Kanawha County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Quick Start

Permit Authority

Covers only unincorporated portions of Kanawha County. Incorporated municipalities (Charleston, South Charleston, Nitro, St. Albans, Dunbar, etc.) issue their own permits.

Department

Kanawha County Commission -- Planning and Community Development Department

Address

407 Virginia Street East, 2nd Floor, Charleston, WV 25301

Phone

(304) 357-0570

Website

https://kanawha.us/planning-development/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the property is in the unincorporated county or within an incorporated municipality boundary.
2. Download or obtain the Permit Application and Guidelines document from kanawha.us/planning-development/.
3. If property is in or near a floodplain, obtain an elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor or engineer (lowest finished floor must be 2 feet above base flood elevation).
4. If the project requires a septic system, obtain a domestic waste disposal permit from the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department first. Minimum lot size of 10,000 sq ft required for individual septic.
5. Submit the completed permit application and supporting documents to the Planning and Development office at 407 Virginia Street East, 2nd Floor, in person.
6. Pay the permit fee (based on estimated construction cost as determined by the Building Permit Officer).
7. Applicant is responsible for reimbursing the county for any additional costs for professional engineering or surveying required for review or inspection.
8. Permit is issued; post permit on site.
9. Schedule required inspections through the department as work progresses.

Source: Kanawha County Commission -- Planning and Community Development Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required in any unincorporated area of Kanawha County if you have previously, currently, or plan to build, relocate, or place any type of structure (new or used).

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Plot plan showing structure location, setbacks, lot dimensions
• Elevation certificate if in floodplain
• Septic permit if applicable
• Contractor license documentation

Building code

2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IMC, 2015 IECC, 2020 NEC (WV State adopted codes, effective August 1, 2022)

Contractor requirements

West Virginia state contractor license required. Applicants must furnish proof of a valid WV contractor license or file a written affidavit that they are not subject to licensure.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based -- fee is set by the Building Permit Officer based on estimated construction cost; applicant also bears cost of any required professional engineering or surveying review.

Payment note

Payable to the Kanawha County Commission; in-person at the Planning and Development office.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Kanawha County Commission -- Planning and Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (304) 357-0570 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project type; confirm with the department at time of permit issuance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IMC, 2015 IECC, 2020 NEC (WV State adopted codes, effective August 1, 2022)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Floodplain Quick Guide
• Kanawha-Charleston Health Department (septic permits)
• 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

Kanawha County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required in any unincorporated area of Kanawha County if you have previously, currently, or plan to build, relocate, or place any type of structure (new or used).

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kanawha County, WV?

Building permit fees in unincorporated Kanawha County, WV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based -- fee is set by the Building Permit Officer based on estimated construction cost; applicant also bears cost of any required professional engineering or surveying review..

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

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kanawha County, WV, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether the property is in the unincorporated county or within an incorporated municipality boundary. 2. Download or obtain the Permit Application and Guidelines document from kanawha.us/planning-development/. 3. If property is in or near a floodplain, obtain an elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor or engineer (lowest finished floor must be 2 feet above base flood elevation). 4. If the project requires a septic system, obtain a domestic waste disposal permit from the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department first. Minimum lot size of 10,000 sq ft required for individual septic. 5. Submit the completed permit application and supporting documents to the Planning and Development office at 407 Virginia Street East, 2nd Floor, in person. 6. Pay the permit fee (based on estimated construction cost as determined by the Building Permit Officer). 7. Applicant is responsible for reimbursing the county for any additional costs for professional engineering or surveying required for review or inspection. 8. Permit is issued; post permit on site. 9. Schedule required inspections through the department as work progresses.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kanawha County, WV?

Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Kanawha County, WV. The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance and repairs that do not involve structural changes; Work not involving construction of a new structure or alteration of an existing structure. Note: Specific exemption list is not enumerated in public-facing county documents. Confirm exemptions directly with the Planning and Development department at (304) 357-0570. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kanawha County, WV via: (304) 357-0570.