation: rough plumbing (1-2 inspections). Inspections for the powder room: rough plumbing, rough electrical, framing (if joists are cut), drywall (if interior walls are reconfigured), final. Total timeline: 8-12 weeks. Valuation for the vanity relocation: ~$3,000–$4,000 (labor + fixtures); valuation for the powder room: ~$5,000–$8,000 (labor, fixtures, structural work). Combined permit fees: $650–$1,000.