Wirt County, WV - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated properties within Wirt County.

Department

Wirt County Assessor's Office

Address

19 Washington Street, Suite 100, Elizabeth, WV 26143

Phone

(304) 275-3192

Email

[email protected]

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Wirt County Assessor's Office to request building permit application.
2. Complete the building permit form (PDF available online).
3. Submit application with required documentation: site plans, project description, and contractor licensing proof if applicable.
4. Assessor's Office reviews for compliance with West Virginia State Building Code.
5. Permit issued upon approval.
6. Schedule required inspections before work commences and at completion.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; 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)

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 additional plumbing and mechanical codes per state standards.

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 (residential, commercial, agricultural) and estimated project value. Contact Wirt County Assessor's Office at (304) 275-3192 for current fee schedule and payment details.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Small sheds and structures in unzoned rural areas without utilities or permanent foundations may not require permits.
• Agricultural structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes are exempt from West Virginia State Building Code (W.Va. Code § 8A-12-16). Exemption request must be submitted to West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Important: Exemptions from building permit do not mean exemption from zoning, floodplain, or other regulatory requirements. Confirm edge cases with Wirt County Assessor's Office before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (304) 275-3192 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: (1) Foundation inspection after footings/foundation set and before pour/backfill, (2) Framing inspection after framing complete and before interior finishes, (3) Utility inspection for electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems (may be conducted by utility providers), (4) Final inspection after project completion.

Additional Resources

• 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 additional plumbing and mechanical codes per state standards.
• Verify contractor license: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
• West Virginia State Fire Marshal
• WV Flood Tool (Floodplain Mapping)
• WVDEP Oil & Gas Well Information
• Little Kanawha River Water Data (USGS Palestine Station)
• 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

Wirt County Building Permit FAQ

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

1. Contact Wirt County Assessor's Office to request building permit application. 2. Complete the building permit form (PDF available online). 3. Submit application with required documentation: site plans, project description, and contractor licensing proof if applicable. 4. Assessor's Office reviews for compliance with West Virginia State Building Code. 5. Permit issued upon approval. 6. Schedule required inspections before work commences and at completion.

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

Typical processing time is Processing time varies; contact Assessor's Office for current estimate..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Small sheds and structures in unzoned rural areas without utilities or permanent foundations may not require permits.; Agricultural structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes are exempt from West Virginia State Building Code (W.Va. Code § 8A-12-16). Exemption request must be submitted to West Virginia Department of Agriculture.. Note: Exemptions from building permit do not mean exemption from zoning, floodplain, or other regulatory requirements. Confirm edge cases with Wirt County Assessor's Office before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (304) 275-3192.