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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Upshur County
Building permits required for all new construction and additions in unincorporated Upshur County.
- 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.
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan
- Floor plans and elevation drawings
- Proof of property ownership
- Construction cost estimate
- Building code
- West Virginia State Building Code (2015 IRC with modifications per WV State Fire Commission). Chapter 11 (Energy Efficiency) replaced with 2009 IECC.
- Permit validity
- Permit validity period and expiration rules are enforced by the county permit office; contact for specific details.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies; contact permit office for estimates.
- 01 Contact the Upshur County Building Permits office at (304) 472-1673 to determine permit requirements for your project.
- 02 Complete the applicable building permit application form (available from the permit office).
- 03 Gather required documentation (site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings, proof of property ownership).
- 04 Submit completed application and documentation to the permit office in person or by mail.
- 05 Pay required permit fees.
- 06 Await review and approval; applicant may be contacted with questions or requests for additional information.
- 07 Once approved, permit is issued and construction may begin.
- 08 Schedule required inspections at appropriate stages of construction.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact permit office for estimates.
Fee schedule
Upshur County building permit fees
Fees payable upon application submission. Contact permit office for accepted payment methods and specific fee schedule.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (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 sequence: Standard inspection sequence: pre-construction/foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), final.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Upshur County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Upshur County, WV? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Upshur County, WV? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Upshur County, WV? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Upshur County, WV? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Upshur County, WV? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Upshur County, WV? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Upshur County Commission — Addressing & Mapping, Building Permits and Floodplain Management Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.