Charleston, WV Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must investigate
- 6 named city officers
- Trigger
- Complaint by any responsible person
- Minimum fix window
- 10 days after written order
- Unpaid abatement cost
- Becomes lien on property
- Governing sections
- City Code Sec. 50-36 to 50-42
Summary
Filing a complaint with Charleston's building and housing commissioner, police chief, fire prevention chief, city engineer, city manager, or health commissioner triggers a mandatory inspection under the nuisance abatement ordinance.
It shall be the duty of the building and housing commissioner, chief of police, chief of the bureau of fire prevention in the fire department, city engineer, city manager, health commissioner and such other city officers as may be subject to the orders of the city manager and designated by him for such purpose to make inspections and investigations, or to cause inspections and investigations to be made, from time to time to determine whether any condition exists or any activity is being engaged in which constitutes a nuisance; and any such officer shall make or cause to be made an inspection and investigation upon complaint being made by any responsible person.
(Code 1975, § 17-5)
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
City Code Sec. 50-36 makes it the duty of the building and housing commissioner, police chief, fire prevention chief, city engineer, city manager, and health commissioner to inspect and investigate suspected nuisances, and it specifically requires an inspection whenever any responsible person files a complaint. Officers who confirm a nuisance report their findings up the chain to the city manager, who can issue a written abatement order under Sec. 50-39 giving the property owner at least ten days to fix the problem, with an emergency track for imminent hazards.
Violations & Fines
A confirmed nuisance draws a written city manager order with at least a ten-day compliance deadline (immediate for emergencies); ignoring it lets the city abate the condition itself and bill the owner, with unpaid costs becoming a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact to report a code violation or nuisance in Charleston?
What happens after I report a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
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