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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hardy County
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.
Note: Contact Hardy County Planning Office to confirm whether specific projects are exempt from permitting.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Timeline for ILP approval not standardized in public documents; contact Planning Office for estimate.
- 01 Obtain Improvement Location Permit (ILP) application from Hardy County Planning Office.
- 02 Submit application with deed and proposed project details to Planning Office at 204 Washington Street, Moorefield.
- 03 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).
- 04 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.
- 05 Provide West Virginia contractor license number; Planning Office verifies license on WV Department of Labor website.
- 06 Planning Office reviews application for zoning compliance and approves ILP.
- 07 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 ↗
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (304) 530-0257 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Typical 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hardy County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hardy County, WV? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hardy County, WV? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hardy County, WV? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hardy County, WV? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hardy County Planning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.