Upshur County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Upshur County, West Virginia.

Department

Upshur County Commission — Addressing & Mapping, Building Permits and Floodplain Management Department

Address

38 West Main Street, Room 303, Buckhannon, WV 26201

Phone

(304) 472-1673

Website

https://www.upshurcounty.org/

Application Process

1. Contact the Upshur County Building Permits office at (304) 472-1673 to determine permit requirements for your project.
2. Complete the applicable building permit application form (available from the permit office).
3. Gather required documentation (site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings, proof of property ownership).
4. Submit completed application and documentation to the permit office in person or by mail.
5. Pay required permit fees.
6. Await review and approval; applicant may be contacted with questions or requests for additional information.
7. Once approved, permit is issued and construction may begin.
8. Schedule required inspections at appropriate stages of construction.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact permit office for estimates.

General Requirements

Building permits required for all new construction and additions in unincorporated Upshur County.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site plan
• Floor plans and elevation drawings
• Proof of property ownership
• Construction cost estimate

Permit validity

Permit validity period and expiration rules are enforced by the county permit office; contact for specific details.

Building code

West Virginia State Building Code (2015 IRC with modifications per WV State Fire Commission). Chapter 11 (Energy Efficiency) replaced with 2009 IECC.

Contractor requirements

Any contractor performing work valued at $2,500 or more (including labor and materials) must hold a valid West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB) license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$15

Permit fee formula

Scale-up based on construction value and square footage. Structures under $250 construction value may be exempt from fees but still require application.

Payment note

Fees payable upon application submission. Contact permit office for accepted payment methods and specific fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Upshur County Commission — Addressing & Mapping, Building Permits and Floodplain Management Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (304) 472-1673 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspector must be contacted 24 hours in advance to schedule each inspection.

Inspection hours

Standard business hours; contact office for specific hours of operation.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard inspection sequence: pre-construction/foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: West Virginia State Building Code (2015 IRC with modifications per WV State Fire Commission). Chapter 11 (Energy Efficiency) replaced with 2009 IECC.
• Verify contractor license: WVCLB License Lookup
• Upshur County Commission
• West Virginia State Fire Marshal
• WV Department of Environmental Protection — Stormwater Program
• WV DHHR — On-Site Sewage Systems
• 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

Upshur County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits required for all new construction and additions in unincorporated Upshur County.

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

The minimum permit fee is $15. Fees are calculated as: Scale-up based on construction value and square footage. Structures under $250 construction value may be exempt from fees but still require application..

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

1. Contact the Upshur County Building Permits office at (304) 472-1673 to determine permit requirements for your project. 2. Complete the applicable building permit application form (available from the permit office). 3. Gather required documentation (site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings, proof of property ownership). 4. Submit completed application and documentation to the permit office in person or by mail. 5. Pay required permit fees. 6. Await review and approval; applicant may be contacted with questions or requests for additional information. 7. Once approved, permit is issued and construction may begin. 8. Schedule required inspections at appropriate stages of construction.

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

Typical processing time is Processing time varies; contact permit office for estimates..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Structures under $250 construction value (exempt from fees but still require permit application). Note: Specific exemptions and edge cases vary; confirm with the Building Permits office before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 472-1673. Inspector must be contacted 24 hours in advance to schedule each inspection..