County Building Permits
Fayette County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fayette County, West Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas within Fayette County.
- Department
- Fayette County Building Safety Department
- Address
- P.O. Box 307, Fayetteville, WV 25840
- Phone
- 304-574-4320
Application Process
- Contact Fayette County Building Safety Department to obtain building permit application form
- Complete application form with project details
- Prepare site plan showing structure location, lot lines, setbacks, and existing structures
- Prepare construction plans and building specifications
- Submit application, site plan, and construction plans to county office
- Pay application fee ($20) and permit fee (1% of construction cost)
- County staff reviews application and issues permit or requests modifications
- Schedule required inspections during construction
- Pass all required inspections (foundation, rough-in, final)
- Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon completion
General Requirements
Building permits are required for most structures with permanent foundations, electrical work, or located in floodplains. Single-family homes, additions, renovations, garages, finished basements, pools, and spas all require permits.
Required Documents
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan showing lot lines, setbacks, and existing structures
- Construction plans and building specifications
- Proof of contractor license or affidavit that work does not require licensure
- For properties in floodplain: Floodplain permit documentation
- Building code
- West Virginia State Building Code (2015 IBC/IRC with state amendments)
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders performing work on property they own may be exempt for single-family dwellings.
- Contractor requirements
- For residential work exceeding $10,000 or general contractors performing work of $5,000 or more, a WV Contractor License is required. Applicants must provide proof of license or file written affidavit that they are not subject to licensure.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- 1% of total construction cost
- Payment note
- Application fee: $20.00; Electrical upgrades/service: $85.00; Failed electrical inspection: $85.00 each
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Detached storage sheds 120 sq ft or less, one story, maximum 15 ft height (but electrical service to any shed requires a permit regardless of size)
- Work exempt from building permit may still be subject to zoning and setback rules
Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Building Safety Department before proceeding with exempt work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 304-574-4320 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footings, framing and structural, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, HVAC rough-in, final building. Electrical inspection performed by third-party; county office must verify approval.
Additional Resources
- Building code: West Virginia State Building Code (2015 IBC/IRC with state amendments)
- Verify contractor license: WV Contractor Licensing Board
- WV Flood Tool
- WV DHHR Onsite Wastewater Permits
- 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 Fayette County Building Safety Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fayette County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Fayette County, WV?
- Building permits are required for most structures with permanent foundations, electrical work, or located in floodplains. Single-family homes, additions, renovations, garages, finished basements, pools, and spas all require permits.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fayette County, WV?
- Fees are calculated as: 1% of total construction cost.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fayette County, WV?
- 1. Contact Fayette County Building Safety Department to obtain building permit application form 2. Complete application form with project details 3. Prepare site plan showing structure location, lot lines, setbacks, and existing structures 4. Prepare construction plans and building specifications 5. Submit application, site plan, and construction plans to county office 6. Pay application fee ($20) and permit fee (1% of construction cost) 7. County staff reviews application and issues permit or requests modifications 8. Schedule required inspections during construction 9. Pass all required inspections (foundation, rough-in, final) 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon completion
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fayette County, WV?
- The following work is generally exempt: Detached storage sheds 120 sq ft or less, one story, maximum 15 ft height (but electrical service to any shed requires a permit regardless of size); Work exempt from building permit may still be subject to zoning and setback rules. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Building Safety Department before proceeding with exempt work.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fayette County, WV?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 304-574-4320.
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