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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Morgan County
A permit is required for construction of any structure (houses, additions, sheds, garages, decks, porches, pools, concrete pads), installation of pre-built structures (modulars, double-wides, mobile homes, sheds, RVs), improvements costing more than $1,000 (billboards/signs, indoor or outdoor improvements, fences, roofs, siding, driveways, windows, doors), demolition or tearing down any structure, and land disturbance activities.
- Exempt Agricultural buildings and structures utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes are exempt from provisions of the State Building Code.
Note: Agricultural exemptions are determined at the state level. Confirm eligibility with Morgan County Planning Commission before proceeding.
- Improvement Location Permit application form
- Well permits (if applicable)
- Septic permits (if applicable)
- Highway entrance permits (if applicable)
- Blueprints and floor plans
- Photographs of project site
- Building code
- West Virginia State Building Code (based on IBC/IRC editions adopted by West Virginia Fire Commission)
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board license for projects meeting threshold requirements: residential projects $2,500 or more, commercial $5,000 or more, electrical work $1,000 or more.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine if an Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is required for your project.
- 02 Gather required documentation: well permits, septic permits, highway entrance permits (if applicable), blueprints, floor plans, photographs.
- 03 Complete the Improvement Location Permit application form.
- 04 Submit application to Morgan County Planning Commission with required attachments in person or by mail.
- 05 Planning Commission reviews application for compliance with county code.
- 06 Permit is issued upon approval.
- 07 Schedule required inspections before construction and at completion.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Morgan County Planning Commission (304-258-8540) (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday–Friday
Typical sequence: Required inspections include: foundation/footing inspection (before concrete pour or upon completion), framing inspection (after rough framing), MEP inspection (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) at rough-in stage, final inspection (upon project completion, before occupancy), and floodplain inspections (if project is in FEMA flood zone).
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Morgan County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, WV? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, WV? ▸
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Morgan County, WV? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Morgan County, WV? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Morgan County Planning Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.