How much does a building permit cost in Charleston, WV?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based (fee table in Schedule of Fees PDF).. Plan check fee: 0.00075 x total construction cost for commercial projects over $50,000 (example: $100,000 project = $75 plan review fee)..

How do I apply for a building permit in Charleston, WV?

1. Determine permit type needed (residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, sign, excavation in right-of-way, etc.). 2. Complete the appropriate permit application form (e.g., Commercial Building Permit CBP-1 for commercial work). 3. For commercial projects over $50,000, include two sets of engineered plans for plan review. Plan review fee applies. 4. Submit application to the Permit Coordinator at 915 Quarrier St, Suite 5, Charleston, WV 25301. 5. Obtain permit number from the Permit Office. 6. Pay permit fee online by debit/credit card or checking account, using the permit number. 7. Post permit on site before beginning work. 8. Call (304) 348-6833 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule each required inspection. 9. Pass all required inspections; obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.

What work is exempt from building permits in Charleston, WV?

The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic work (painting, flooring replacement, cabinetry) is generally not subject to permit under WV state standards. Note: Specific exemptions are not enumerated in publicly available city web pages. Contact (304) 348-6833 for a current list of exempt work types.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Charleston, WV?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 348-6833. At least 24 hours in advance.

City Building Permits

Charleston, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Charleston, West Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

West Virginia Kanawha County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all property within the incorporated city limits of Charleston (the state capital and county seat). Does not cover unincorporated county land.

Department: City of Charleston Building Commission
Address: 915 Quarrier Street, Suite 5, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 348-6833
Website: https://www.charlestonwv.gov/government/city-departments/building-commission

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Commission - Permits

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine permit type needed (residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, sign, excavation in right-of-way, etc.).
Complete the appropriate permit application form (e.g., Commercial Building Permit CBP-1 for commercial work).
For commercial projects over $50,000, include two sets of engineered plans for plan review. Plan review fee applies.
Submit application to the Permit Coordinator at 915 Quarrier St, Suite 5, Charleston, WV 25301.
Obtain permit number from the Permit Office.
Pay permit fee online by debit/credit card or checking account, using the permit number.
Post permit on site before beginning work.
Call (304) 348-6833 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule each required inspection.
Pass all required inspections; obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.

Source: City of Charleston Building Commission

General Requirements

All construction work in the City of Charleston requires a permit before work begins. Permit types include: new construction, remodeling, additions, repairs, maintenance, fences, roofs, replacement windows, siding, retaining walls, driveways, accessory structures, sign installation, tanks and pumps, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and excavations in city right-of-way.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
For commercial projects over $50,000: two sets of engineered plans
Plot plan as applicable

Building code: 2015 IBC, 2015 IRC, and related codes. The city also enforces 2018 IPMC.
Contractor requirements: City of Charleston contractor license required. Contractors who work without a permit face a minimum $100 penalty or double the permit fee, whichever is greater, plus a minimum 3-month suspension of their city license and possible future license denial.

Fees

Plan check fee: 0.00075 x total construction cost for commercial projects over $50,000 (example: $100,000 project = $75 plan review fee).
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based (fee table in Schedule of Fees PDF).
Penalty (no permit): Failure to obtain permit before starting work = minimum $100 or 2x normal permit fee, whichever is greater.
Payment note: Online payment accepted (debit/credit card or checking account) after permit number is assigned; payment can also be made at the Permit Office.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Charleston Building Commission to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(304) 348-6833 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: At least 24 hours in advance
Inspection hours: Mon-Fri; inspectors available until 4:00 pm

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence (residential and commercial): footer and foundation; rough-in plumbing; rough-in electric; rough-in HVAC; framing; ADA accessibility (commercial); final inspection for Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2015 IBC, 2015 IRC, and related codes. The city also enforces 2018 IPMC.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Department Administrative Manual
Code of Ordinances (Chapter 14)
Home Rule Information
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 City of Charleston Building Commission before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Charleston, WV?: All construction work in the City of Charleston requires a permit before work begins. Permit types include: new construction, remodeling, additions, repairs, maintenance, fences, roofs, replacement windows, siding, retaining walls, driveways, accessory structures, sign installation, tanks and pumps, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and excavations in city right-of-way.
How much does a building permit cost in Charleston, WV?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based (fee table in Schedule of Fees PDF).. Plan check fee: 0.00075 x total construction cost for commercial projects over $50,000 (example: $100,000 project = $75 plan review fee)..
How do I apply for a building permit in Charleston, WV?: 1. Determine permit type needed (residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, sign, excavation in right-of-way, etc.). 2. Complete the appropriate permit application form (e.g., Commercial Building Permit CBP-1 for commercial work). 3. For commercial projects over $50,000, include two sets of engineered plans for plan review. Plan review fee applies. 4. Submit application to the Permit Coordinator at 915 Quarrier St, Suite 5, Charleston, WV 25301. 5. Obtain permit number from the Permit Office. 6. Pay permit fee online by debit/credit card or checking account, using the permit number. 7. Post permit on site before beginning work. 8. Call (304) 348-6833 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule each required inspection. 9. Pass all required inspections; obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.
What work is exempt from building permits in Charleston, WV?: The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic work (painting, flooring replacement, cabinetry) is generally not subject to permit under WV state standards. Note: Specific exemptions are not enumerated in publicly available city web pages. Contact (304) 348-6833 for a current list of exempt work types.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Charleston, WV?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 348-6833. At least 24 hours in advance.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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