County Building Permits
Barbour County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Barbour County, West Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Barbour County; development in unincorporated county areas outside Philippi, Belington, and Junior city limits.
- Department
- Barbour County Commission / Emergency Management & Floodplain Administration
- Address
- Barbour County Court House, Philippi, WV 26416
- Phone
- (304) 457-2424
- Website
- https://barbourcountywv.gov
Online Permit Portal
Platform: County Permit System • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Obtain Development Permit application from Barbour County Commission or Emergency Management office.
- Complete application with site plan/sketch showing property layout.
- Obtain Septic & Well Permit from Barbour County Health Department (if required for on-site wastewater or water supply).
- If land disturbance ≥1 acre, obtain NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit approval from WV Department of Environmental Protection.
- If property is in or near Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), obtain Floodplain Permit from Barbour County Emergency Management/Floodplain Administration.
- Submit completed Development Permit application with all supporting documentation to county.
- County reviews and issues Development Permit.
- Begin construction after permit issuance.
Typical processing time: Varies; expedited if all required documents provided. Typically 5-15 business days for development permits.
Source: Barbour County Commission / Emergency Management & Floodplain Administration
General Requirements
A development permit is required for most structures in unincorporated Barbour County areas, including all new residential construction (single-family homes, manufactured homes, mobile homes) and substantial improvements (additions, garage, deck, shed, carport, driveway, etc.). Mandatory if property is within or near a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Required Documents
- Completed Development Permit application
- Site plan or sketch showing property layout
- Proof of septic and/or well permits from Barbour County Health Department (if applicable)
- Evidence of NPDES stormwater permit or notification (if land disturbance ≥1 acre)
- Floodplain permit documentation (if property in or near SFHA)
- Building code
- International Residential Code (IRC) where adopted; WV State Building Code (based on 2015 IBC) for commercial/public structures; Barbour County Floodplain Ordinance BC-18-1.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders are permitted to construct on their own property; must comply with all county regulations and code standards.
- Contractor requirements
- General contractors working on projects valued $5,000 or more must hold a valid WV Contractor License. Electrical work valued $1,000+ requires a licensed electrician.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $75
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Barbour County Commission / Emergency Management & Floodplain Administration to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Additional Resources
- Building code: International Residential Code (IRC) where adopted; WV State Building Code (based on 2015 IBC) for commercial/public structures; Barbour County Floodplain Ordinance BC-18-1.
- Verify contractor license: WV Contractor Licensing Board
- WV State Fire Marshal - Building Code & Electrical Licensing
- WV Department of Environmental Protection (NPDES/Stormwater)
- WV DHHR Office of Environmental Health Services (Septic/Well Standards)
- License lookup guide: West Virginia Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: West Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- West Virginia hub: West Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Barbour County Commission / Emergency Management & Floodplain Administration before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Barbour County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Barbour County, WV?
- A development permit is required for most structures in unincorporated Barbour County areas, including all new residential construction (single-family homes, manufactured homes, mobile homes) and substantial improvements (additions, garage, deck, shed, carport, driveway, etc.). Mandatory if property is within or near a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Barbour County, WV?
- The minimum permit fee is $75.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Barbour County, WV?
- 1. Obtain Development Permit application from Barbour County Commission or Emergency Management office. 2. Complete application with site plan/sketch showing property layout. 3. Obtain Septic & Well Permit from Barbour County Health Department (if required for on-site wastewater or water supply). 4. If land disturbance ≥1 acre, obtain NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit approval from WV Department of Environmental Protection. 5. If property is in or near Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), obtain Floodplain Permit from Barbour County Emergency Management/Floodplain Administration. 6. Submit completed Development Permit application with all supporting documentation to county. 7. County reviews and issues Development Permit. 8. Begin construction after permit issuance.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Barbour County, WV?
- Typical processing time is Varies; expedited if all required documents provided. Typically 5-15 business days for development permits..
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