Unincorporated Webster County

A building permit is required for all new structures, additions to existing structures, garages and accessory structures with permanent foundations or utilities, alterations involving structural changes, and any construction project valued at $2,500 or more (residential) or $5,000+ (commercial).

• Exempt Agricultural buildings or structures utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes
• Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural use without service systems

Note: All exempt work must comply with applicable zoning requirements. Agricultural operations should verify exemption status with the county.

Building code

West Virginia State Building Code (WVSBC, effective August 1, 2022), based on International Code Council standards. Includes Building, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Residential, Swimming Pool and Spa, Existing Building, Energy, Accessibility, and Electrical codes.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may be exempt from contractor licensing requirements on certain residential projects; contact county to verify.

Contractor requirements

Contractors performing work valued at $2,500+ (residential) or $5,000+ (commercial) must be licensed through the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB). Application fee is $90; annual renewal also $90.

1. 01
   Contact the Webster County Commission or Assessor's Office to clarify your project scope and any applicable zoning requirements.
2. 02
   Prepare detailed construction drawings, site plans, and project specifications.
3. 03
   Obtain septic permit from West Virginia DHHR before building permit issuance (if applicable).
4. 04
   Prepare proof of contractor licensing (if applicable) or file a written affidavit if exempt.
5. 05
   Submit application materials in person at 2 Court Square, Room G-2, Webster Springs, WV 26288.
6. 06
   Pay applicable permit fees.
7. 07
   Receive permit and schedule required inspections.
8. 08
   Conduct construction in compliance with issued permit.
9. 09
   Request final inspection upon project completion.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact county for estimate.

• (304) 847-5780 (phone)

Typical sequence: Required inspection stages: 1) Foundation/footing inspection (before concrete pour or foundation burial), 2) Framing inspection (before drywall or insulation installation), 3) Electrical inspection (rough-in stage for wiring before concealment), 4) Plumbing inspection (rough-in and final stages), 5) Final inspection (after project completion and all other inspections passed). Contact the Webster County Commission to schedule inspections.