Cabell County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

ALL unincorporated areas of Cabell County only. Does not cover Huntington, Barboursville, or Milton. Communities like Culloden (unincorporated CDP), Ona, Pea Ridge, Salt Rock, and Lesage fall under this program.

Department

Cabell County Commission -- Office of Grants, Planning and Development (Planning and Permits)

Address

720 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701

Phone

304-526-9704 (Chad Nelson, Planning and Permits Administrator); 304-529-3357 (Planning Department general)

Email

cnelson@cabellcounty.org

Website

https://www.cabellcounty.org/government/county_commission/permits.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine if the property is in unincorporated Cabell County (outside Huntington, Barboursville, and Milton city limits).
2. Download the Building Registration Certificate and/or Floodplain Permit Application from county website or pick up at 720 4th Avenue.
3. Prepare a site plan showing the proposed structure's location and setbacks from property lines.
4. If in a floodplain, prepare additional floodplain documentation (elevation certificate may be required).
5. Include a copy of the WV Contractor's License.
6. Obtain septic system approval through the Cabell-Huntington Health Department OR provide proof of a sewer tap if public sewer is available.
7. Submit the completed application with all supporting documents to the Planning Department at 720 4th Avenue, Huntington WV 25701.
8. Pay applicable fees.
9. Permit/registration certificate issued upon review and approval.
10. Schedule any required inspections through the Planning and Permits office.

Source: Cabell County Commission -- Office of Grants, Planning and Development (Planning and Permits)

General Requirements

Building Registration Certificates and/or Floodplain Permits must be secured prior to ANY new construction or remodeling of an existing structure in unincorporated Cabell County. Structures over 256 sq ft require a building permit. Structures in a floodplain require a Floodplain Permit regardless of size. Solar panel installations require a permit and structural analysis.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Registration Certificate / Floodplain Permit application
• Site plan with structure location and setbacks
• Copy of property survey (required for some project types)
• WV Contractor's License copy
• Septic system approval from Cabell-Huntington Health Department OR proof of sewer tap
• Structural drawings or plans as applicable

Building code

WV State Building Code

Contractor requirements

WV Contractor's License copy required with application.

Fees

Payment note

Contact county planning office for accepted payment methods and current fee schedule.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Cabell County Commission -- Office of Grants, Planning and Development (Planning and Permits) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 304-526-9704 (phone)
• cnelson@cabellcounty.org (email)

Inspection hours

Standard county business hours, Monday through Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly detailed. Contact the planning office for project-specific inspection requirements.

Additional Resources

• Building code: WV State Building Code
• County Ordinances
• County Homepage
• Cabell County Assessor (parcel/property info)
• WV Property Viewer (GIS/parcel)
• FEMA FIRM Maps
• 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

Cabell County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building Registration Certificates and/or Floodplain Permits must be secured prior to ANY new construction or remodeling of an existing structure in unincorporated Cabell County. Structures over 256 sq ft require a building permit. Structures in a floodplain require a Floodplain Permit regardless of size. Solar panel installations require a permit and structural analysis.

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

1. Determine if the property is in unincorporated Cabell County (outside Huntington, Barboursville, and Milton city limits). 2. Download the Building Registration Certificate and/or Floodplain Permit Application from county website or pick up at 720 4th Avenue. 3. Prepare a site plan showing the proposed structure's location and setbacks from property lines. 4. If in a floodplain, prepare additional floodplain documentation (elevation certificate may be required). 5. Include a copy of the WV Contractor's License. 6. Obtain septic system approval through the Cabell-Huntington Health Department OR provide proof of a sewer tap if public sewer is available. 7. Submit the completed application with all supporting documents to the Planning Department at 720 4th Avenue, Huntington WV 25701. 8. Pay applicable fees. 9. Permit/registration certificate issued upon review and approval. 10. Schedule any required inspections through the Planning and Permits office.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Structures 256 sq ft or less may be exempt from the building registration certificate (but floodplain rules may still apply if in a flood zone); Routine maintenance and minor repairs not involving new construction or remodeling. Note: The county does not publish a detailed exempt work list publicly. Contact Chad Nelson at 304-526-9704 or cnelson@cabellcounty.org for specific exemption guidance.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cabell County, WV?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 304-526-9704, cnelson@cabellcounty.org.