On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for South Charleston
All construction within South Charleston city limits, including new construction, additions, alterations, and demolition.
Note: Not enumerated in publicly available department materials; confirm exempt categories with the Building Inspector at (304) 553-9286.
Required documents
- Building permit application
- Plot plan with zone information, floodplain status, setbacks, address, lot slope, drainage, and parking
- Contractor license documentation
- Building code
- WV state-adopted codes (2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, effective August 1, 2022)
- Contractor requirements
- Valid WV state contractor license required. City contractor registration may also apply; confirm with the office.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Download or obtain the Building Permit Application from the city website or the Building Permits office.
- 02 Prepare a plot plan showing: zone information, whether within 100-year floodplain, front/side/rear yard setbacks, street address, special conditions, lot slope if over 20%, roof drainage disposal, and off-street parking location.
- 03 Submit completed application and plot plan to the Building Permits office at 238 4th Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303.
- 04 Pay the permit fee based on the valuation-based schedule.
- 05 Permit is issued; post on site.
- 06 Schedule inspections by contacting the Building Inspector at (304) 553-9286 or (304) 720-5985.
Source: City of South Charleston Building Permits and Inspections ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
South Charleston building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. For construction cost over $30,000: $134.50 plus $3.00 per each $1,000 over $30,000 (calculated as: ((total cost - $30,000) x $0.003) + $134.50). Demolition permits are based on overall total job cost.
In-person at the Building Permits office.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (304) 553-9286 (phone)
- (304) 720-5985 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Standard city business hours
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about South Charleston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in South Charleston, WV? ▸
All construction within South Charleston city limits, including new construction, additions, alterations, and demolition.
02 How much does a building permit cost in South Charleston, WV? ▸
Building permit fees in South Charleston, WV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. For construction cost over $30,000: $134.50 plus $3.00 per each $1,000 over $30,000 (calculated as: ((total cost - $30,000) x $0.003) + $134.50). Demolition permits are based on overall total job cost..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in South Charleston, WV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in South Charleston, WV, follow these steps: 1. Download or obtain the Building Permit Application from the city website or the Building Permits office. 2. Prepare a plot plan showing: zone information, whether within 100-year floodplain, front/side/rear yard setbacks, street address, special conditions, lot slope if over 20%, roof drainage disposal, and off-street parking location. 3. Submit completed application and plot plan to the Building Permits office at 238 4th Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303. 4. Pay the permit fee based on the valuation-based schedule. 5. Permit is issued; post on site. 6. Schedule inspections by contacting the Building Inspector at (304) 553-9286 or (304) 720-5985.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in South Charleston, WV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in South Charleston, WV via: (304) 553-9286, (304) 720-5985.
last verified April 2026
source City of South Charleston Building Permits and Inspections ↗
entry id permits/west-virginia/kanawha/south-charleston
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of South Charleston Building Permits and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.