Hampshire County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Hampshire County, including communities like Augusta, Shanks, Pleasant Dale, and other unincorporated areas.

Department

Hampshire County Planning Commission

Address

Old Jail Building, 90 North High Street, Romney, WV 26757

Phone

(304) 822-7018

Website

https://planning.hampshirewv.com

Application Process

1. Obtain building permit application from Hampshire County Planning Commission (in person or by mail).
2. Complete application with project details: property description, project scope, estimated cost, and contractor information.
3. Prepare architectural/engineering plans compliant with Hampshire County Building Code and West Virginia State Building Code.
4. Submit completed application and plans to Planning Commission at 90 North High Street, Romney, WV or PO Box 883, Romney, WV 26757.
5. Pay application fee based on project valuation.
6. Permit is issued upon approval.
7. Display permit at job site.
8. Schedule required inspections with Planning Commission.

Source: Hampshire County Planning Commission

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, demolition, accessory buildings, land development, and subdivision.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Architectural or engineering plans
• Property description
• Project scope and estimated cost
• Contractor information and licensing proof (if applicable)

Building code

Hampshire County Building Code Ordinance (adopted effective July 1, 2006, with periodic updates); West Virginia State Building Code: 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IEBC, 2015 IECC (effective August 1, 2022); 2020 NEC

Contractor requirements

Contractors must provide proof of valid West Virginia contractor license or file affidavit that licensing is not required for project scope/value. Residential work over $2,500 and commercial work over $5,000 require license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25

Permit fee formula

$0–$12,500: $25 application fee; over $12,500: $2 per $1,000 of estimated value

Payment note

Complete fee schedule including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other specialty permits should be confirmed directly with Planning Commission.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings (exempt status available)
• Religious buildings (exempt status available)
• Other structures qualifying for exempt status under Hampshire County ordinance

Important: Exemptions apply only to building permit; confirm edge cases directly with Planning Commission.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (304) 822-7018 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection stages: foundation/footing, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP), roof/sheathing (if required), and final inspection. MDIA (Manufactured Home Installer) inspection documents and fees required for applicable projects.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Hampshire County Building Code Ordinance (adopted effective July 1, 2006, with periodic updates); West Virginia State Building Code: 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IEBC, 2015 IECC (effective August 1, 2022); 2020 NEC
• Verify contractor license: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
• West Virginia State Fire Marshal
• WV Department of Environmental Protection — Stormwater
• WV DHHR On-Site Wastewater Management
• 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

Hampshire County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, demolition, accessory buildings, land development, and subdivision.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hampshire County, WV?

The minimum permit fee is $25. Fees are calculated as: $0–$12,500: $25 application fee; over $12,500: $2 per $1,000 of estimated value.

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

1. Obtain building permit application from Hampshire County Planning Commission (in person or by mail). 2. Complete application with project details: property description, project scope, estimated cost, and contractor information. 3. Prepare architectural/engineering plans compliant with Hampshire County Building Code and West Virginia State Building Code. 4. Submit completed application and plans to Planning Commission at 90 North High Street, Romney, WV or PO Box 883, Romney, WV 26757. 5. Pay application fee based on project valuation. 6. Permit is issued upon approval. 7. Display permit at job site. 8. Schedule required inspections with Planning Commission.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings (exempt status available); Religious buildings (exempt status available); Other structures qualifying for exempt status under Hampshire County ordinance. Note: Exemptions apply only to building permit; confirm edge cases directly with Planning Commission.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 822-7018.