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1. What is the purpose of a building permit?

The purpose of a building permit is to provide minimum construction standards established by the West Virginia State Building Code. These minimum construction standards provide safeguards for life, health, property and welfare by regulating design, construction, materials, use and the type of occupancy of all buildings. A building permit must be obtained any time a building or structure is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted, or demolished.

The Building Inspection Division is found in the Code Enforcement Office at City Hall on Spruce Street. Enter the double doors, and the Code Enforcement Office is through the door to your right.

To get a better idea as to how long it will take for Code Enforcement to review your permit application materials please view the Permit Review Timeline (PDF)

2. How do I get a building permit?

Step 1: Does Your Project Require A Building Permit?

Most construction projects in the City of Morgantown require a permit; however, there are exceptions. Below is a list of common projects that require a permit. If you’re still unsure if you need a permit call the Code Enforcement office at 304-284-7401 or stop by in person.

Projects That Usually Require Permits:

• New Buildings
• Additions
• Residential Work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters, etc.)
• Renovations (garage conversions, basement furnishings, kitchen expansions, re-roofing, etc.)
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Installing electrical outlets
• Replacing windows
• HVAC (heating, ventilating, air-conditioning) systems
• Remodeling kitchens or bathrooms
• Installing a pool, spa, or hot tub

Step 2: Find Your Application

Below is a list of projects with helpful information about their requirements. Simply select the project that is the most similar to yours and fill out the application included in the information packet. Please note that forms MUST be printed in COLOR to be accepted by the Code Enforcement office.

• Deck, Porch, Ramp (PDF)
• Grading (PDF)
• Interior (PDF)
• New Construction (PDF)
• Pools (PDF)
• Retaining Walls (PDF)
• Roof (PDF)
• Shed (PDF)
• Signs (PDF)
• Wireless Facility (PDF)
• Fence (PDF)
• Plumbing and Electrical (PDF)
• Asbestos (PDF)
• Demolition (PDF)

Step 3: Draw Your Site Plan

Now that you have obtained your application and specific site plan requirements, you are ready to begin drawing your site plans.

Depending on the site plan, you may need to draw out what you plan on doing in your construction project. Make sure to include as much detail as possible. This includes dimensions of the project, location of the property, windows, plumbing and electric depending on the project.

If you have a complicated project and you don’t feel comfortable creating your own plans, there are many designers in Morgantown who can draw your plans for you.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

After you’ve completed your application and your site plans, you’re ready to turn your documents in to the Code Enforcement office. The Code Enforcement office is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Stop by in person, or send a copy of your permit via email to permits@morgantownwv.gov.

Once your application is received it will be logged into the permit system, and will be reviewed by Code Enforcement officials, along with any other applicable departments to determine if your project meets local requirements.

If your plans meet these requirements, you will be issued a permit. If not, a code enforcement officer may suggest solutions to help you correct the issue.