# 401 KAR 4:050: 401 KAR 4:050. Construction exemptions

> Kentucky · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R050

## Section

- **Citation:** 401 KAR 4:050
- **Heading:** 401 KAR 4:050. Construction exemptions
- **Jurisdiction:** Kentucky
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Kentucky Administrative Regulations / Title 401 (Energy and Environment Cabinet - Department for Environmental Protection) / Chapter 004 / 401 KAR 4:050

## Text

Section 1. A construction permit pursuant to KRS 151.250 shall not be required for construction in or along a stream whose watershed is less than one (1) square mile, except for the construction of dams as defined by KRS 151.100 or other water impounding structures or for any construction that does or may endanger life or cause severe damage to residential or commercial property. Section 2. A construction permit pursuant to KRS 151.250 shall not be required for a subfluvial utility or pipeline crossing provided that the construction of the crossing meets the following criteria: (1) During the construction of the crossing, no material may be placed in the stream or in the flood plain of the stream to form construction pads, coffer dams, access roads, etc., unless prior approval has been obtained from the cabinet. (2) The trench shall be backfilled as closely as possible to the original contour. All excess material from construction of the trench shall be disposed of outside of the flood plain unless the applicant has received prior approval from the cabinet to fill within the flood plain. (3) For subfluvial crossings of erodible channels, there shall be at least thirty (30) inches clear to the top of the pipe or conduit at all points. (4) For subfluvial crossings of nonerodible channels, there shall be at least six (6) inches of clear cover above the top of the pipe or conduit at all points, and the pipe or conduit shall be encased on all sides by at least six (6) inches of concrete. (5) The weight of a pipe and its contents during normal operating conditions at all points must exceed that of an equal volume of water, or the applicant must provide the division with sufficient information to show that the pipe and joints have sufficient strength.

## Nearby sections

- [401 KAR 4:010 401 KAR 4:010. Water withdrawal permits, criteria, reports](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R010.md)
- [401 KAR 4:020 401 KAR 4:020. General permit procedure exemptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R020.md)
- [401 KAR 4:030 401 KAR 4:030. Design criteria for dams and associated structures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R030.md)
- [401 KAR 4:040 401 KAR 4:040. Nonhazardous sediment structures exempted](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R040.md)
- [401 KAR 4:050 401 KAR 4:050. Construction exemptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R050.md)
- [401 KAR 4:060 401 KAR 4:060. Stream construction criteria](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R060.md)
- [401 KAR 4:070 401 KAR 4:070. Coal combustion residuals surface impoundments](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R070.md)
- [401 KAR 4:200 401 KAR 4:200. Documents and procedures incorporated by reference for the administration of the regulatory provisions of Kentucky's water resources law](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R200.md)
- [401 KAR 4:220 401 KAR 4:220. Water supply plan requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R220.md)
- [401 KAR 4:300 401 KAR 4:300. Permit timetables for 401 KAR Chapter 4](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R300.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_KY_KAR_T401_C004_R050. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.