Environmental Rules in West Virginia (2026)
7 rules on the books across West Virginia, 2 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Stormwater Management
Requirements for managing rainwater runoff on your property, including retention basins, permeable surfaces, and drainage plans.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsWest Virginia Code §22-11 and Department of Environmental Protection rules administer the federal NPDES stormwater…
Read full rule →Charleston
Significant RestrictionsCharleston bans illicit discharges into its municipal storm sewer system (MS4) and requires an approved erosion and…
Read full rule →Erosion Control
Rules to prevent soil erosion during construction and landscaping, including required sediment barriers and ground cover standards.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsWest Virginia regulates land grading and drainage through DEP construction stormwater rules in WV Code §22-11, surface…
Read full rule →Charleston
Some RestrictionsCharleston requires land-disturbance approval before issuing a building permit whenever grading or clearing disturbs…
Read full rule →Flood Zones
Building requirements for properties in FEMA flood zones, including elevation standards, flood insurance mandates, and construction limits.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsWest Virginia has no single 'Floodplain Management Act'; floodplain rules are administered locally. Counties may adopt…
Read full rule →Kanawha County
Heavy RestrictionsFlash flooding is West Virginia's defining hazard. Kanawha County enforces FEMA floodplain standards, and a floodplain…
Read full rule →Boat Dock Permits
Permits required to build or modify boat docks, lifts, and davits on waterfront properties, including size limits, setbacks, and environmental reviews.