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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Huntington
Most structural work on houses or buildings requires a permit, including additions, repairs, new construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
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)
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs not involving structural changes
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine project scope and confirm a permit is required.
- 02 Obtain required contracts between General Contractor and property owner, and between General Contractor and all subcontractors with total amounts for labor and materials.
- 03 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.
- 04 Complete the Building Permit Application online via eSuite portal or download and complete a paper application.
- 05 Submit application with contracts, license copies, and insurance certificate to Permits Office online or in person at Room 100, City Hall.
- 06 Pay $20.00 application fee and permit fee based on cost of labor and materials.
- 07 Plan review conducted by Inspections and Permits staff.
- 08 Permit issued upon approval.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Huntington building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$20.00 application fee
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based permit fee determined by total cost of labor and materials for the project
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Inspections staff includes building, electrical, and plumbing inspectors. Sequence follows construction phases; contact office for specific required inspection points.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Huntington permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Huntington, WV? ▸
Building permit fees in Huntington, WV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Huntington, WV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Huntington, WV, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Huntington, WV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Huntington, WV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Huntington, WV via: 304-696-5540 ext. 2003, permits@huntingtonwv.gov.
last verified April 2026
source City of Huntington -- Inspections and Permits ↗
entry id permits/west-virginia/cabell/huntington
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Huntington -- Inspections and Permits before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.