How much does a building permit cost in Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV?

The minimum permit fee is $10.00. Fees are calculated as: Square footage-based for residential. Plan check fee: $0.06 per sq ft for standard plan review; $0.09 per sq ft for commercial plan review.

What work is exempt from building permits in Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair using like-for-like materials where no structural change is involved; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet work, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a one- and two-family dwelling where the pool is less than 24 inches deep (confirm with office); Work specifically classified as not requiring a permit under the adopted IRC/IBC (e.g., certain minor electrical repairs by homeowners). Note: Berkeley County does not publish a standalone exempt work list on its website; contact the department at 304-264-1966 to confirm whether a specific project requires a permit

How do I schedule a building inspection in Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 304-264-1966. Inspection requests for the next working day must be called in no later than 2:00 PM.

City Building Permits

Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

West Virginia Berkeley County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated land in Berkeley County, including Falling Waters, Inwood, Bunker Hill, Gerrardstown, Darkesville, and more than 40 other unincorporated communities.

Department: Berkeley County Building Permits and Inspections
Address: 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 202, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone: 304-264-1966
Website: https://www.berkeleywv.org/162/Building-Permits-and-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open Berkeley County One-Stop Permitting and Planning

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Gather required documents (completed application, construction plans, plot plan, energy compliance report, well/septic permits or utility letters, floodplain certificate if applicable).
Create an account or log in at https://onestop.berkeleywv.org/.
Submit permit application online through the one-stop portal, or submit in person at 400 W. Stephen Street, Suite 202 during business hours (8 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday).
County staff reviews submitted plans, plot plan, energy compliance report, and supporting documents.
After review and approval, permit is emailed to the applicant.
Post permit on-site before work begins. No work may commence prior to permit issuance, including excavation.
Schedule required inspections as construction phases are reached (minimum 24 hours' notice required before each inspection).
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon satisfactory final inspection.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; varies by project type and completeness of submission

Source: Berkeley County Building Permits and Inspections

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.

Required Documents

Completed permit application (long-form residential or commercial application as applicable)
One (1) set of detailed construction plans including footing and foundation plan, floor plan, and cross sections
Signed construction agreement
One (1) copy of plot plan showing: location of existing structures, existing/proposed driveway access, limits of disturbed area and stockpile area, location of existing/proposed septic and well
Well and septic permits from Berkeley County Health Department, or letters of availability from public utility
Sizes and U-values of windows and exterior doors, and R-values of insulation in ceiling, walls, and floors (Energy Compliance Report from Energy.gov)
If owner is not the applicant: notarized affidavit by owner (form provided by office)
If construction is within a mapped 100-year floodplain: Floodplain Certificate required
For structures over 7,600 sq ft: construction drawings must bear original seal of a design professional registered in West Virginia
For steel beams: seal of a West Virginia-registered engineer required
West Virginia State Fire Marshal approval may be required for certain projects
All subcontractors must be listed on application with West Virginia contractor license number

Permit validity: Permit expires if work is not commenced within 6 months of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after commencement
Building code: International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) as adopted by West Virginia. The WV State Fire Commission adopted the 2018 IBC, IMC, IPC, IEBC, IRC and 2015 IECC, effective August 1, 2022. The 2020 NEC is also in effect.
Owner-builder: Homeowners performing work on their own primary residence are exempt from the WV contractor licensing requirement, but must declare this on the permit application before work starts
Contractor requirements: A West Virginia contractor license (issued by WV Division of Labor, 304-558-7890) is required for any residential project over $5,000 or commercial project over $25,000. All subcontractors must be listed with their WV license number.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $10.00
Plan check fee: $0.06 per sq ft for standard plan review; $0.09 per sq ft for commercial plan review
Permit fee formula: Square footage-based for residential
Reinspection fee: $50.00 reinspection fee if required electrical sticker is not present at inspection; $50.00 reinspection fee for failure to submit plan changes prior to rough-in inspection
Payment note: Payment accepted through the online portal or in person at the department office

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Berkeley County Building Permits and Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

304-264-1966 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Inspection requests for the next working day must be called in no later than 2:00 PM
Inspection hours: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Minimum 4 inspections for new construction: footing inspection (prior to placing concrete or stone), foundation and basement wall inspection (before backfilling and before proceeding with superstructure), framing/rough-in inspections (framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough mechanical), final electrical inspection, final building inspection (must be on separate day from final electrical and final grading), and final grading inspection if applicable

Additional Resources

Building code: International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) as adopted by West Virginia. The WV State Fire Commission adopted the 2018 IBC, IMC, IPC, IEBC, IRC and 2015 IECC, effective August 1, 2022. The 2020 NEC is also in effect.
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 Berkeley County Building Permits and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unincorporated Berkeley County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Unincorporated Berkeley County, 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.
How much does a building permit cost in Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV?: The minimum permit fee is $10.00. Fees are calculated as: Square footage-based for residential. Plan check fee: $0.06 per sq ft for standard plan review; $0.09 per sq ft for commercial plan review.
How do I apply for a building permit in Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV?: 1. Gather required documents (completed application, construction plans, plot plan, energy compliance report, well/septic permits or utility letters, floodplain certificate if applicable). 2. Create an account or log in at https://onestop.berkeleywv.org/. 3. Submit permit application online through the one-stop portal, or submit in person at 400 W. Stephen Street, Suite 202 during business hours (8 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday). 4. County staff reviews submitted plans, plot plan, energy compliance report, and supporting documents. 5. After review and approval, permit is emailed to the applicant. 6. Post permit on-site before work begins. No work may commence prior to permit issuance, including excavation. 7. Schedule required inspections as construction phases are reached (minimum 24 hours' notice required before each inspection). 8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon satisfactory final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV?: Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; varies by project type and completeness of submission.
What work is exempt from building permits in Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair using like-for-like materials where no structural change is involved; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet work, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a one- and two-family dwelling where the pool is less than 24 inches deep (confirm with office); Work specifically classified as not requiring a permit under the adopted IRC/IBC (e.g., certain minor electrical repairs by homeowners). Note: Berkeley County does not publish a standalone exempt work list on its website; contact the department at 304-264-1966 to confirm whether a specific project requires a permit
How do I schedule a building inspection in Unincorporated Berkeley County, WV?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 304-264-1966. Inspection requests for the next working day must be called in no later than 2:00 PM.

Need help with your project?

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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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