CITY ENGINEER/PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The City Engineer/Planning Department currently employs a total of 9 employees. These employees include the following:

• 1 Engineer/Planning Director
• 1 City Planner
• 3 Building Inspectors
• 1 Housing Inspector
• 1 Code Enforcement Officer
• 2 Secretaries

The City of Martinsburg has a Zoning Ordinance requiring the purchase of building permits to make repairs or additions to existing structures or to build new structures. The cost of a building permit is $7.50 per $1,000 cost of construction with a minimum permit charge of $15.00 for construction $2,000 and under.

If you are uncertain about whether a building permit is needed for a particular project you should contact the Planning Department at (304) 264-2131.

The City of Martinsburg recently adopted the State Building Code which is inclusive of the following Codes:

1. The BOCA National Building Code Thirteenth Edition, 1996
2. International Plumbing Code, 1995 Edition
3. International Mechanical Code, 1996 Edition
4. The BOCA National Property Maintenance Code, Fifty Edition, 1996
5. CABO Model Energy Code, 1995 Edition
6. CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, 1995 Edition

The City of Martinsburg also utilizes the BOCA National Property Maintenance Code. This code provides the City with an effective regulatory means of providing minimum health and safety requirements for existing buildings and structures.

The City Engineer/Planner provides professional advise to the following boards and commissions and their meeting times:

All of the meetings are open to the public.

To inquire about any building codes or meeting agendas you may contact the Planning Department at (304) 264-2131.

Building/Zoning Permits

You are required to obtain a building/zoning permit if you are making any improvements to your property. Improvements include everything from upgrading electric service, constructing a new driveway or parking lot, an addition to an existing structure, to building a new structure.

The purpose of a permit is to protect you, your family, and neighbors from the effects of repairs which violate building and zoning codes and could cause hazards to life or property.

How to Obtain a Building/Zoning Permit:

Complete and submit a Building/Zoning Permit application to the Planning and Engineering Department.
For new construction as well as expansion and additions to existing structures, submit 2 copies of an accurately scaled plot plan including existing buildings. The plot plan must show the size and shape of the proposed building, structure, or improvement with respect to the property line. For work in the Rural Residential zoning district, also show the location of and distances from structures on adjacent properties and across the street. Enclose two complete sets of building plans.
Permit fees are based on construction cost.. Consult with the Planning and Engineering Department to determine the appropriate fee for your situation.
The Planning and Engineering Department will review the application and notify the applicant within two days of permit approval or additional requirements.

Approved permits can be picked up at the Office of the Building Inspector on the second floor of the City Hall Building.

If you are not sure whether or not you need a Building Permit, please contact the Planning and Engineering Department at (304)264-2131 If a permit is required, the permit must be issued by the Planning and Engineering Department prior to beginning work.

©1997-2000 Internet Graphics