West Virginia building departments

How permitting works in West Virginia

State code where locally adopted. West Virginia's State Building Code applies only in counties and municipalities that adopt it. Contractors need a state license for residential jobs of $5,000 or more.

A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.

West Virginia building codes and licensing

Residential code

State Building Code (87CSR4) uses the 2018 IRC with WV amendments, effective August 1, 2022, but it applies only where a county or city adopts it

Commercial code

2018 International Building Code under the State Building Code (87CSR4), in effect only in adopting counties and municipalities

Adopted by

West Virginia State Fire Commission (opens in a new tab)

Outside city limits

The State Building Code has force only in counties and municipalities that adopt it, and each adopting jurisdiction enforces it; where it has not been adopted, it does not apply.

Contractor licensing

A contractor license is required for jobs costing $5,000 or more for residential work or $25,000 or more for commercial work. Owners or lessees doing their own work on their own property are exempt. The State Fire Marshal licenses electricians; the Division of Labor certifies plumbers and HVAC techs. West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WV Division of Labor) (opens in a new tab)

What is different in West Virginia

• Buildings used primarily for agriculture, including agritourism, are exempt from the State Building Code and from any county or municipal building code (W. Va. Code 15A-11-5; 87CSR4).
• West Virginia amends the 2018 IRC to allow stair risers up to 8 1/4 inches and treads as shallow as 9 inches.
• Residential energy compliance follows the 2015 IECC (air leakage capped at 5 air changes per hour); IRC chapter 11 is not adopted.
• Sheds of 200 sq ft or less used only for residential storage, with no plumbing or electrical connections, are not subject to local inspection under 87CSR4.

West Virginia department guides

Browse West Virginia counties

Bold counties have at least one researched department guide.

Planning a project in West Virginia?

Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.

• Do I Need a Permit for a Deck
• Do I Need a Permit for a Fence
• Do I Need a Permit for a Shed
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Roof
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater
• Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel
• How Much Does a Building Permit Cost
• Building Inspection Stages Explained

Sources

1. West Virginia State Fire Commission / W. Va. Code 15A-11-5
2. WV Code – 8-12-13 Building regulation; state building code
3. WV State Fire Marshal – Laws (87CSR4 State Building Code)
4. WV State Fire Commission – 87CSR4 State Building Code (PDF)
5. WV State Fire Marshal – Regulatory and Licensing Division
6. WV Code – 30-42-3 Contractor licensing definitions
7. WV Code – 30-42-6 Necessity for license; exemptions
8. WV Division of Labor – Licensing

State facts checked October 21, 2026. Local amendments can change these rules; the department serving your address has the final word.