West Virginia permit review deadlines
How long does it take to get a building permit in West Virginia?
West Virginia's 2024 law is short. A city or county has 60 days to approve or deny a request for a permit or other approval tied to developing or improving property.
If it does not act in 60 days, the request is approved.
See the deadlines ↓Current West Virginia state-level guidelines
The short answer
Under West Virginia Code 8A-13-2, a municipal or county governing body or planning commission must approve or deny a request within 60 days of receiving it. A request is an application for a permit, license, variance, or other prior approval for an action related to developing or improving property. If the body does not act in 60 days, the request is approved, and the body may not add requirements to it afterward. A denial must come with written reasons.
By project type
West Virginia permit review deadlines.
West Virginia sets one deadline for development-related requests.
| Step | Deadline | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Decision on a request | 60 days | Counted from when the governing body or planning commission receives it. |
| When a state or federal approval is needed first | 60 days after that approval | The extension may not run longer than 60 days unless the applicant agrees. |
The law does not apply to state agencies. An applicant can also ask for an extension in writing.
Step by step
How West Virginia's review clock works.
There is no separate completeness period.
It must be missing something required by law or by a rule adopted earlier, and the body must give written reasons.
A denial must include a written statement of reasons.
When the clock runs out
What happens when a West Virginia city or county misses the 60 days.
If the body does not act within 60 days, the request is approved by law.
Once a request is approved, the body may not impose additional requirements related to it.
Faster permit approvals start with more efficient plan review.
See how your team can spend less time chasing comments, waiting on other disciplines, and tracking down the status of a review, without changing your permitting system or CDP.
Recent changes
What changed, and when.
2024
SB 782 becomes lawPassed March 4, 2024, and effective 90 days later.
Common questions
West Virginia building permit deadlines, answered.
How long does it take to get a development permit in West Virginia?
A city or county has 60 days from receiving the request to approve or deny it.
What happens if a West Virginia city does not answer in 60 days?
The request is approved, and the city may not add requirements to it afterward.
Does West Virginia's 60-day rule name building permits?
The law covers an application for a permit, license, variance, or other prior approval for developing or improving property, made to a governing body or planning commission. It does not list building permits by name, so check how your city or county applies it.
How do West Virginia building departments keep up with these deadlines?
Three habits show up in the departments that hit the clock. They check applications for missing items in the first few days. They let building, fire, planning, and engineering review the same plans at the same time. And they track the days left on every review, so a manager can step in before a deadline passes.
Read it for yourself
Sources.
Keep exploring
Deadlines in other states.
If you review plans in West Virginia
Working under West Virginia's review clock? See how e-PlanSoft can help you hit it consistently.
Meeting a review deadline starts with a good intake process, disciplines that work together, and a clear view of every review in progress.
Book a demoSee how collaborative review works →This page summarizes public laws, rules, and city review practices in West Virginia as of November 12, 2026. Deadlines vary by location and permit type. These summaries are for reference, not legal advice. Check the linked sources and local requirements for the rules that apply to your project.