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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pendleton County
Building permits are required for all new construction with permanent foundations, major building improvements or renovations, structure relocation, and demolition in unincorporated Pendleton County.
Agricultural buildings and structures utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes (exempt from West Virginia State Building Code provisions but subject to zoning and health department requirements)
- Exempt Agricultural buildings and structures utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes (exempt from West Virginia State Building Code provisions but subject to zoning and health department requirements)
Note: Exemptions are limited. Verify with Pendleton County Commission before proceeding with projects claiming exempt status.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plans and construction drawings
- Proof of contractor licensure (if applicable)
- Trade-specific permits as required
- Zoning compliance verification
- Building code
- West Virginia State Building Code (2018 International Residential Code with modifications), administered by the West Virginia State Fire Commission.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders are subject to West Virginia licensing requirements if project value exceeds $5,000 (residential) or $25,000 (commercial).
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board licensure for projects $5,000+ (residential) or $25,000+ (commercial). Written contracts required for projects $10,000+ (materials + labor).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing timeline varies; contact county for current estimates.
- 01 Verify project location is in unincorporated Pendleton County (not within Town of Franklin).
- 02 Check property zoning compliance through Pendleton County Development Services or the WV Property Viewer.
- 03 Confirm contractor licensing requirements: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board requires licensure for projects $5,000+ (residential) or $25,000+ (commercial).
- 04 Gather required documentation: site plans, construction drawings, proof of contractor licensure (if applicable), and any trade-specific permits.
- 05 Contact Pendleton County Commission at 304-358-7573 to confirm current permit application procedures and fee requirements.
- 06 Submit permit application and fees to the County Clerk's office in person or by mail.
- 07 Schedule and pass required inspections (footing, framing, rough MEP, final) before commencing and completing work.
Typical processing time: Processing timeline varies; contact county for current estimates.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Pendleton County Commission: 304-358-7573 (phone)
- County Clerk's Office, 100 South Main Street, Franklin, WV 26807 (in-person)
Typical sequence: Standard sequence: foundational/footing inspection, framing inspection, rough MEP inspection, final inspection. All inspections verify compliance with West Virginia State Building Code (2018 IRC), local zoning ordinances, and health department requirements.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Pendleton County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV? ▸
Building permits are required for all new construction with permanent foundations, major building improvements or renovations, structure relocation, and demolition in unincorporated Pendleton County.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV, follow these steps: 1. Verify project location is in unincorporated Pendleton County (not within Town of Franklin). 2. Check property zoning compliance through Pendleton County Development Services or the WV Property Viewer. 3. Confirm contractor licensing requirements: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board requires licensure for projects $5,000+ (residential) or $25,000+ (commercial). 4. Gather required documentation: site plans, construction drawings, proof of contractor licensure (if applicable), and any trade-specific permits. 5. Contact Pendleton County Commission at 304-358-7573 to confirm current permit application procedures and fee requirements. 6. Submit permit application and fees to the County Clerk's office in person or by mail. 7. Schedule and pass required inspections (footing, framing, rough MEP, final) before commencing and completing work.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV typically run Processing timeline varies; contact county for current estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings and structures utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes (exempt from West Virginia State Building Code provisions but subject to zoning and health department requirements). Note: Exemptions are limited. Verify with Pendleton County Commission before proceeding with projects claiming exempt status. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pendleton County, WV via: Pendleton County Commission: 304-358-7573, County Clerk's Office, 100 South Main Street, Franklin, WV 26807.
last verified April 2026
source Pendleton County Commission and County Clerk ↗
entry id permits/west-virginia/pendleton/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Pendleton County Commission and County Clerk before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.