Unincorporated Pocahontas County

Building permits required for new construction of any building or structure, additions or alterations to existing buildings, repairs exceeding minor maintenance or affecting structural integrity, demolition, installation of electrical/plumbing/gas/HVAC systems, changes in occupancy or use classification, construction in FEMA floodplain areas, and septic system installation or modification.

• Exempt Agricultural buildings and structures utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes (requires documentation of agricultural use)
• Exempt Minor maintenance and repairs not affecting structural integrity, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
• Exempt Certain owner-builder projects valued under $1,000

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, planning, or other regulatory requirements. Confirm edge cases with Pocahontas County Commission before proceeding.

Building code

West Virginia State Building Code as promulgated by the West Virginia State Fire Commission, including International Building Code (IBC) provisions with West Virginia modifications.

Owner-builder

Owner-built projects (sheds, barns, storage buildings, fences) with value under $1,000 have reduced permitting requirements. Projects valued at $1,000 or more require a permit filed within 60 days of starting construction. Residential additions and new dwellings typically require permits regardless of value if owner-built.

Contractor requirements

Any person performing construction work with total project cost (materials + labor) of $2,500 or more must hold a valid West Virginia contractor license.

1. 01
   Contact the Pocahontas County Commission to determine permit requirements for your specific project type.
2. 02
   Obtain application forms for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, or floodplain development permits.
3. 03
   Prepare detailed project plans, specifications, and estimated project cost.
4. 04
   For septic systems, obtain percolation test results from a certified installer.
5. 05
   Submit completed application with all supporting documentation and required fees in person or by mail.
6. 06
   County staff reviews application and may request additional information.
7. 07
   Receive permit approval or request for revisions.
8. 08
   Display permit on-site and schedule required inspections as construction phases are completed.
9. 09
   Pass all required inspections before proceeding to next phase or occupancy.
10. 10
    Obtain final inspection sign-off and certificate of occupancy or compliance certificate.

Typical processing time: Variable; contact commission for estimates. Inspections typically scheduled within 1-2 business days of request.

Contact Pocahontas County Commission at (304) 799-6063 or visit in person at 900 Tenth Avenue, Marlinton, WV 24954 for current fee schedule.

• (304) 799-6063 (phone)
• Pocahontas County Commission, 900 Tenth Avenue, Marlinton, WV 24954 (in-person)

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for building projects: preliminary/pre-construction inspection, foundation/footing inspection, framing inspection, electrical/mechanical/plumbing rough-in inspection, insulation inspection, final inspection. Septic system inspections include percolation test, site evaluation, rough-in, and final inspection by county health department.