Summers County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Summers County outside the City of Hinton.

Department

Summers County Building Commission

Address

120 Ballengee Street, Hinton, WV 25951

Phone

(304) 466-7100

Website

https://www.summerscountywv.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Summers County Building Commission at (304) 466-7100 to discuss project scope and requirements.
2. Obtain building permit application form from the county website or the Building Commission office.
3. Complete application with detailed project description, site plan, floor plans, and specifications.
4. Submit application to Building Commission with applicable fees and supporting documents.
5. County reviews application for compliance with West Virginia Building Code (typically 5-10 business days).
6. If approved, Building Commission issues permit.
7. Schedule required inspections before commencing work.
8. Perform construction in accordance with approved plans and West Virginia State Building Code.
9. Request final inspection upon project completion.
10. County issues Certificate of Completion/Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 5-10 business days for application review

Source: Summers County Building Commission

General Requirements

Building permits required for structures, additions, renovations exceeding $5,000, electrical work over $1,000, plumbing/mechanical systems, sheds/outbuildings affecting land use or in flood-prone areas, signs, antennas, and swimming pools.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction plans and specifications
• Project scope/description
• Proof of property ownership or authorization

Permit validity

Contact county for permit validity period

Building code

West Virginia State Building Code (2018 editions: IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IEBC); West Virginia State Fire Code

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold valid West Virginia Construction License for projects $2,500+ (residential) or $5,000+ (commercial); electricians licensed for work over $1,000.

Fees

Permit fee formula

$5.00 per thousand dollars of project value

Payment note

Contact county for current fee schedules and payment methods. Building demolition: $25; building moving: $100. Plumbing/electrical specialty fees vary.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for farming/agricultural purposes (verify eligibility with county)
• Up to $1,000 in annual residential work per property owner (subject to county policy; verify with commission)

Important: Agricultural exemption applies only if property is actively used for farming/ranching. Confirm applicability with Summers County Building Commission.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (304) 466-7100 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections typically scheduled within 2-3 business days of request

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/Footing, Framing, Electrical (if applicable), Plumbing (if applicable), Mechanical/HVAC (if applicable), Final Building Inspection, Certificate of Completion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: West Virginia State Building Code (2018 editions: IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IEBC); West Virginia State Fire Code
• West Virginia State Fire Commission - Building Code Enforcement
• New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
• USACE Bluestone Lake - Section 404 Permits
• 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

Summers County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits required for structures, additions, renovations exceeding $5,000, electrical work over $1,000, plumbing/mechanical systems, sheds/outbuildings affecting land use or in flood-prone areas, signs, antennas, and swimming pools.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Summers County, WV?

Fees are calculated as: $5.00 per thousand dollars of project value.

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

1. Contact Summers County Building Commission at (304) 466-7100 to discuss project scope and requirements. 2. Obtain building permit application form from the county website or the Building Commission office. 3. Complete application with detailed project description, site plan, floor plans, and specifications. 4. Submit application to Building Commission with applicable fees and supporting documents. 5. County reviews application for compliance with West Virginia Building Code (typically 5-10 business days). 6. If approved, Building Commission issues permit. 7. Schedule required inspections before commencing work. 8. Perform construction in accordance with approved plans and West Virginia State Building Code. 9. Request final inspection upon project completion. 10. County issues Certificate of Completion/Occupancy.

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

Typical processing time is 5-10 business days for application review.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for farming/agricultural purposes (verify eligibility with county); Up to $1,000 in annual residential work per property owner (subject to county policy; verify with commission). Note: Agricultural exemption applies only if property is actively used for farming/ranching. Confirm applicability with Summers County Building Commission.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 466-7100. Inspections typically scheduled within 2-3 business days of request.