County Building Permits
Harrison County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, West Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Harrison County.
- Department
- Harrison County Planning Department
- Address
- 301 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301
- Phone
- (304) 624-8690
Application Process
- Obtain a tax receipt for the property
- Call Miss Utility of West Virginia at 1-800-245-4848 with minimum 48 hours notice to request a utility locate confirmation
- Complete a Location Improvement Permit application
- Submit application and documentation to Harrison County Planning Department
- Planning Department reviews and approves/denies permit
- Once approved, permit is issued
General Requirements
A Location Improvement Permit is required for nearly all new structures and land altering activities in unincorporated Harrison County.
- Building code
- West Virginia Building Code (2018 edition IBC/IRC with amendments, effective August 2022)
- Contractor requirements
- All construction contractors must be licensed with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board if project costs exceed $2,500.
Fees
- Payment note
- Specific fee structure: Demolition of residential dwellings/buildings/structures: $50.00; Additions or remodeling under $2,500: $10.00; Normal maintenance (windows, doors, steps, painting): $25.00; Agricultural land use: $0.00; Land altering activities: $50.00. For other project types, contact Planning Department.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Harrison County Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Typical inspection sequence: Contact Planning Department for specific inspection stages including foundation/footing, framing, and final occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: West Virginia Building Code (2018 edition IBC/IRC with amendments, effective August 2022)
- Verify contractor license: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
- West Virginia State Fire Marshal
- License lookup guide: West Virginia Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: West Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- West Virginia hub: West Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Harrison County Planning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Harrison County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, WV?
- A Location Improvement Permit is required for nearly all new structures and land altering activities in unincorporated Harrison County.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, WV?
- 1. Obtain a tax receipt for the property 2. Call Miss Utility of West Virginia at 1-800-245-4848 with minimum 48 hours notice to request a utility locate confirmation 3. Complete a Location Improvement Permit application 4. Submit application and documentation to Harrison County Planning Department 5. Planning Department reviews and approves/denies permit 6. Once approved, permit is issued
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