Unincorporated Preston County

Building permit required for residential structures (new construction, additions, major renovations), commercial and industrial structures, garages and detached structures with plumbing, additions and finished basements, plumbing/mechanical/electrical work, fences exceeding 6 feet, swimming pools and hot tubs, wood stoves and fuel-burning equipment, sheds with plumbing or septic connections.

• Exempt Structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes are exempt from West Virginia State Building Code requirements

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from septic, zoning, or environmental requirements. Septic system requirements enforced separately by Preston County Health Department if plumbing or septic connections involved.

Building code

West Virginia State Building Code (2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code with amendments)

Owner-builder

Homeowners may perform owner-builder work; written affidavit required if not licensed contractor.

Contractor requirements

Projects exceeding $5,000 require licensed West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB) contractor.

1. 01
   Contact Preston County Commission to determine permit requirements
2. 02
   Complete permit application forms (obtain from county office)
3. 03
   Submit application with required documentation to county office
4. 04
   County reviews application for compliance with applicable codes and standards
5. 05
   Permit issued upon approval

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks minimum; varies by project scope

Source: Preston County Commission ↗

• (304) 329-1805 (phone)
• Preston County Commission office (in-person)

Inspection hours

Typical business hours; contact county for specifics

Typical sequence: Inspection requirements depend on permit type and project scope: building inspections at various stages (foundation, framing, rough-in, final); final inspection required before occupancy; septic system inspections by health department if applicable; electrical/plumbing inspections by inspector if those trades are part of project.