What Requires a Building Permit

A Guide to the City of Wheeling Requirements

Building Permits are required for projects ranging from building a new house to renovating a bathroom. The following list is an example of the most common projects that require a building permit:

• New Home Construction
• Room Additions
• New Deck Construction
• New Roof
• Kitchen Renovation
• Bathroom Renovation
• Electrical Upgrades
• Demolition
• Garage Construction
• Car Port Construction
• In-Ground Swimming Pool
• Tool Shed Construction
• Tile Floor Installation
• Fences up to 6 feet
• Retaining walls under 48 inches

Below is a list of projects that do NOT require a building permit:

• Painting
• Wall Papering
• Carpet and Vinyl Floor Installation
• Landscaping (excluding retaining walls)
• Lamp Replacement

The bottom line is some work requires a building permit, and some does not. If you have any questions about whether or not your project requires a permit, call the Building Inspection Division at 304-234-3601. A building code professional will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

City of Wheeling
Building & Planning Department
304-234-3601
1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003