How much does a building permit cost in Martinsburg, WV?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per Article 1761 of the Martinsburg Code of Ordinances; fees are calculated based on the estimated construction value of the project. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure per Article 1761; contact department for current breakdown.

How do I apply for a building permit in Martinsburg, WV?

1. Determine whether a permit is required by reviewing the FAQ at https://www.cityofmartinsburg.org/government/city-departments/planning-department/faq or calling 304-264-2131. 2. Create a free account at https://www.mygovernmentonline.org/ (or log in to an existing account). 3. Submit a building permit application online through MGO. Residential and commercial applications are both available. 4. Attach required documents (plans, plot plan, specifications) through the MGO portal. 5. City building inspectors review the application and plans. 6. Applicant pays permit fee online through MGO. 7. Permit is issued digitally and available for download from MGO. 8. Post permit on-site before work begins. 9. Request inspections as work progresses through the MGO portal or by calling 304-264-2131. 10. Obtain final approval/Certificate of Occupancy upon satisfactory final inspection.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Martinsburg, WV?

Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact department for current turnaround times.

What work is exempt from building permits in Martinsburg, WV?

The following work is generally exempt: Normal maintenance or replacement of fences and walls using like materials (no structural change); Minor repairs that restore but do not upgrade an existing element (like-for-like); Any work not requiring a building permit performed by a contractor still requires a Work Registration Form (no charge), issued by the Building Inspectors' office. Note: Specific exempt categories follow the adopted WV IRC/IBC; contact the department at 304-264-2131 or review the FAQ at https://www.cityofmartinsburg.org/government/city-departments/planning-department/faq

How do I schedule a building inspection in Martinsburg, WV?

Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO portal, 304-264-2131.

City Building Permits

Martinsburg, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

West Virginia Berkeley County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers only land within Martinsburg city limits. Properties in unincorporated Berkeley County immediately outside city limits are under Berkeley County jurisdiction.

Department: City of Martinsburg Planning, Zoning and Building Department
Address: 232 North Queen Street, 2nd Floor, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone: 304-264-2131
Website: https://www.cityofmartinsburg.org/government/city-departments/planning-department/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Open MyGovernmentOnline (MGO)

Platform: MyGovernmentOnline • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether a permit is required by reviewing the FAQ at https://www.cityofmartinsburg.org/government/city-departments/planning-department/faq or calling 304-264-2131.
Create a free account at https://www.mygovernmentonline.org/ (or log in to an existing account).
Submit a building permit application online through MGO. Residential and commercial applications are both available.
Attach required documents (plans, plot plan, specifications) through the MGO portal.
City building inspectors review the application and plans.
Applicant pays permit fee online through MGO.
Permit is issued digitally and available for download from MGO.
Post permit on-site before work begins.
Request inspections as work progresses through the MGO portal or by calling 304-264-2131.
Obtain final approval/Certificate of Occupancy upon satisfactory final inspection.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact department for current turnaround times

Source: City of Martinsburg Planning, Zoning and Building Department

General Requirements

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. A fence permit is required for fences less than 7 feet in height; a full building permit is required for fences 7 feet or taller and retaining walls 4 feet or taller.

Required Documents

Completed permit application (submitted via MGO)
Site plan/plot plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction location, setbacks
Construction drawings/plans appropriate to project scope
For commercial projects: additional engineering or architectural documents may be required
Energy compliance documentation as applicable

Permit validity: Per adopted WV State Building Code; typically permits expire if work is not commenced within 6 months or abandoned for 6 months (confirm current policy at 304-264-2131)
Building code: West Virginia State Building Code (2018 IBC, IMC, IPC, IEBC, IRC; 2015 IECC; 2020 NEC), effective August 1, 2022. Reference: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/martinsburg/latest/martinsburg_wv/0-0-0-12200
Owner-builder: Homeowners are exempt from the WV contractor licensing requirement for work performed on their own primary residence. Homeowners must declare this status on the permit application before work starts.
Contractor requirements: West Virginia contractor license required for projects over applicable thresholds (residential: $5,000+; commercial: $25,000+). WV contractor license issued by WV Division of Labor at 304-558-7890.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure per Article 1761; contact department for current breakdown
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based per Article 1761 of the Martinsburg Code of Ordinances; fees are calculated based on the estimated construction value of the project
Reinspection fee: Not published as a flat rate on city website; contact department at 304-264-2131 for current reinspection fee schedule
Payment note: Payment made online through MGO portal or in person; online payment also available at https://martinsburgwv.prod.govaccess.org/residents/online-bill-payment

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Martinsburg Planning, Zoning and Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

MGO portal (online)
304-264-2131 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday - Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Follows WV State Building Code inspection requirements -- footing, foundation, framing/rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), and final inspection; sequence varies by project type

Additional Resources

Building code: West Virginia State Building Code (2018 IBC, IMC, IPC, IEBC, IRC; 2015 IECC; 2020 NEC), effective August 1, 2022. Reference: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/martinsburg/latest/martinsburg_wv/0-0-0-12200
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 City of Martinsburg Planning, Zoning and Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Martinsburg Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Martinsburg, WV?: A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. A fence permit is required for fences less than 7 feet in height; a full building permit is required for fences 7 feet or taller and retaining walls 4 feet or taller.
How much does a building permit cost in Martinsburg, WV?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per Article 1761 of the Martinsburg Code of Ordinances; fees are calculated based on the estimated construction value of the project. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure per Article 1761; contact department for current breakdown.
How do I apply for a building permit in Martinsburg, WV?: 1. Determine whether a permit is required by reviewing the FAQ at https://www.cityofmartinsburg.org/government/city-departments/planning-department/faq or calling 304-264-2131. 2. Create a free account at https://www.mygovernmentonline.org/ (or log in to an existing account). 3. Submit a building permit application online through MGO. Residential and commercial applications are both available. 4. Attach required documents (plans, plot plan, specifications) through the MGO portal. 5. City building inspectors review the application and plans. 6. Applicant pays permit fee online through MGO. 7. Permit is issued digitally and available for download from MGO. 8. Post permit on-site before work begins. 9. Request inspections as work progresses through the MGO portal or by calling 304-264-2131. 10. Obtain final approval/Certificate of Occupancy upon satisfactory final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Martinsburg, WV?: Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact department for current turnaround times.
What work is exempt from building permits in Martinsburg, WV?: The following work is generally exempt: Normal maintenance or replacement of fences and walls using like materials (no structural change); Minor repairs that restore but do not upgrade an existing element (like-for-like); Any work not requiring a building permit performed by a contractor still requires a Work Registration Form (no charge), issued by the Building Inspectors' office. Note: Specific exempt categories follow the adopted WV IRC/IBC; contact the department at 304-264-2131 or review the FAQ at https://www.cityofmartinsburg.org/government/city-departments/planning-department/faq
How do I schedule a building inspection in Martinsburg, WV?: Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO portal, 304-264-2131.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Martinsburg can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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