The safety, structural, and quality standards of all of the construction projects are guaranteed based on the West Virginia building code. Residential and commercial developments are covered, and builders must adhere to specific electrical systems, plumbing and HVAC protocols as well as structural integrity requirements. Contractors also need to get a license to do legal work in the state.
West Virginia Building Code and Licensing Information
Which West Virginia Building Codes are adopted?
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
- 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) – As of August 1, 2022
- State Energy Code 90.1-2010
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2018
Applicability (statewide, local, limited): STATEWIDE
The West Virginia building code includes the State Fire Commission responsible for statewide construction codes. The Administrative Procedures Act requires public hearings on the adoption of all codes by the State Fire Commission. When the State Fire Commission proposes to adopt a code, The Secretary of State files the code. The commission conducts a public hearing and can modify the rule with the Secretary of State as and agency-approved rule.
The committee then files the rule with the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. Once the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee approves or modifies the rule. They will introduce it as a separate bill during the legislative session. The State Fire Commission does not need to initiate legislation; the legislature can modify the code by proposing legislation at any time during the regular session.
See Additional Building Codes by State
| State Website | https://www.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx |
| State Licensing | Construction contractors should have a license in West Virginia. |
| State Licensing Division | http://www.wvlicensingboards.com/boards.cfm |
| State Fire Marshal | https://firemarshal.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx |
| State Environmental Permit | https://dep.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx |
Additional Building Codes by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming