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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 Putnam County.

Putnam County Improvement Location Permit Ordinance (amended through December 13, 2022), Floodplain Management Program Ordinance adopted April 14, 2015, Subdivision Regulations, and the Zoning Ordinance for designated zoned unincorporated areas (amended through February 10, 2026). The county permit is primarily a development/location and floodplain approval; the county does not publish a general structural model-code suite enforced by this office.

Inspection lane

Submit the applicable zoned- or non-zoned-area PDF application and required site documents to the Office of Planning & Infrastructure. Call 304-586-0237; Senior Planner/Certified Floodplain Manager Melissa Sargent is extension 1335. The Floodplain Administrator may inspect during construction, and a certificate of compliance based on inspection and any required elevation or engineering documents is required before occupancy or permanent utilities in flood-hazard areas.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

No general minor- or cosmetic-work exemption list is published. In non-zoned areas outside the 100-year floodplain, dirt work may not require the county development permit but remains subject to drainage and erosion conditions; construction of permanent structures and manufactured-home placement requires prior review. Every type of development, including dirt work, requires a permit when the property is in the 100-year floodplain.

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

    Submit the applicable zoned- or non-zoned-area PDF application and required site documents to the Office of Planning & Infrastructure. Call 304-586-0237; Senior Planner/Certified Floodplain Manager Melissa Sargent is extension 1335. The Floodplain Administrator may inspect during construction, and a certificate of compliance based on inspection and any required elevation or engineering documents is required before occupancy or permanent utilities in flood-hazard areas.

  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 ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Putnam County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Putnam County Office of Planning & Infrastructure is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact 304-586-0237 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?

Submit the applicable zoned- or non-zoned-area PDF application and required site documents to the Office of Planning & Infrastructure. Call 304-586-0237; Senior Planner/Certified Floodplain Manager Melissa Sargent is extension 1335. The Floodplain Administrator may inspect during construction, and a certificate of compliance based on inspection and any required elevation or engineering documents is required before occupancy or permanent utilities in flood-hazard areas.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Putnam County Improvement Location Permit Ordinance (amended through December 13, 2022), Floodplain Management Program Ordinance adopted April 14, 2015, Subdivision Regulations, and the Zoning Ordinance for designated zoned unincorporated areas (amended through February 10, 2026). The county permit is primarily a development/location and floodplain approval; the county does not publish a general structural model-code suite enforced by this office. No general minor- or cosmetic-work exemption list is published. In non-zoned areas outside the 100-year floodplain, dirt work may not require the county development permit but remains subject to drainage and erosion conditions; construction of permanent structures and manufactured-home placement requires prior review. Every type of development, including dirt work, requires a permit when the property is in the 100-year floodplain.

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.