West Virginia roofing: permits, codes and approvals

West Virginia's State Building Code (where localities adopt it), Contractor Licensing Board licenses for residential jobs of $5,000 or more, the Storm Scammer Consumer Protection Act for insurance roof jobs, written contracts at $10,000, and mechanic's lien deadlines.

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1 · Product approvals

Product approvals

West Virginia has no state roofing product approval or listing system. Where a locality enforces the State Building Code, inspectors rely on the model code's labeling requirements and evaluation reports.

Code evaluation reports (ICC-ES, UL, IAPMO): 48 roofing reports

2 · Permit forms

City re-roof permits

No statewide re-roof permit rule. Permits are set by the counties and cities that adopt and enforce the State Building Code. Before any locality issues a building permit, the applicant must show a contractor license or file an affidavit of exemption.

CharlestonThe city's 311 guidance lists re-roofing among work that needs a city permit; any work beyond general maintenance requires permits (page last updated 2019).

3 · Code rules

Code rules

No mandatory statewide residential code. The State Fire Commission's State Building Code (87CSR4, current version effective August 1, 2022) applies only in counties and cities that adopt it, and those localities enforce it. Official adoption page ↗

Local adoption only (W. Va. Code 15A-11-5)The State Building Code takes effect only in counties and municipalities that adopt it, and only going forward. Localities must notify the State Fire Marshal and handle enforcement themselves.License check before permits (30-42-10)A municipality or county may not issue a building permit without proof of a required contractor license or an affidavit that the applicant isn't subject to licensing.

4 · Wind, fire and storm programs

Wind, fire and storm programs

West Virginia has no state FORTIFIED grant program. The Storm Scammer Consumer Protection Act (since July 1, 2015) governs residential roofing work paid by homeowners insurance.

Cancel after claim denial (46A-6M-2)An owner whose roofing contract is expected to be paid by insurance may cancel until midnight of the fifth business day after the insurer says all or part of the claim isn't covered.Required disclosure and cancellation form (46A-6M-3)Before signing, give the owner your mailing address, phone and email, a 10-point bold notice of the cancellation right, and a detachable Notice of Cancellation form in duplicate.No advance payment during cancellation period (46A-6M-4)Do not require payment on insurance roof jobs until the cancellation period ends. Refund within 10 days of cancellation. You may charge reasonable fees for emergency repairs the owner authorized.No claim negotiation or deductible rebates (46A-6M-5)Roofers may not negotiate a homeowner's claim or advertise that they will, and may not pay or rebate the deductible or give bonuses, gifts or referral fees. Giving estimates and talking with the adjuster after the claim is filed is allowed.

5 · License and insurance

License and insurance

Yes. The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board licenses contractors for residential jobs costing $5,000 or more and commercial jobs of $25,000 or more. The law doesn't name a roofing classification. Residential work falls under the residential contractor classification, and other trades use specialty.

License threshold (30-42-3)A license is required to bid or perform work costing $5,000 or more for residential or $25,000 or more for commercial, labor and materials included. Owners working on their own property are exempt.Residential contractor classificationCovers businesses whose main work is building, repairing or improving homes used for residential occupancy, meaning more than 30 consecutive days.Specialty contractor classificationA catch-all for specialty services that don't fit the other classifications.

6 · Lien and contract forms

Lien and contract rules

Contractors and subcontractors have 100 days after finishing to record a mechanic's lien with the county commission clerk, then 6 months to sue. Jobs of $10,000 or more need a written, signed contract.

Contractor lien (38-2-8)A contractor hired by the owner must record a notice of lien within 100 days after completing the contract work, in the county where the property is.Subcontractor lien (38-2-9)Within 100 days after finishing the subcontract, serve the owner with a notice of lien as legal notice and record it with the county commission clerk. Otherwise the lien is lost.Suit to enforce (38-2-34)File suit in circuit court within 6 months after recording the lien notice, or the lien is discharged.Written contract at $10,000 (30-42-10)Licensed contractors may not take jobs of $10,000 or more (labor and materials) without a written contract describing the work and cost, signed by both parties. The board publishes a standard form.

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Public records, last checked Oct 23, 2026. Always verify on the official source before you permit.