1. I want to start my own business in the County. Do I need any licenses from your office?
This office does not provide any licensing but does require other regulatory approvals.  

If you will be constructing a new building for your business, you will need an approved development permit prior to beginning construction. 

In the zoned areas of Putnam County, land use is regulated.  If you propose to open a new business in Putnam County, contact the Office of Planning & Infrastructure with the tax map and parcel number of the property and we will advise you on whether a permit will be required.

2. How do I find out if a parcel of property is zoned?
In Putnam County, zoning is by tax map and parcel number. To ensure accuracy, call us at 586-0237 with the tax map and parcel number and we will provide you with the current zoning designation as well as the regulations for the zoning district.  For zoning information in the Town of Winfield (586-2122) and the City of Hurricane (562-5988) call the town halls at these numbers.

3. Are single-wide mobile homes allowed in Putnam County?
YES! Within the unincorporated areas, single-wide manufactured housing units (or mobile homes) are permitted except in some zoned areas.  However, you are always permitted to remove an existing single-wide manufactured home and replace it with a newer one on the same lot.  

4. If I want to subdivide my property, what do I need to know?
If you live in the unincorporated area of the County, or in the Town of Buffalo or Poca, you must comply with subdivision regulations if you want to divide your property into one or more lots. The minimum lot size for any parcel to be subdivided is 6,600 square feet if the parcel will be served by sewer. If the area is served by an individual sewage disposal system, Putnam County Health Department approval is required.   

Subdivision regulations require a 60' minimum lot frontage on a road or a 40' wide right-of-way to the property to be subdivided. 

The subdivision of any land must be approved by the Planning Commission prior to being recorded with the Office of the County Clerk. A plat prepared by a surveyor or engineer licensed in the State of West Virginia is required. (See "Subdivision Regulations" for additional information or call 304-586-0237).

5. Do I need a development building permit in Putnam County?
Yes. If you are building in the unincorporated area of Putnam County or in the Towns of Buffalo, Poca and Bancroft you will need to obtain a development permit application from the Office of Planning & Infrastructure. (See "Building Permits" for more information, such as fees.)

If you are building in the Towns of Winfield and Eleanor, or the City of Hurricane, you will need to go to their town hall for a permit application.  

6. Do I need a development permit if I am only adding on to a structure?
Yes, you need a development permit for any addition to your structure.  For all unincorporated areas of Putnam County and the Towns of Buffalo, Poca, and Bancroft, you will need to obtain the permit application from the Office of Planning and Infrastructure.

If you are building in the Towns of Winfield and Eleanor or the City of Hurricane, you will need to go to their town hall for a building permit application.

If the structure is located in the Towns of Winfield and Eleanor or the City of Hurricane, please call their town hall for information.

7. Do I need a permit if I am only renovating the interior and/or the exterior of my home?  

It depends where the structure is located.  

The unincorporated area of Putnam County and the Towns of Buffalo and Bancroft have not adopted building codes, so you do not need a permit for renovations to the interior/exterior of your home.  

The Towns of Winfield, Poca, and Eleanor, or the City of Hurricane, have adopted building codes, so you may need a permit to renovate the interior/exterior of your home.  Please call their town hall for information.

8. Do I need a permit to build a fence, porch, swimming pool, driveway, etc?
Call the Office of Planning and Infrastructure at 586-0237 with the tax map and parcel number of the property, and we will advise you on whether a permit is required.

If located in a municipality, please contact the appropriate town hall. 

9. How do I get floodplain information on my property?
Call the Office of Planning & Infrastructure with the tax map and parcel number of the property. 

10. What are your office hours?
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

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