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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hancock County
An improvement location permit (ILP) is required for any structure, enlargement, alteration, repair, remodeling, or movement of a building; any site improvement on platted or unplatted land before construction begins.
Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for agricultural purposes (exempt from building code and fire code).
Properties subject to state fire marshal review (public buildings, commercial >7,600 sq ft) may have additional exemptions; verify with state.
- Exempt Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for agricultural purposes (exempt from building code and fire code).
- Exempt Properties subject to state fire marshal review (public buildings, commercial >7,600 sq ft) may have additional exemptions; verify with state.
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land use compliance. All projects must conform to Hancock County zoning ordinances. Floodplain restrictions apply to properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Verify property constraints before proceeding.
Required documents
- Improvement location permit application
- Site plan and lot survey
- Construction documentation
- Contractor licensing documentation or affidavit of non-licensure
- Building code
- No mandatory adopted building code for unincorporated Hancock County. State building code (2015 IBC and 2015 IRC, effective July 1, 2016) applies to public/commercial buildings (>7,600 sq ft) and state-funded projects. Zoning ordinances and land use compliance required.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders and contractors must provide proof of licensing or written affidavit of exemption.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid West Virginia contractor license for work valued at $2,500 or more (labor + materials). Affidavit of non-licensure required if applicable.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Time varies; contact Planning Director for estimated turnaround.
- 01 Contact Hancock County Planning Director at (304) 564-3311 to confirm property is in unincorporated Hancock County.
- 02 Prepare site plans, lot surveys, and construction documentation.
- 03 Verify contractor licensing status with West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (if applicable).
- 04 Submit improvement location permit (ILP) application in person or by mail to Planning Department at 102 Court Street, New Cumberland, WV 26047.
- 05 County staff reviews application for conformance with county ordinances and Subdivision Control Ordinance.
- 06 Upon approval, permit is issued; post permit visibly at job site before construction begins.
- 07 Schedule and pass required inspections (foundation, framing, final).
- 08 Submit Notice of Completion when work is finished.
Typical processing time: Time varies; contact Planning Director for estimated turnaround.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (304) 564-3311 — Planning Director (phone)
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: foundation inspection, framing inspection, final inspection. Contact Planning Director to schedule each stage.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hancock County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, WV? ▸
An improvement location permit (ILP) is required for any structure, enlargement, alteration, repair, remodeling, or movement of a building; any site improvement on platted or unplatted land before construction begins.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, WV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, WV, follow these steps: 1. Contact Hancock County Planning Director at (304) 564-3311 to confirm property is in unincorporated Hancock County. 2. Prepare site plans, lot surveys, and construction documentation. 3. Verify contractor licensing status with West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (if applicable). 4. Submit improvement location permit (ILP) application in person or by mail to Planning Department at 102 Court Street, New Cumberland, WV 26047. 5. County staff reviews application for conformance with county ordinances and Subdivision Control Ordinance. 6. Upon approval, permit is issued; post permit visibly at job site before construction begins. 7. Schedule and pass required inspections (foundation, framing, final). 8. Submit Notice of Completion when work is finished.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, WV? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Hancock County, WV typically run Time varies; contact Planning Director for estimated turnaround.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hancock County, WV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Hancock County, WV. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for agricultural purposes (exempt from building code and fire code).; Properties subject to state fire marshal review (public buildings, commercial >7,600 sq ft) may have additional exemptions; verify with state.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land use compliance. All projects must conform to Hancock County zoning ordinances. Floodplain restrictions apply to properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Verify property constraints before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hancock County, WV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hancock County, WV via: (304) 564-3311 — Planning Director.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/west-virginia/hancock/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hancock County Commission, Planning Director before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.