Unincorporated Wirt County

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.

• Exempt Small sheds and structures in unzoned rural areas without utilities or permanent foundations may not require permits.
• Exempt 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.

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.

1. 01
   Contact Wirt County Assessor's Office to request building permit application.
2. 02
   Complete the building permit form (PDF available online).
3. 03
   Submit application with required documentation: site plans, project description, and contractor licensing proof if applicable.
4. 04
   Assessor's Office reviews for compliance with West Virginia State Building Code.
5. 05
   Permit issued upon approval.
6. 06
   Schedule required inspections before work commences and at completion.

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

• (304) 275-3192 (phone)

Typical 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.