Randolph County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Randolph County outside incorporated city and town limits.

Department

Randolph County Commission - Floodplain Management

Address

Randolph County Commission, Elkins, WV

Phone

(304) 636-0483

Email

[email protected]

Application Process

1. Determine property jurisdiction (verify if in unincorporated area vs. incorporated municipality).
2. For properties in designated floodplains, contact Sandy Bibey (Floodplain Coordinator) at (304) 636-0483 to verify flood zone status.
3. If in floodplain, submit Floodplain Development Permit application.
4. For non-floodplain construction, verify no building permit required for unincorporated areas (except floodplain properties).
5. For contractor-required projects (over $5,000 residential or $25,000 commercial), provide proof of valid West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB) license.
6. Contact Randolph County Commission for other development-related inquiries and processing.

General Requirements

Building permits are NOT required for construction in unincorporated Randolph County areas, EXCEPT for properties within designated floodplains which require Floodplain Development Permits.

Required Documents

• Floodplain Development Permit application (if applicable)
• Site plans
• Construction plans
• Proof of WVCLB contractor license (if project value exceeds threshold)

Building code

West Virginia adopted 2015 International Building Code with state amendments; 2018 IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IECC adopted effective August 1, 2022

Contractor requirements

Contractor licensing required per West Virginia law for projects exceeding $5,000 in residential work or $25,000 in commercial work. Proof of valid WVCLB license must be provided.

Fees

Payment note

Floodplain Development Permit fees not specified in available documentation. Contact Sandy Bibey or Randolph County Commission for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Randolph County Commission - Floodplain Management to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Not typically required for unincorporated county construction (except floodplain properties). For floodplain permits, specific inspection requirements will be outlined in permit conditions.

Additional Resources

• Building code: West Virginia adopted 2015 International Building Code with state amendments; 2018 IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IECC adopted effective August 1, 2022
• Verify contractor license: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
• Monongahela National Forest Permits (Cheat-Potomac, Gauley, Greenbrier, Marlinton-White Sulphur Springs ranger districts)
• West Virginia DEP - Construction Stormwater Permit
• West Virginia DHHR - Septic System Requirements
• 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

Randolph County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits are NOT required for construction in unincorporated Randolph County areas, EXCEPT for properties within designated floodplains which require Floodplain Development Permits.

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

1. Determine property jurisdiction (verify if in unincorporated area vs. incorporated municipality). 2. For properties in designated floodplains, contact Sandy Bibey (Floodplain Coordinator) at (304) 636-0483 to verify flood zone status. 3. If in floodplain, submit Floodplain Development Permit application. 4. For non-floodplain construction, verify no building permit required for unincorporated areas (except floodplain properties). 5. For contractor-required projects (over $5,000 residential or $25,000 commercial), provide proof of valid West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB) license. 6. Contact Randolph County Commission for other development-related inquiries and processing.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Properties outside designated floodplain areas in unincorporated Randolph County are exempt from building permits; Agricultural construction may have exemptions under West Virginia law (county confirmation required). Note: Even exempt properties must comply with West Virginia State Fire Marshal building code requirements if applicable and contractor licensing thresholds.