On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Summers County
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.
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)
- Exempt Agricultural buildings and structures used primarily for farming/agricultural purposes (verify eligibility with county)
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans and specifications
- Project scope/description
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Building code
- West Virginia State Building Code (2018 editions: IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IEBC); West Virginia State Fire Code
- Permit validity
- Contact county for permit validity period
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5-10 business days for application review
- 01 Contact Summers County Building Commission at (304) 466-7100 to discuss project scope and requirements.
- 02 Obtain building permit application form from the county website or the Building Commission office.
- 03 Complete application with detailed project description, site plan, floor plans, and specifications.
- 04 Submit application to Building Commission with applicable fees and supporting documents.
- 05 County reviews application for compliance with West Virginia Building Code (typically 5-10 business days).
- 06 If approved, Building Commission issues permit.
- 07 Schedule required inspections before commencing work.
- 08 Perform construction in accordance with approved plans and West Virginia State Building Code.
- 09 Request final inspection upon project completion.
- 10 County issues Certificate of Completion/Occupancy.
Typical processing time: 5-10 business days for application review
§ 04
Fee schedule
Summers County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
$5.00 per thousand dollars of project value
Contact county for current fee schedules and payment methods. Building demolition: $25; building moving: $100. Plumbing/electrical specialty fees vary.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (304) 466-7100 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspections typically scheduled within 2-3 business days of request
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/Footing, Framing, Electrical (if applicable), Plumbing (if applicable), Mechanical/HVAC (if applicable), Final Building Inspection, Certificate of Completion.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Summers County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Summers County, WV? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Summers County, WV are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: $5.00 per thousand dollars of project value.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Summers County, WV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Summers County, WV, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Summers County, WV? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Summers County, WV typically run 5-10 business days for application review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Summers County, WV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Summers County, WV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Summers County, WV via: (304) 466-7100. Inspections typically scheduled within 2-3 business days of request.
last verified April 2026
source Summers County Building Commission ↗
entry id permits/west-virginia/summers/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Summers County Building Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.