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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Mason County.

Current West Virginia State Building Code under Title 87, Series 4: 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2015 International Energy Conservation Code for residential dwellings, 2020 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2021 NFPA Life Safety Code, 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1, and ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2013 for commercial buildings, with state amendments.

Inspection lane

Contact Building Inspector Eric Biars at 304-430-3425 or ebiarsptpleasantwv@gmail.com to arrange required inspections. The Building Official performs inspections and tests required by the adopted codes.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Plumbing repairs limited to faucet or valve working parts, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks, or replacing defective faucets or valves require no plumbing permit if piping is unchanged. Agricultural buildings or structures in S-1 or AF districts, and qualifying agricultural uses of at least 10 acres in M-1 or M-2 districts, are exempt from the city's improvement-location permit.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Contact Building Inspector Eric Biars at 304-430-3425 or ebiarsptpleasantwv@gmail.com to arrange required inspections. The Building Official performs inspections and tests required by the adopted codes.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Mason County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.

How should I begin an application?

No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact 304-430-3425 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.

How long might review take?

A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.

How are inspections scheduled?

Contact Building Inspector Eric Biars at 304-430-3425 or ebiarsptpleasantwv@gmail.com to arrange required inspections. The Building Official performs inspections and tests required by the adopted codes.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Current West Virginia State Building Code under Title 87, Series 4: 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2015 International Energy Conservation Code for residential dwellings, 2020 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2021 NFPA Life Safety Code, 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1, and ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2013 for commercial buildings, with state amendments. Plumbing repairs limited to faucet or valve working parts, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks, or replacing defective faucets or valves require no plumbing permit if piping is unchanged. Agricultural buildings or structures in S-1 or AF districts, and qualifying agricultural uses of at least 10 acres in M-1 or M-2 districts, are exempt from the city's improvement-location permit.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.