Taylor County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated areas of Taylor County, West Virginia.

Department

Taylor County Building Commission

Address

214 W. Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354

Phone

304-265-5450

Application Process

1. Contact the Taylor County Building Commission at 304-265-5450 to discuss project requirements and zoning compliance.
2. Prepare documentation: Site plans, construction drawings, contractor license verification if required, and zoning verification.
3. Submit application in person at 214 W. Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354 during business hours (typically 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday–Friday).
4. Building Commission reviews plans for code and zoning compliance.
5. Upon approval, permit is issued; applicant pays fees.
6. Work must commence within 60–180 days of permit issuance.
7. Schedule required inspections at foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, and energy efficiency stages.
8. Final inspection must be completed upon construction completion; Certificate of Occupancy granted if all components meet code.

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new residential structures, commercial buildings, structural additions, finished basements, detached garages, roofing replacement, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, signs, fences 6 feet or taller, swimming pools, wood stoves, fireplaces, sheds, septic systems, and demolition work.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Site plans
• Construction drawings
• Contractor license (if required)
• Zoning verification

Permit validity

One year from date of issuance. If work is not started within 365 days, permit becomes void.

Building code

2015 International Building Code (IBC), 2015 International Residential Code (IRC), West Virginia State Building Code (WVSBC) with state amendments, West Virginia Code Chapter 8A (Land Use Planning)

Contractor requirements

Residential projects of $2,500 or more (labor + materials) require a West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB) license. License types include Class B (General Building), Class B-2 (Residential), and Class B-3 (Multi-Family).

Fees

Payment note

Fees are typically based on square footage, type of construction (residential vs. commercial), scope of work, and contractor licensing requirements. Contact Taylor County Building Commission at 304-265-5450 for current fee information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Buildings and structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes (West Virginia HB 2663)
• Single-family residential structures and farm structures under certain conditions (exempt from subdivision and land development ordinance requirements)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Taylor County Building Commission before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 304-265-5450 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection stages: footing and foundation, framing, electrical (rough-in and final), plumbing (rough-in and final), HVAC/mechanical (rough-in and final), energy efficiency, and final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 International Building Code (IBC), 2015 International Residential Code (IRC), West Virginia State Building Code (WVSBC) with state amendments, West Virginia Code Chapter 8A (Land Use Planning)
• Verify contractor license: WV Contractor Licensing Board
• West Virginia State Fire Marshal
• WV Department of Health and Human Resources - Septic Systems
• West Virginia Flood Tool
• 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

Taylor County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for new residential structures, commercial buildings, structural additions, finished basements, detached garages, roofing replacement, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, signs, fences 6 feet or taller, swimming pools, wood stoves, fireplaces, sheds, septic systems, and demolition work.

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

1. Contact the Taylor County Building Commission at 304-265-5450 to discuss project requirements and zoning compliance. 2. Prepare documentation: Site plans, construction drawings, contractor license verification if required, and zoning verification. 3. Submit application in person at 214 W. Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354 during business hours (typically 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday–Friday). 4. Building Commission reviews plans for code and zoning compliance. 5. Upon approval, permit is issued; applicant pays fees. 6. Work must commence within 60–180 days of permit issuance. 7. Schedule required inspections at foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, and energy efficiency stages. 8. Final inspection must be completed upon construction completion; Certificate of Occupancy granted if all components meet code.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Buildings and structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes (West Virginia HB 2663); Single-family residential structures and farm structures under certain conditions (exempt from subdivision and land development ordinance requirements). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Taylor County Building Commission before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 304-265-5450.