Unincorporated Gilmer County

West Virginia does NOT mandate a residential building permit for unincorporated Gilmer County. However, notification to the Assessor's Office is required if property value increases by more than $1,000. Projects involving septic systems, stormwater (1+ acres), or floodplain development trigger additional permitting requirements at state/county/federal levels.

• Exempt All residential construction in unincorporated Gilmer County is effectively exempt from county building permit requirements.

Note: Homeowners should verify septic system, stormwater, floodplain, and contractor licensing requirements separately with appropriate county/state agencies.

Building code

Gilmer County has NOT adopted a mandatory residential building code for unincorporated areas. Residential structures in unincorporated Gilmer County do not follow a local enforced code; however, the 2015 IRC applies if property has other regulatory triggers (septic, stormwater, floodplain).

Permit validity

Notification must be filed within 60 days of construction start.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may file Form 12:75 directly. No contractor license required for residential work under $10,000.

Contractor requirements

West Virginia requires a contractor license for residential projects $10,000 or more. For projects under $10,000, owner-builders may proceed without a license.

Source: Gilmer County Commission / Gilmer County Assessor's Office ↗

1. 01
   Determine project scope and estimated property value increase.
2. 02
   If project increases property value by more than $1,000, contact Gilmer County Assessor's Office at 304-462-7731.
3. 03
   Obtain Form 12:75 'Notice of Building or Real Property Improvement.'
4. 04
   Complete and submit Form 12:75 to Assessor's Office within 60 days of starting construction.
5. 05
   No permit fee or review process is required for residential work in unincorporated Gilmer County, as the county does not enforce a local building code for residential structures.
6. 06
   If project involves septic system, obtain approval from Gilmer County Health Department before construction begins.
7. 07
   If project involves land disturbance of 1 acre or greater, obtain WV/NPDES Construction Stormwater authorization from WV DEP.
8. 08
   If project is in a designated floodplain area, verify floodplain development requirements with Assessor's Office.

Typical processing time: Varies; notification is administrative only.

Source: Gilmer County Commission / Gilmer County Assessor's Office ↗

Typical sequence: County residential building permits are not issued; no county-level inspections conducted.