City of Weirton

All construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, remodeling, or moving of any building, structure, or equipment requires a permit before work begins.

• Exempt Minor repairs not altering structure, occupancy, or life safety features may not require a full building permit (verify with city).
• Exempt Farm buildings used primarily for agricultural purposes may be exempt from building code requirements (verify with city).

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land use compliance. Floodplain restrictions apply to properties along the Ohio River or in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Verify property zoning and floodplain status before proceeding.

Building code

City of Weirton adopts the State Building Code as promulgated by the West Virginia State Fire Commission (Title 87, Series 4), effective August 1, 2022. The 2018 International Code Council standards are enforced by the Chief Enforcement Official. Unified Development Ordinance adopted for zoning and land use control.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must provide affidavit of non-licensure if project is under $2,500 threshold or exempt.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid West Virginia contractor license for work valued at $2,500 or more (labor + materials).

1. 01
   Download Zoning & Building Permit application or Replace Existing Building Permit application from City of Weirton website (cityofweirton.com).
2. 02
   Prepare detailed construction plans and specifications showing scope of work.
3. 03
   Provide contractor license documentation or affidavit of non-licensure (WV Contractor Licensing Board).
4. 04
   Submit application online, by mail, or in person at 200 Municipal Plaza with all required documentation.
5. 05
   City staff reviews and contacts applicant within 24 business hours regarding fees and any requests for plan modifications.
6. 06
   Upon approval and fee payment, permit is issued.
7. 07
   Post permit visibly at job site before construction begins.
8. 08
   Schedule inspections at foundation, framing, MEP, and final stages.
9. 09
   Upon final inspection approval, project is cleared for occupancy.

Typical processing time: Initial review within 24 business hours; permit issuance upon approval and fee payment.

Source: Department of Building Inspections & Code Enforcement ↗

Work valued under $1,000: $0 fee. Work valued $1,001–$2,000: $10. Work valued $2,001+: $5 per $1,000. If no estimate provided, city uses default rate of $25/sq ft to calculate project value. Example: $10,000 project = $50 fee.

• (304) 797-8500 ext. 1005 (phone)

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: submission inspection (upon application), foundation inspection (before concrete pour), framing inspection (before drywall/closure), MEP inspection (before utility concealment), final inspection (upon project completion before occupancy/certificate of occupancy).

Source: Department of Building Inspections & Code Enforcement ↗