Charleston, WV — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Charleston Building Commission

Street address

915 Quarrier Street, Suite 5, Charleston, WV 25301

Phone

(304) 348-6833

Coverage

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

Online portal

Building Commission - Permits

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Charleston

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Minor cosmetic work (painting, flooring replacement, cabinetry) is generally not subject to permit under WV state standards

Exempt

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.

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.

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Determine permit type needed (residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, sign, excavation in right-of-way, etc.).
02

Complete the appropriate permit application form (e.g., Commercial Building Permit CBP-1 for commercial work).
03

For commercial projects over $50,000, include two sets of engineered plans for plan review. Plan review fee applies.
04

Submit application to the Permit Coordinator at 915 Quarrier St, Suite 5, Charleston, WV 25301.
05

Obtain permit number from the Permit Office.
06

Pay permit fee online by debit/credit card or checking account, using the permit number.
07

Post permit on site before beginning work.
08

Call (304) 348-6833 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule each required inspection.
09

Pass all required inspections; obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.

Source: City of Charleston Building Commission ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Charleston building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 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.

Source: City of Charleston Building Commission ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Charleston permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Charleston, WV? ▸

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

Building permit fees in Charleston, WV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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)..

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

To apply for a building permit in Charleston, WV, follow these steps: 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.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Charleston, WV via: (304) 348-6833. At least 24 hours in advance.

last verified April 2026 source City of Charleston Building Commission ↗ entry id permits/west-virginia/kanawha/charleston

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Charleston Building Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Charleston

Other jurisdictions in Kanawha County.