McDowell County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within McDowell County.

Department

McDowell County Commission

Address

90 Wyoming Street, Welch, WV 24801

Phone

(304) 436-8544

Application Process

1. Contact the McDowell County Commission to determine permit requirements for your project.
2. Prepare construction plans and site plan drawings.
3. Submit permit application along with required documentation to the Commission office.
4. Application review period by county staff.
5. Permit issuance upon approval.
6. Schedule required inspections before commencing and during construction.

Typical processing time: Timeline not specified in available sources; contact county for estimated duration.

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all building construction, renovation, and additions within unincorporated McDowell County.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction plans with details
• Site plan showing property placement
• Project scope information

Building code

West Virginia State Building Code adoption is optional for unincorporated areas. If adopted: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with state amendments.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must comply with West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board requirements for projects at or above the licensing threshold ($5,000 for residential work).

Fees

Payment note

Contact McDowell County Commission at (304) 436-8544 for current permit fees based on project scope and value.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the McDowell County Commission to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (304) 436-8544 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Contact county for detailed inspection requirements and timeline.

Additional Resources

• Building code: West Virginia State Building Code adoption is optional for unincorporated areas. If adopted: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with state amendments.
• Verify contractor license: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
• WV State Fire Marshal — Building Code Enforcement
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• WV Flood Tool
• WV DEP Construction Stormwater Program
• 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

McDowell County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for all building construction, renovation, and additions within unincorporated McDowell County.

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

1. Contact the McDowell County Commission to determine permit requirements for your project. 2. Prepare construction plans and site plan drawings. 3. Submit permit application along with required documentation to the Commission office. 4. Application review period by county staff. 5. Permit issuance upon approval. 6. Schedule required inspections before commencing and during construction.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McDowell County, WV?

Typical processing time is Timeline not specified in available sources; contact county for estimated duration..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 436-8544.