Building Inspection
Elkins City Code requires that property owners, whether individual or business, obtain a building and zoning permit to erect, construct, install, repair, alter, or enlarge any building or structure or any electrical wiring (apparatus or appliance), any gas system (apparatus or appliance), or plumbing system or fixture which is or will become part of the structure.
Types of Work Requiring Building Permits
Types of work for which permits are needed include storage buildings, additions, repairs, renovations, and new construction. Items of work include, but are not limited to, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, concrete, drywall, windows and doors, roofing, and HVACs.
Responsibility for Obtaining Building and Zoning Permits
Property owners are responsible for complying with the requirement to obtain building permits prior to starting work. Although contractors may obtain permits for property owners as a courtesy, this does not relieve the property owner of ultimate responsibility for compliance with this requirement.
Zoning Permits
As of August 19, 2022, no building or structure shall be constructed, erected, expanded, enlarged, or otherwise structurally altered until a zoning permit has been issued by the zoning officer. New zoning laws also apply to size, type, and placement of signs.
Forms & Links
The following links and downloads are provided for your convenience:
- Building and zoning permit application
- Commercial demolition permit
- Excavation permit
- Floodplain permit
- Floodplain sketch form
- Fowl permit application
- Residential demolition permit
- Sign permit application
- Temporary sign permit application
- Zoning variance application & info sheet
- Zoning information and permits (uses, signs, fowls, etc.)
Building Codes Enforced in Elkins
The Elkins building inspector enforces the International Building Code and various related technical codes applying specifically to construction, property maintenance and upkeep, and other topics pertaining to public health and safety as these are affected by the built environment of our city. These codes are published by the International Code Council (ICC).
The city’s authority to make use of these codes derives from the state’s adoption thereof. Under state law, cities and counties that wish to operate building inspection and code enforcement departments must adopt, via ordinance, the same codes the state has adopted. The city cannot adopt a different version of these codes from what has been adopted by the state legislature. The state sometimes makes small changes to these codes before adopting them. The code adopted by the state is known as the the West Virginia State Building Code. The state agency in charge of building and safety codes is the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.
ICC Information
Below is a list of codes adopted in West Virginia, all of which Elkins has adopted as well. The following list is offered as a convenience, but please use the ICC website to ensure you are referencing the correct code and edition.
- International Building Code
- International Energy Conservation Code
- International Existing Building Code
- International Fuel Gas Code
- International Mechanical Code
- International Plumbing Code
- National Electric Code
- International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- International Residential Code
- NFPA Life Safety Code
- ICC/ANSIA Accessible & Usable Buildings
Because of copyright restrictions imposed by the International Code Council (ICC), which publishes these codes, we are prevented from reprinting them in whole or in part in our online code or in any other manner. You may consult these codes in paper form at city hall or view them online.
ICC makes these codes available for purchase online.
The WV LEAP program at WVU offers an explanation of how cities can use some of these codes to demolish or repair dilapidated structures.
Criteria, Fees, Plans & Inspections
Climate and Geographic Design Criteria
Download climatic and geographic design criteria applicable to building projects in Elkins.
Building Permit Fees
Forms and payment may be submitted by mail or in person at City Hall. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, money order, personal check and debit or credit cards.
Detailed Plans Required
When making application for a Building Permit for renovations, additions, or new construction, detailed construction plans must be provided. Please contact the City of Elkins Building Inspector to determine what construction plans and details are needed.
Required Inspections
The City of Elkins Building Inspector is required to perform various inspections during the course of construction, which includes:
- Footer inspection prior to pouring of concrete
- Rough-in inspection of wiring, plumbing, etc. prior to occupancy
- Inspection upon completion, but prior to occupancy
Additional inspections will be made as deemed necessary by the building inspector.
For More Information
Jessie Wagler
Property Maintenance Code Official
401 Davis Avenue
Elkins, WV 26241
304.636.1414, ext. 1432 (office)
jwagler@cityofelkinswv.com
