Whether a fence needs a permit depends on the city. Charleston and other Kanawha municipalities generally require a zoning or building permit, especially for taller fences. Rural unincorporated fences usually need none. Always call 811 before digging post holes.
Fence permitting in Kanawha County is a local matter. Charleston reviews fences through its zoning and building code, and a permit is commonly required, particularly for fences over 4 feet or in front yards; St. Albans, South Charleston, Dunbar, and Nitro run their own permit desks. Applications typically want a site plan showing the fence relative to property lines. On unincorporated rural land, an ordinary fence usually needs no municipal permit. Everywhere, confirm the true boundary first, since steep, irregular hollow parcels make lines hard to read, and call West Virginia 811 before digging so underground utilities are marked.
Building a fence without a required city permit can bring a stop-work order, a retroactive permit and fee, or an order to modify or remove the fence.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Kanawha County, WV
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See how Kanawha County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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