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

Fees are calculated as: Combination of square footage-based fees and flat fees by project type: Building Permit (Additions): $68 x 0.0025 x square footage; Building Permit (Garages): $35 x 0.0025 x square footage; Building Permit (Repair/Remodel): $40 to $1,000+ (varies by scope); Electrical Permit: $60 to $5,000+ (varies by scope); Fence, Deck, Accessory Structure: included in Repair/Remodel category. Plan check fee: $50 per item (additions, garages, decks); $750 (new residential); $1,200 (new commercial).

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

1. Determine whether a permit is required for the project. Call Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401 if unsure. 2. Create a Cityworks account at https://app03.cityworksonline.com/CLIENT_MorgantownWV-Public - click Sign Up and complete credentials and contact information, then click Register. 3. Log in to Cityworks, click New Application, and select the appropriate permit type and category. 4. Enter the project name and address (via map selection), provide applicant contact information, and add contractor information. 5. Prepare detailed site plans showing dimensions, structure locations, setbacks, and project details. Note: application forms must be printed in COLOR when using downloaded forms. 6. Upload required documents through the portal (drag-and-drop or file browser). 7. Accept terms and conditions and record the Application Reference Number (format: CYY-XXXXXXX). 8. City staff (Code Enforcement, plus any other applicable departments) review the application for compliance with local requirements. 9. If plans meet requirements, permit is issued and available through the portal. 10. Pay permit and plan review fees at the City Finance Department, 430 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505. 11. Post the permit on site before beginning work. 12. Schedule required inspections through Code Enforcement. 13. Upon completion, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy ($15 fee).

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Cityworks PLL portal, Code Enforcement, Code Enforcement. Electrical inspections require at least 24 hours advance notice..

City Building Permits

Morgantown, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

West Virginia Monongalia County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies to all properties within the incorporated city limits of Morgantown. The city enforces its own building code and operates independently of the county planning commission for code compliance.

Department: City of Morgantown Code Enforcement Department (Building Inspection Division)
Address: 389 Spruce Street, First Floor, Morgantown, WV 26505 (City Hall, Code Enforcement Office - enter double doors, Code Enforcement through the door to the right)
Phone: 304-284-7401 (Code Enforcement); 304-284-7405 (Permitting, Licensing and Registration support line)
Email: permits@morgantownwv.gov (permit submissions) , rentals@morgantownwv.gov (general code enforcement)
Website: https://www.morgantownwv.gov/172/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Cityworks PLL (Permitting, Licensing, and Registration)

Platform: Cityworks PLL • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether a permit is required for the project. Call Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401 if unsure.
Create a Cityworks account at https://app03.cityworksonline.com/CLIENT_MorgantownWV-Public - click Sign Up and complete credentials and contact information, then click Register.
Log in to Cityworks, click New Application, and select the appropriate permit type and category.
Enter the project name and address (via map selection), provide applicant contact information, and add contractor information.
Prepare detailed site plans showing dimensions, structure locations, setbacks, and project details. Note: application forms must be printed in COLOR when using downloaded forms.
Upload required documents through the portal (drag-and-drop or file browser).
Accept terms and conditions and record the Application Reference Number (format: CYY-XXXXXXX).
City staff (Code Enforcement, plus any other applicable departments) review the application for compliance with local requirements.
If plans meet requirements, permit is issued and available through the portal.
Pay permit and plan review fees at the City Finance Department, 430 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505.
Post the permit on site before beginning work.
Schedule required inspections through Code Enforcement.
Upon completion, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy ($15 fee).

Typical processing time: Not published; contact Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401 for current turnaround times.

Source: City of Morgantown Code Enforcement Department (Building Inspection Division)

General Requirements

Most construction projects in Morgantown require a permit, including new buildings and structures, additions, residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters), renovations (re-roofing, kitchen and bathroom remodels), electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC installations, and window replacements. Contact Code Enforcement for project-specific guidance.

