Nicholas County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated properties within Nicholas County, excluding incorporated cities of Summersville and Richwood.

Department

Nicholas County Commission

Address

700 Main Street, Suite 1, Summersville, WV 26651

Phone

(304) 872-7830

Website

https://nicholascountywv.org/

Application Process

1. Contact Nicholas County Commission or Nicholas County Health Department to verify which agency has jurisdiction over your project type.
2. Obtain application forms from the appropriate county office.
3. Complete all required forms and gather documentation (site plans, floor plans, proof of contractor licensure if required).
4. Submit application with applicable fees to the county office (in person or by mail).
5. County has up to 10 days to approve or request modifications.
6. If approved, obtain permit before beginning work.
7. Display permit at job site at all times during construction.
8. Schedule required inspections with minimum 24 hours advance notice.
9. Pass final inspection and obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying structure.

Typical processing time: Up to 10 days from submission

General Requirements

Any construction, alteration, or renovation with contract value exceeding $100. Structures in floodplain areas require special approval.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application form
• Site plan or site map showing property dimensions and proposed building location (drawn to scale)
• Floor plans or construction drawings (as applicable)
• Proof of contractor licensure if contractor is employed
• Proof of ownership or authorization to construct

Permit validity

Permit must be displayed at job site during all construction. Exact expiration timeline not publicly specified; contact Nicholas County Commission for details.

Building code

West Virginia State Building Code (WVSBC, based on 2018 IBC/IRC). Note: enforcement is not mandatory in unincorporated areas; builders should verify adoption status with Nicholas County Commission.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may perform work on their own properties, but must obtain permit and pass inspections.

Contractor requirements

West Virginia requires general contractors for residential projects exceeding $5,000 to be licensed through the WV Contractor Licensing Board. Electrical work exceeding $1,000 requires licensure. Proof of licensure must be provided with permit applications.

Fees

Payment note

Specific fee schedule not publicly available. Contact Nicholas County Commission at (304) 872-7830 for current fee structure based on project type and valuation.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Nicholas County Commission (304) 872-7830 (phone)
• Nicholas County Commission, 700 Main Street, Suite 1, Summersville, WV 26651 (mail)

Scheduling deadline

Minimum 24 hours advance notice required

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Standard stages: (1) Foundation/footing (before concrete placement), (2) Framing and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (before closing walls), (3) Final inspection (upon project completion), (4) Certificate of Occupancy (required before occupancy).

Additional Resources

• Building code: West Virginia State Building Code (WVSBC, based on 2018 IBC/IRC). Note: enforcement is not mandatory in unincorporated areas; builders should verify adoption status with Nicholas County Commission.
• Verify contractor license: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
• West Virginia State Fire Marshal
• West Virginia DEP — Construction Stormwater Permit
• FEMA Flood Tool
• 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

Nicholas County Building Permit FAQ

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

Any construction, alteration, or renovation with contract value exceeding $100. Structures in floodplain areas require special approval.

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

1. Contact Nicholas County Commission or Nicholas County Health Department to verify which agency has jurisdiction over your project type. 2. Obtain application forms from the appropriate county office. 3. Complete all required forms and gather documentation (site plans, floor plans, proof of contractor licensure if required). 4. Submit application with applicable fees to the county office (in person or by mail). 5. County has up to 10 days to approve or request modifications. 6. If approved, obtain permit before beginning work. 7. Display permit at job site at all times during construction. 8. Schedule required inspections with minimum 24 hours advance notice. 9. Pass final inspection and obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying structure.

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

Typical processing time is Up to 10 days from submission.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings or structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes are exempt from the West Virginia State Building Code in unincorporated areas.; Ordinary cultivation or landscaping; Structures under $100 in contract value. Note: Exemptions apply only where building code enforcement is adopted. Unincorporated Nicholas County may not formally enforce building code; verify with Nicholas County Commission. Agricultural exemptions do not waive zoning or health department requirements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Nicholas County Commission (304) 872-7830, Nicholas County Commission, 700 Main Street, Suite 1, Summersville, WV 26651. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required.