Hardy County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within unincorporated Hardy County (excludes Moorefield and Wardensville municipal boundaries).

Department

Hardy County Planning Office

Address

204 Washington Street, Moorefield, WV 26836

Phone

(304) 530-0257

Website

http://hardycounty.com

Application Process

1. Obtain Improvement Location Permit (ILP) application from Hardy County Planning Office.
2. Submit application with deed and proposed project details to Planning Office at 204 Washington Street, Moorefield.
3. Provide septic/sewer documentation if proposing new bathrooms, kitchens, or bedrooms (septic permit from Hardy County Sanitarian or proof of water bill if using municipal sewer).
4. If new driveway required off WV state-maintained road, obtain approved entrance permit from WVDOH (SR 55); bring deed to state shed and get WVDOH signature on back of ILP.
5. Provide West Virginia contractor license number; Planning Office verifies license on WV Department of Labor website.
6. Planning Office reviews application for zoning compliance and approves ILP.
7. Upon approval, property owner receives ILP permit to begin construction.

Typical processing time: Timeline for ILP approval not standardized in public documents; contact Planning Office for estimate.

Source: Hardy County Planning Office

General Requirements

Permit required for: any new residential structure (dwelling, secondary home, manufactured home); additions and alterations to existing structures; new sheds, garages, outbuildings, fences; paving and sidewalks; any structure on property, regardless of size, if affixed to the land.

Required Documents

• Completed Improvement Location Permit (ILP) application
• Deed to property
• Project details and site plan
• Contractor license information (WV license number)
• Septic permit or proof of municipal sewer service (if applicable)
• WVDOH entrance permit signature (if applicable)

Building code

West Virginia State Building Code (2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code, effective August 1, 2022). No mandatory statewide residential building code enforcement for unincorporated areas by state authority; local county administration applies.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid West Virginia contractor license. Residential projects $2,500+ require license; electrical work $1,000+ requires separate Electrical Contractor license.

Fees

Payment note

Fee schedule not publicly available. Contact Hardy County Planning Office at (304) 530-0257 for current fee schedule. Fees typically charged on sliding scale based on project value (percentage of construction cost or flat rate by project type).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Hardy County Planning Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (304) 530-0257 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Typical inspection sequence: General inspection stages (West Virginia standard): pre-construction/foundation inspection (if required), foundation, framing, electrical/plumbing/HVAC rough-in, final inspection before occupancy. Specific inspection schedule and requirements should be confirmed with Hardy County Planning Office at time of permit application.

Additional Resources

• Building code: West Virginia State Building Code (2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code, effective August 1, 2022). No mandatory statewide residential building code enforcement for unincorporated areas by state authority; local county administration applies.
• Verify contractor license: WV Contractor Licensing Board
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Hardy County Zoning Ordinance
• Hardy County ILP Ordinance (2012)
• WV Flood Tool (Floodplain Mapping)
• WV Department of Environmental Protection - Construction Stormwater
• 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

Hardy County Building Permit FAQ

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

Permit required for: any new residential structure (dwelling, secondary home, manufactured home); additions and alterations to existing structures; new sheds, garages, outbuildings, fences; paving and sidewalks; any structure on property, regardless of size, if affixed to the land.

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

1. Obtain Improvement Location Permit (ILP) application from Hardy County Planning Office. 2. Submit application with deed and proposed project details to Planning Office at 204 Washington Street, Moorefield. 3. Provide septic/sewer documentation if proposing new bathrooms, kitchens, or bedrooms (septic permit from Hardy County Sanitarian or proof of water bill if using municipal sewer). 4. If new driveway required off WV state-maintained road, obtain approved entrance permit from WVDOH (SR 55); bring deed to state shed and get WVDOH signature on back of ILP. 5. Provide West Virginia contractor license number; Planning Office verifies license on WV Department of Labor website. 6. Planning Office reviews application for zoning compliance and approves ILP. 7. Upon approval, property owner receives ILP permit to begin construction.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hardy County, WV?

Typical processing time is Timeline for ILP approval not standardized in public documents; contact Planning Office for estimate..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 530-0257.