Required Documents

Completed application (via Cityworks portal or forms printed in color)
Detailed site plan drawn to scale
Construction drawings/plans
Contractor information and license numbers
Description of work and valuation

Permit validity: Not specified in public materials; contact Code Enforcement for permit expiration terms.
Building code: International Code Council (ICC) codes. City adopted West Virginia's first official written housing code in 1989 and now follows ICC guidelines. West Virginia State Building Code is based on 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC with amendments. City has an ICC Building Code Board of Appeals.
Owner-builder: Not specified in public materials; contact Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401 for owner-builder policies.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must be licensed under West Virginia state provisions. Verify at https://labor.wv.gov/pages/database-searches.aspx. Contractor information is required at time of application in Cityworks.

Fees

Plan check fee: $50 per item (additions, garages, decks); $750 (new residential); $1,200 (new commercial)
Permit fee formula: Combination of square footage-based fees and flat fees by project type: Building Permit (Additions): $68 x 0.0025 x square footage; Building Permit (Garages): $35 x 0.0025 x square footage; Building Permit (Repair/Remodel): $40 to $1,000+ (varies by scope); Electrical Permit: $60 to $5,000+ (varies by scope); Fence, Deck, Accessory Structure: included in Repair/Remodel category
Reinspection fee: Not published; contact Code Enforcement
Payment note: Fees paid at City Finance Department, 430 Spruce Street, Morgantown. Electrical inspection fees must be paid upon filing a request for inspection.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Morgantown Code Enforcement Department (Building Inspection Division) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Cityworks PLL portal (online)
Code Enforcement (phone)
Code Enforcement (email)

Scheduling deadline: Electrical inspections require at least 24 hours advance notice.
Inspection hours: Code Enforcement office open Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project type. Generally: permit issuance -> foundation/footing inspection (if applicable) -> framing/rough-in inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) -> insulation inspection (if applicable) -> final inspection -> Certificate of Occupancy

Additional Resources

Building code: International Code Council (ICC) codes. City adopted West Virginia's first official written housing code in 1989 and now follows ICC guidelines. West Virginia State Building Code is based on 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC with amendments. City has an ICC Building Code Board of Appeals.
Verify contractor license: WV Contractor License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
ICC Building Code Board of Appeals
Engineering Permits (public works)
Certificate of Occupancy Application
SeeClickFix Complaint Portal
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 Morgantown Code Enforcement Department (Building Inspection Division) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Morgantown Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Morgantown, WV?: Most construction projects in Morgantown require a permit, including new buildings and structures, additions, residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters), renovations (re-roofing, kitchen and bathroom remodels), electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC installations, and window replacements. Contact Code Enforcement for project-specific guidance.
How much does a building permit cost in Morgantown, WV?: Fees are calculated as: Combination of square footage-based fees and flat fees by project type: Building Permit (Additions): $68 x 0.0025 x square footage; Building Permit (Garages): $35 x 0.0025 x square footage; Building Permit (Repair/Remodel): $40 to $1,000+ (varies by scope); Electrical Permit: $60 to $5,000+ (varies by scope); Fence, Deck, Accessory Structure: included in Repair/Remodel category. Plan check fee: $50 per item (additions, garages, decks); $750 (new residential); $1,200 (new commercial).
How do I apply for a building permit in Morgantown, WV?: 1. Determine whether a permit is required for the project. Call Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401 if unsure. 2. Create a Cityworks account at https://app03.cityworksonline.com/CLIENT_MorgantownWV-Public - click Sign Up and complete credentials and contact information, then click Register. 3. Log in to Cityworks, click New Application, and select the appropriate permit type and category. 4. Enter the project name and address (via map selection), provide applicant contact information, and add contractor information. 5. Prepare detailed site plans showing dimensions, structure locations, setbacks, and project details. Note: application forms must be printed in COLOR when using downloaded forms. 6. Upload required documents through the portal (drag-and-drop or file browser). 7. Accept terms and conditions and record the Application Reference Number (format: CYY-XXXXXXX). 8. City staff (Code Enforcement, plus any other applicable departments) review the application for compliance with local requirements. 9. If plans meet requirements, permit is issued and available through the portal. 10. Pay permit and plan review fees at the City Finance Department, 430 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505. 11. Post the permit on site before beginning work. 12. Schedule required inspections through Code Enforcement. 13. Upon completion, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy ($15 fee).
How long does it take to get a building permit in Morgantown, WV?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401 for current turnaround times..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Morgantown, WV?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Cityworks PLL portal, Code Enforcement, Code Enforcement. Electrical inspections require at least 24 hours advance notice..

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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