City Building Permits

Palestine (Unincorporated Community), WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Palestine (Unincorporated Community), West Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

West Virginia Wirt County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties in the unincorporated community of Palestine, located along the Little Kanawha River.

Department
Wirt County Assessor's Office
Address
19 Washington Street, Suite 100, Elizabeth, WV 26143
Phone
(304) 275-3192

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Form

Platform: Manual Processing • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Contact Wirt County Assessor's Office to request building permit application.
  2. Complete the building permit form (PDF available online).
  3. Determine if property is within a FEMA flood zone using the WV Flood Tool.
  4. Submit application with required documentation: site plans, project description, and contractor licensing proof if applicable.
  5. For flood zone properties, provide elevation certificate if required.
  6. Assessor's Office reviews for compliance with West Virginia State Building Code and FEMA floodplain standards (if applicable).
  7. Permit issued upon approval.
  8. Schedule required inspections before work commences and at completion.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; may be extended for flood zone properties requiring FEMA compliance. Contact Assessor's Office for current estimate.

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, structural modifications, installations with permanent foundations, and any work involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Accessory structures with utilities also require permits.

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Site plan
  • Project description and scope
  • Proof of contractor licensure (if project value exceeds $2,500 residential or $5,000 commercial)
  • Elevation certificate (if property is in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area)
  • Flood-resistant design documentation (if in SFHA)
Building code
2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), plus FEMA floodplain management regulations for Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Contractor requirements
For construction valued at $2,500 or more (residential) or $5,000 or more (commercial), a licensed contractor under West Virginia Code Chapter 30-42 is required. Contractor must pass West Virginia Business and Law Examination, maintain wage bond affidavit, and register with WV Secretary of State.

Fees

Payment note
Specific fees vary by project type and estimated project value. Contact Wirt County Assessor's Office at (304) 275-3192 for current fee schedule. Additional FEMA compliance costs may apply for flood zone properties.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Small sheds and structures without utilities or permanent foundations may not require permits (verify with Assessor's Office).
  • Agricultural structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes are exempt from West Virginia State Building Code. Exemption request must be submitted to West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Important: Exemptions from building permit do NOT apply to properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. All structures in flood zones must comply with FEMA floodplain management regulations regardless of exemption status.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (304) 275-3192 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: (1) Foundation inspection, (2) Framing inspection, (3) Utility inspection (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), (4) Final inspection. For flood zone properties, elevation verification and flood-resistant material inspection may be required as part of final inspection.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Wirt County Assessor's Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palestine (Unincorporated Community) Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Palestine (Unincorporated Community), WV?
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, structural modifications, installations with permanent foundations, and any work involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Accessory structures with utilities also require permits.
How do I apply for a building permit in Palestine (Unincorporated Community), WV?
1. Contact Wirt County Assessor's Office to request building permit application. 2. Complete the building permit form (PDF available online). 3. Determine if property is within a FEMA flood zone using the WV Flood Tool. 4. Submit application with required documentation: site plans, project description, and contractor licensing proof if applicable. 5. For flood zone properties, provide elevation certificate if required. 6. Assessor's Office reviews for compliance with West Virginia State Building Code and FEMA floodplain standards (if applicable). 7. Permit issued upon approval. 8. Schedule required inspections before work commences and at completion.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Palestine (Unincorporated Community), WV?
Typical processing time is Processing time varies; may be extended for flood zone properties requiring FEMA compliance. Contact Assessor's Office for current estimate..
What work is exempt from building permits in Palestine (Unincorporated Community), WV?
The following work is generally exempt: Small sheds and structures without utilities or permanent foundations may not require permits (verify with Assessor's Office).; Agricultural structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes are exempt from West Virginia State Building Code. Exemption request must be submitted to West Virginia Department of Agriculture.. Note: Exemptions from building permit do NOT apply to properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. All structures in flood zones must comply with FEMA floodplain management regulations regardless of exemption status.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Palestine (Unincorporated Community), WV?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 275-3192.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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