Brooke County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within Brooke County. Residential construction does not require building permits; commercial and public buildings must comply with West Virginia State Building Code.

Department

Brooke County Assessor's Office

Phone

304-737-3660

Application Process

1. Residential projects do not require building permits in unincorporated areas
2. Commercial and public buildings must comply with WV State Building Code; contact WV State Fire Marshal's Office for requirements
3. For land disturbance of 1+ acre, obtain NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit through WV DEP Electronic Submittal System
4. For septic system installation, submit Form SS-182A to WV DHHR Public Health Sanitation Division and obtain permit before installation

General Requirements

Residential building permits are NOT required in unincorporated Brooke County. Commercial and public buildings must comply with WV State Building Code (2015 IBC). Environmental permits required for stormwater disturbance (1+ acres) and septic system installation.

Building code

2015 International Building Code (IBC 2015) with WV amendments (commercial/public buildings only)

Contractor requirements

WV Contractor License required for residential projects $10,000+ or commercial projects $25,000+. Contractor must provide proof of valid license or written affidavit of exemption.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• All residential construction in unincorporated areas (no permit requirement)
• Ordinary repairs and maintenance

Important: Residential exemption applies only to unincorporated areas. Health and sanitation standards still apply. Septic system installation requires WV DHHR permit. Stormwater disturbance of 1+ acre requires NPDES permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Health and sanitation inspections may be conducted by Brooke County Health Department

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 International Building Code (IBC 2015) with WV amendments (commercial/public buildings only)
• Verify contractor license: WV Contractor Licensing Board
• WV DEP Construction Stormwater Permit
• WV DHHR On-Site Wastewater Management
• License lookup guide: West Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: West Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• West Virginia hub: West Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Brooke County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Brooke County, WV?

Residential building permits are NOT required in unincorporated Brooke County. Commercial and public buildings must comply with WV State Building Code (2015 IBC). Environmental permits required for stormwater disturbance (1+ acres) and septic system installation.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brooke County, WV?

1. Residential projects do not require building permits in unincorporated areas 2. Commercial and public buildings must comply with WV State Building Code; contact WV State Fire Marshal's Office for requirements 3. For land disturbance of 1+ acre, obtain NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit through WV DEP Electronic Submittal System 4. For septic system installation, submit Form SS-182A to WV DHHR Public Health Sanitation Division and obtain permit before installation

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Brooke County, WV?

The following work is generally exempt: All residential construction in unincorporated areas (no permit requirement); Ordinary repairs and maintenance. Note: Residential exemption applies only to unincorporated areas. Health and sanitation standards still apply. Septic system installation requires WV DHHR permit. Stormwater disturbance of 1+ acre requires NPDES permit.