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Charleston, WV Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopting section
Sec. 14-33
Code adopted
IPC 2018, locally amended
Enforcing agency
City Building Department
Penalty
Misdemeanor, up to $1,000
State authority
W. Va. Code § 8-12-13

Summary

Charleston adopts the state building code by reference, including the 2018 International Plumbing Code with city-specific amendments, so plumbing work here is permitted and inspected under that adopted code rather than a standalone local plumbing ordinance.

There is adopted the state building code as authorized by W. Va. Code § 8-12-13 and promulgated pursuant to W. Va. Code § 15A-11-5... which are collectively adopted by reference as if fully restated herein, and the provisions of such code sections and regulations shall be controlling within the city. ... International Plumbing Code 2018: Section 101.1 Insert "the City of Charleston"

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).

Full Breakdown

Under Sec. 14-33 of the city code, Charleston adopts the West Virginia state building code, authorized by W. Va. Code § 8-12-13 and promulgated under Title 87, Legislative Rule Series 4, as controlling within the city. That adoption incorporates the International Plumbing Code 2018 with local amendments, including inserting "the City of Charleston" as the enforcing jurisdiction in Section 101.1. The city building department administers permitting and inspection under this adopted code, per Sec. 14-32's Building Department Administrative Manual and Sec. 14-35's enforcement provisions.

Violations & Fines

Doing plumbing work contrary to the adopted code is unlawful under Sec. 14-35. IPC Section 108.4, as locally amended in Sec. 14-33(b), makes a violation a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Charleston require a plumbing permit?
Yes. Plumbing work must comply with the state building code as locally adopted, which incorporates the 2018 International Plumbing Code with Charleston-specific amendments under Sec. 14-33.
What's the penalty for unpermitted plumbing work?
Violating the adopted plumbing code is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, per IPC Section 108.4 as amended locally in Sec. 14-33(b).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Charleston

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All Charleston rules

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