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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Taylor County
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.
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)
- Exempt Buildings and structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes (West Virginia HB 2663)
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Site plans
- Construction drawings
- Contractor license (if required)
- Zoning verification
- 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)
- Permit validity
- One year from date of issuance. If work is not started within 365 days, permit becomes void.
- 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).
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact the Taylor County Building Commission at 304-265-5450 to discuss project requirements and zoning compliance.
- 02 Prepare documentation: Site plans, construction drawings, contractor license verification if required, and zoning verification.
- 03 Submit application in person at 214 W. Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354 during business hours (typically 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday–Friday).
- 04 Building Commission reviews plans for code and zoning compliance.
- 05 Upon approval, permit is issued; applicant pays fees.
- 06 Work must commence within 60–180 days of permit issuance.
- 07 Schedule required inspections at foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, and energy efficiency stages.
- 08 Final inspection must be completed upon construction completion; Certificate of Occupancy granted if all components meet code.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 304-265-5450 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Typical 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.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Taylor County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Taylor County, WV? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Taylor County, WV, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Taylor County, WV? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Taylor County, WV? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Taylor County, WV via: 304-265-5450.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/west-virginia/taylor/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Taylor County Building Commission before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.