Building Permit Process

Building Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system. (This includes pre-fabricated structures, decks, change of use, etc.) Application is made at the Department of Permits & Inspections, 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 202, Martinsburg, WV 25401 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The following information is required to be submitted at the time of filing for a permit.

Residential Building Permits

• Two (2) sets of detailed construction plans for residential structures to include footing and foundation plan, floor plan and cross sections. One set of construction plans will be returned with appropriate comments.
• Well and septic permits (from Health Department) or Letters of availability from appropriate public utility. (water & sewer)
• All subcontractors must be listed on application with WV contractors license number. Contractors licensing is issued through the Department of Labor and can be located by phone at 304-558-7890 or WV Division of Labor.
• Assessors statement and Planning Commission statement needs signed by their offices.
• Manufacturers truss details. (if trusses are to be used)
• Lam Beam or I-Joists specifications and design. (if applicable)
• Steel beams require West Virginia Engineer seal.
• Sizes and U values of windows and exterior doors. (if applicable)
• R values of insulation in ceiling, walls & floors. (if applicable)
• Signed construction agreement and one (1) copy of a plot plan is required showing the location of any existing structures, existing and/or proposed driveway access, limits of disturbed area and stockpile area and the location of existing and/or proposed septic and well locations. Sufficient information to show direction of drainage. If driveway is off a state highway then a copy of the entrance permit must be submitted at time of application.
• Square footage totals must be documented on the plans and building permit application (broken down into finished and unfinished areas)
• If owner is not the applicant, an affidavit provided by our office, must be executed by the owner and submitted at time of application.
• All fees paid. (see Fee Schedule)

Commercial Building Permits

• Prior to submitting plans for a commercial project, Planning Commission approval is required.
• Two (2) sets of detailed construction plans for commercial structures to include structural, plumbing, HVAC, etc.
• Well and septic permits (from Health Department) or water and sewer permits from appropriate public utility.
• All subcontractors must be listed on application with WV contractors license number. Contractors licensing is issued through the Department of Labor and can be located by phone at 304-558-7890 or WV Division of Labor.
• Manufacturers truss details. (if trusses are to be used)
• Lam Beam or I-Joists specifications and design. (if applicable)
• Steel Beams require WV Engineer seal.
• Assessors statement to be completed.
• One (1) copy of Energy Compliance Report (Energy.Gov) which will include the following information lighting, building envelope and mechanical checklist.
• Information on how outside make up air will be supplied.
• Approval from State Fire Marshall’s office.
• For structures over 7,600 square feet; all construction drawings MUST bear the original seal of a design professional in the State of West Virginia. One set of construction plans will be returned with appropriate comments.
• If owner is not the applicant, an affidavit provided by our office, must be executed by the owner and submitted at time of application.
• All fees paid. (see Fee Schedule)

If any residential or commercial construction activity is within a mapped 100 year floodplain, a Floodplain Certificate is required.