City Building Permits
New Martinsville, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in New Martinsville, West Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of New Martinsville.
- Department
- City of New Martinsville Building Department
- Address
- 191 Main Street, New Martinsville, WV 26155
- Phone
- (304) 455-8200
Application Process
- Obtain application forms from City Building Department or download from website.
- Complete application with project details, plans, and property information.
- Submit application and architectural/engineering plans in person at City Hall, 191 Main Street.
- Building Department reviews plans for code compliance and zoning compliance.
- Pay applicable building permit fee based on project cost.
- Receive permit upon approval.
- Contractor/owner schedules inspections for each required phase.
- Final inspection and sign-off upon project completion.
- Certificate of Occupancy issued if residential/commercial occupancy required.
Typical processing time: Variable; contact Building Department for estimates.
General Requirements
Building permits are required for new building construction, structural additions or modifications, alterations involving electrical/mechanical/plumbing systems, demolition of structures, work in floodplain areas, and any exterior or interior work affecting building systems.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Architectural/engineering plans
- Site plan
- Project cost information
- Zoning compliance documentation
- Building code
- West Virginia State Building Code (2018 International Building Code with state amendments), Chapter 1331 (Building and Housing Code) and Chapter 1336 (Planning and Zoning Code) of New Martinsville Codified Ordinances
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WVCLB) license throughout construction. License verification: https://wvclboard.wv.gov/verify/
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- No Fee for county, state, or jobs up to $500. Residential $501-$1,000: $25.00 plus $3.00 per $1,000 or fraction thereof. Commercial $501-$1,000: $50.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000 or fraction thereof. Demolition Permit: $10.00. For projects exceeding $1,000, fees calculated on sliding scale; contact Building Department for exact estimates.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes
- County or state projects
- Jobs with project value up to $500
Important: Agricultural structures exempt from building code; agritourism activities do not alter agricultural classification. Floodplain Development Permits are required for properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas; FEMA elevation certificates frequently required. Floodplain permits cannot be waived.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (304) 455-8200 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection phases: 1) Foundation/footing inspection, 2) Framing inspection (after rough framing complete), 3) Mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in inspection (before drywall closure), 4) Final inspection (prior to occupancy or certificate of occupancy). Building Department may require additional inspections.
Additional Resources
- Building code: West Virginia State Building Code (2018 International Building Code with state amendments), Chapter 1331 (Building and Housing Code) and Chapter 1336 (Planning and Zoning Code) of New Martinsville Codified Ordinances
- Verify contractor license: WV Contractor Licensing Board License Lookup
- WV Flood Tool (Ohio River floodplain determination)
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- New Martinsville City Website
- WV State Fire Marshal
- License lookup guide: West Virginia Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: West Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- West Virginia hub: West Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of New Martinsville Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Martinsville Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in New Martinsville, WV?
- Building permits are required for new building construction, structural additions or modifications, alterations involving electrical/mechanical/plumbing systems, demolition of structures, work in floodplain areas, and any exterior or interior work affecting building systems.
- How much does a building permit cost in New Martinsville, WV?
- Fees are calculated as: No Fee for county, state, or jobs up to $500. Residential $501-$1,000: $25.00 plus $3.00 per $1,000 or fraction thereof. Commercial $501-$1,000: $50.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000 or fraction thereof. Demolition Permit: $10.00. For projects exceeding $1,000, fees calculated on sliding scale; contact Building Department for exact estimates..
- How do I apply for a building permit in New Martinsville, WV?
- 1. Obtain application forms from City Building Department or download from website. 2. Complete application with project details, plans, and property information. 3. Submit application and architectural/engineering plans in person at City Hall, 191 Main Street. 4. Building Department reviews plans for code compliance and zoning compliance. 5. Pay applicable building permit fee based on project cost. 6. Receive permit upon approval. 7. Contractor/owner schedules inspections for each required phase. 8. Final inspection and sign-off upon project completion. 9. Certificate of Occupancy issued if residential/commercial occupancy required.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in New Martinsville, WV?
- Typical processing time is Variable; contact Building Department for estimates..
- What work is exempt from building permits in New Martinsville, WV?
- The following work is generally exempt: Structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes; County or state projects; Jobs with project value up to $500. Note: Agricultural structures exempt from building code; agritourism activities do not alter agricultural classification. Floodplain Development Permits are required for properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas; FEMA elevation certificates frequently required. Floodplain permits cannot be waived.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in New Martinsville, WV?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 455-8200.
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