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

The minimum permit fee is $20.00 application fee. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based permit fee determined by total cost of labor and materials for the project.

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

1. Determine project scope and confirm a permit is required. 2. Obtain required contracts between General Contractor and property owner, and between General Contractor and all subcontractors with total amounts for labor and materials. 3. Ensure all General Contractors and Subcontractors hold a valid Huntington Business License ($20.00/fiscal year) and WV Contractor's License from WV Division of Labor. General Liability insurance of at least $300,000/$600,000 required, with City listed as Certificate Holder. 4. Complete the Building Permit Application online via eSuite portal or download and complete a paper application. 5. Submit application with contracts, license copies, and insurance certificate to Permits Office online or in person at Room 100, City Hall. 6. Pay $20.00 application fee and permit fee based on cost of labor and materials. 7. Plan review conducted by Inspections and Permits staff. 8. Permit issued upon approval. 9. Schedule required inspections at each phase of construction. 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy (CO) upon final inspection approval before occupying new or substantially modified space.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs not involving structural changes; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work; Work not regulated by the adopted building codes (per IBC/IRC exemptions as adopted). Note: The city's official website does not publish a detailed exempt work list. For specific guidance, contact the Inspections and Permits Office at 304-696-5540 ext. 2003 or permits@huntingtonwv.gov.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 304-696-5540 ext. 2003, permits@huntingtonwv.gov.

City Building Permits

Huntington, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

West Virginia Cabell County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Huntington city limits, including the Guyandotte historic neighborhood. Properties in unincorporated Cabell County adjacent to the city are NOT covered.

Department: City of Huntington -- Inspections and Permits
Address: City Hall, Room 100, 800 Fifth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304-696-5540 ext. 2003
Email: permits@huntingtonwv.gov
Website: https://cityofhuntington.com/city-government/city-departments/inspections-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open eSuite Permits

Platform: eSuite Permits • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Permit Center

Application Process

Determine project scope and confirm a permit is required.
Obtain required contracts between General Contractor and property owner, and between General Contractor and all subcontractors with total amounts for labor and materials.
Ensure all General Contractors and Subcontractors hold a valid Huntington Business License ($20.00/fiscal year) and WV Contractor's License from WV Division of Labor. General Liability insurance of at least $300,000/$600,000 required, with City listed as Certificate Holder.
Complete the Building Permit Application online via eSuite portal or download and complete a paper application.
Submit application with contracts, license copies, and insurance certificate to Permits Office online or in person at Room 100, City Hall.
Pay $20.00 application fee and permit fee based on cost of labor and materials.
Plan review conducted by Inspections and Permits staff.
Permit issued upon approval.
Schedule required inspections at each phase of construction.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy (CO) upon final inspection approval before occupying new or substantially modified space.

Source: City of Huntington -- Inspections and Permits

General Requirements

Most structural work on houses or buildings requires a permit, including additions, repairs, new construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.

Required Documents

Completed application
Copy of General Contractor/owner contract
Copy of all subcontractor contracts
WV Contractor's License copy
Proof of General Liability insurance ($300,000/$600,000 minimum with City as Certificate Holder)
WV Business Registration Certificate

Building code: IBC 2018, IPC 2018, NEC 2020, Fire and Life Safety NFPA 1 - 21st Edition
Contractor requirements: All General Contractors and Subcontractors must hold a Huntington Business License ($20.00/yr) and a WV Contractor's License from WV Division of Labor. General Liability insurance minimum $300,000/$600,000 required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $20.00 application fee
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based permit fee determined by total cost of labor and materials for the project
Payment note: Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax of 2% of gross receipts on labor and materials is also applicable. Business License for contractors is $20.00/fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Huntington -- Inspections and Permits to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

304-696-5540 ext. 2003 (phone)
permits@huntingtonwv.gov (email)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Time windows: 8:00-9:00 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections staff includes building, electrical, and plumbing inspectors. Sequence follows construction phases; contact office for specific required inspection points.

Additional Resources

Building code: IBC 2018, IPC 2018, NEC 2020, Fire and Life Safety NFPA 1 - 21st Edition
Zoning information: View zoning info
Contractor and Subcontractor Requirements
Certificate of Occupancy
Handyman Requirements
City Ordinances (Municode)
Zoning and Planning Documents
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 Huntington -- Inspections and Permits before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Huntington, WV?: Most structural work on houses or buildings requires a permit, including additions, repairs, new construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
How much does a building permit cost in Huntington, WV?: The minimum permit fee is $20.00 application fee. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based permit fee determined by total cost of labor and materials for the project.
How do I apply for a building permit in Huntington, WV?: 1. Determine project scope and confirm a permit is required. 2. Obtain required contracts between General Contractor and property owner, and between General Contractor and all subcontractors with total amounts for labor and materials. 3. Ensure all General Contractors and Subcontractors hold a valid Huntington Business License ($20.00/fiscal year) and WV Contractor's License from WV Division of Labor. General Liability insurance of at least $300,000/$600,000 required, with City listed as Certificate Holder. 4. Complete the Building Permit Application online via eSuite portal or download and complete a paper application. 5. Submit application with contracts, license copies, and insurance certificate to Permits Office online or in person at Room 100, City Hall. 6. Pay $20.00 application fee and permit fee based on cost of labor and materials. 7. Plan review conducted by Inspections and Permits staff. 8. Permit issued upon approval. 9. Schedule required inspections at each phase of construction. 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy (CO) upon final inspection approval before occupying new or substantially modified space.
What work is exempt from building permits in Huntington, WV?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs not involving structural changes; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work; Work not regulated by the adopted building codes (per IBC/IRC exemptions as adopted). Note: The city's official website does not publish a detailed exempt work list. For specific guidance, contact the Inspections and Permits Office at 304-696-5540 ext. 2003 or permits@huntingtonwv.gov.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Huntington, WV?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 304-696-5540 ext. 2003, permits@huntingtonwv.gov.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Huntington can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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