Morgantown, WV — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Morgantown Code Enforcement Department (Building Inspection Division)

Street 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)

permits@morgantownwv.gov (permit submissions)

Coverage

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.

Online portal

Cityworks PLL (Permitting, Licensing, and Registration)

Cityworks PLL

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Morgantown

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.

Note: The Morgantown website notes that most projects require a permit and lists exceptions exist, but does not publish a comprehensive exempt-work list. For specific projects, call Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401. General WV State Building Code exemptions typically include minor repairs that do not affect structural members or fire safety, painting, wallpapering, tiling, and similar finish work, but applicants should confirm with the city.

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

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.
Permit validity: Not specified in public materials; contact Code Enforcement for permit expiration terms.
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.

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Determine whether a permit is required for the project. Call Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401 if unsure.
02

Create a Cityworks account at https://app03.cityworksonline.com/CLIENT_MorgantownWV-Public - click Sign Up and complete credentials and contact information, then click Register.
03

Log in to Cityworks, click New Application, and select the appropriate permit type and category.
04

Enter the project name and address (via map selection), provide applicant contact information, and add contractor information.
05

Prepare detailed site plans showing dimensions, structure locations, setbacks, and project details. Note: application forms must be printed in COLOR when using downloaded forms.
06

Upload required documents through the portal (drag-and-drop or file browser).
07

Accept terms and conditions and record the Application Reference Number (format: CYY-XXXXXXX).
08

City staff (Code Enforcement, plus any other applicable departments) review the application for compliance with local requirements.
09

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).

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) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Morgantown building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

Fees paid at City Finance Department, 430 Spruce Street, Morgantown. Electrical inspection fees must be paid upon filing a request for inspection.

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 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

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Morgantown permits

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

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

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

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

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

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Morgantown, WV? ▸

Building permit processing times in Morgantown, WV typically run Not published; contact Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401 for current turnaround times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Morgantown, WV via: Cityworks PLL portal, Code Enforcement, Code Enforcement. Electrical inspections require at least 24 hours advance notice..

last verified April 2026 source City of Morgantown Code Enforcement Department (Building Inspection Division) ↗ entry id permits/west-virginia/monongalia/morgantown

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Morgantown Code Enforcement Department (Building Inspection Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Morgantown

Other jurisdictions in Monongalia County.