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

Fees are calculated as: Outside Flood Zones: Residential/Agricultural $5, Commercial $50; Inside Flood Zones: Residential/Agricultural $50, Commercial $100 or 1% of project cost (maximum $1,000).

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for agricultural purposes, including agritourism (exempt from State Fire Code); State Fire Marshal has no jurisdiction over one- to two-family dwellings; State Fire Code does not apply to personal care homes caring for three or fewer patients. Note: Exemptions from building permits do not mean exemptions from zoning, floodplain, or other regulatory requirements. Confirm flood zone status and historic district applicability with Monroe County Commission before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 772-3096, Monroe County Commission, 350 Main Street, Union, WV 24983.

County Building Permits

Monroe County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

West Virginia Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within Monroe County.

Department: Monroe County Commission - Building Commission
Address: 350 Main Street, Union, WV 24983
Phone: (304) 772-3096
Website: https://www.monroecountywv.gov

Application Process

Contact Monroe County Commission Building Commission at (304) 772-3096 or visit in person at 350 Main Street, Union, WV 24983
Obtain and complete the Improvement Location Permit (ILP) application form
Provide site plan, parcel number, deed reference, and project description with estimated cost
Pay the applicable permit fee based on flood zone status and property use
Submit application for building inspector review
Receive permit approval notification
Obtain approved permit before beginning construction
Request required inspections at appropriate stages (site inspection, code enforcement, final occupancy)

General Requirements

Permits are required for garage construction (new, additions, relocations), permanent or portable sheds, general building and construction projects, land development and site improvements, demolitions and renovations, and property improvements.

Required Documents

Completed Improvement Location Permit (ILP) application form
Site plan
Parcel number and deed reference
Project description
Estimated project cost

Building code: West Virginia State Building Code 2018 (based on IBC 2018 and IRC 2018 with state amendments); West Virginia State Fire Code 2018 (effective August 1, 2022)
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a valid West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board license if project cost exceeds $2,500 for residential or $5,000 for commercial work.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Outside Flood Zones: Residential/Agricultural $5, Commercial $50; Inside Flood Zones: Residential/Agricultural $50, Commercial $100 or 1% of project cost (maximum $1,000)
Payment note: Fee based on flood zone designation and property use type; flood zone status must be verified with county; site inspection by County Floodplain Coordinator required if applicable

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for agricultural purposes, including agritourism (exempt from State Fire Code)
State Fire Marshal has no jurisdiction over one- to two-family dwellings
State Fire Code does not apply to personal care homes caring for three or fewer patients

Important: Exemptions from building permits do not mean exemptions from zoning, floodplain, or other regulatory requirements. Confirm flood zone status and historic district applicability with Monroe County Commission before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(304) 772-3096 (phone)
Monroe County Commission, 350 Main Street, Union, WV 24983 (in-person)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection stages include: site inspection and approval by County Floodplain Coordinator (for flood zone properties), code enforcement inspections during construction, and final occupancy inspection where applicable.

Additional Resources

Building code: West Virginia State Building Code 2018 (based on IBC 2018 and IRC 2018 with state amendments); West Virginia State Fire Code 2018 (effective August 1, 2022)
Verify contractor license: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
Monroe County Planning Commission
Monroe County Ordinances
WV Flood Tool
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
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 Monroe County Commission - Building Commission before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Monroe County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Monroe County, WV?: Permits are required for garage construction (new, additions, relocations), permanent or portable sheds, general building and construction projects, land development and site improvements, demolitions and renovations, and property improvements.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Monroe County, WV?: Fees are calculated as: Outside Flood Zones: Residential/Agricultural $5, Commercial $50; Inside Flood Zones: Residential/Agricultural $50, Commercial $100 or 1% of project cost (maximum $1,000).
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Monroe County, WV?: 1. Contact Monroe County Commission Building Commission at (304) 772-3096 or visit in person at 350 Main Street, Union, WV 24983 2. Obtain and complete the Improvement Location Permit (ILP) application form 3. Provide site plan, parcel number, deed reference, and project description with estimated cost 4. Pay the applicable permit fee based on flood zone status and property use 5. Submit application for building inspector review 6. Receive permit approval notification 7. Obtain approved permit before beginning construction 8. Request required inspections at appropriate stages (site inspection, code enforcement, final occupancy)
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Monroe County, WV?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for agricultural purposes, including agritourism (exempt from State Fire Code); State Fire Marshal has no jurisdiction over one- to two-family dwellings; State Fire Code does not apply to personal care homes caring for three or fewer patients. Note: Exemptions from building permits do not mean exemptions from zoning, floodplain, or other regulatory requirements. Confirm flood zone status and historic district applicability with Monroe County Commission before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Monroe County, WV?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 772-3096, Monroe County Commission, 350 Main Street, Union, WV 24983.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Monroe County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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