Code Enforcement
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The Code Enforcement / Inspection Department is charged with assuring compliance to International Building Codes as well as the City's Code of Ordinances. The department is comprised of a building official and two code enforcement / animal control officers. The building official is responsible for performing compliance inspections on buildings under construction or renovation. The code enforcement division also oversee the city's demolition program to rid neighborhoods of dilapidated, dangerous structures. The code enforcement officers investigate complaints about improperly maintained properties, rental inspections, abandoned vehicles and other nuisances. The inspection department also issues all building permits. Animal control issues are also addressed through this office.
The mission of the Inspection and Code Enforcement Division is to promote, protect and improve the safety, health and welfare of our citizens. We accomplish this by providing effective enforcement of city codes.
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Bluefield Code of Ordinances:
Building Permits
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Building permits are required for all jobs except painting, wallpapering, trim work, floor sanding, carpeting, and landscaping. Obtaining a building permit is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner, although in many cases, the contractor provides this as a service. Building permits are issued for a work period of six months, unless property has been condemned, and must be prominently displayed for the public to see during construction.
To obtain a building permit, an application must be submitted with necessary documentation presented and fee(s) paid. Necessary documentation will include, but may not be limited to: a contract, materials list, estimate, etc. To estimate fee(s) for permits, see the fee schedules below. For electrical permits, individual's number on permit must be given to the electric company when project has been completed and inspected to ensure work meets necessary electrical codes. Applications may be completed, saved and emailed to sayers@bluewv.org OR printed, completed, scanned, and sent to Sara Ayers by email and dropped off at the Municipal Building at the address below, or mailed to:
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Sara Ayers
Code Enforcement Department
200 Rogers Street
Bluefield, WV 24701
304-327-2401 x 2462
You can also stop in at city hall Monday - Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm.
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Job Cost Building Permit Fee
0 - 2,500 0.00
2,501 - 5,000 35.00
5,001 - 10,000 55.00
10,001 - 20,000 100.00
20,001 - 30,000 200.00
30,001 - 40,000 300.00
40,001 - 50,000 400.00
50,001 - 75,000 800.00
75,001 - 100,000 2,000.00
100,001 - 500,000 3,000.00
500,001 - 1,000,000 4,000.00
1,000,001 - infinity 5,000.00
Demolition of Residential Structure $43.75
Demolition of Accessory Structure $12.50
Demolition of Commercial Structure
Less than 10,000 Sq. Ft. $62.50
10,001 - 50,000 Sq. Ft. $93.75
50,001 - 100,000 Sq. Ft. $125.00
100,001 - Infinity Sq. Ft. $187.50
Building Demolition & Code Violations
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We strongly encourage all citizens to bring houses or violations to our attention. By getting these structures down, we improve property values in each and every neighborhood. The legal process for demolitions can take between two and four months and involves several steps.
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For more information or to report a building, please call 304-327-2401 x 2462.
Required Inspections
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Required Inspections for construction pursuant to the International Residential Code (IRC). REFERENCE IRC
Inspections are necessary to verify that the construction conforms to the code requirements.
The minimum required inspections are as follows:
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R109.1.1 Foundation Inspection
Inspection of the foundation shall be made after poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated and any required forms erected and any required reinforcing steel is in place and supported prior to the placing of concrete. The foundation inspection shall include excavations for thickened slabs intended for the support of bearing walls, partitions, structural supports, or equipment and special requirements for wood foundations.
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R109.1.2 Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems inspection
Rough end inspections of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and prior to framing inspection.
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R109.1.4 Frame and masonry inspection
Inspections of framing and masonry construction shall be made after the roof, masonry, framing, firestopping, draft stopping and bracing are in place and after the plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough end inspections are approved.
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R109.1.5 Other Inspections
In addition to inspections in Sections R109.1.1 through R109.1.4, the Building Official shall have the authority to make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with this code and other laws enforced by the Building Official.
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R109.1.5.1 Fire-resistance-rated construction inspection
Where fire-resistance-rated construction is required between dwelling units or due to location on property, the building official shall require an inspection of such construction after lathing or gypsum board or gypsum panel products are in place, but before any plaster is applied, or before board or panel joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
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R109.1.6 Final Inspection
Final Inspection shall be made after the permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy.
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R109.2 Inspection Agencies
The building official is authorized to accept reports of approved agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
Inspections​
Our department is here to help you during each step of your inspection. It is the responsibility of the property owner or their contractor to schedule inspections during regular business hours. Please note that multiple inspections may be required for construction work. An inspection for a footing or concrete work should be made before any concrete is poured. For electrical and plumbing, an inspection should be completed before any covering is placed and before any power is applied to the lines. A final inspection before occupancy is also required. Residential and commercial structures in a historical district may be subject to further review by the Historic Landmarks Commission.
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Electrical inspections are required both by the City Code of Ordinances and Appalachian Power Company (APCO) policy for installing an electric meter, regardless of why it was disconnected. An electrical permit is required before the inspector is called. That permit cost is based on job cost. Electrical inspections are completed by a third party inspector who charges an inspection fee per meter to inspect. When the system is inspected and approved, a connect tag is placed and the inspector notifies APCO that an installation has been approved and a meter can be installed. The tag must contain a city permit number and an APCO connect number.
For all inspection requests, please fill out the application below and email the completed application to Mika Bargo, Anthony Ferraraccio, and Alex Gallagher.
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What should I do if I receive a notice of violation?Contact the Code Enforcement Officer who signed the notice. The officer will be happy to assist you in resolving the situation.
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What happens after I report a code violation?A code enforcement officer will investigate the alleged violation(s). Pictures and a notice are sent to the property owner after investigation. Please note investigations are prioritized due to level of urgency and case load. The property owner is given seven days to make corrections. Extensions may be granted to property owners in special circumstances. If corrections are not made, a summons to the Municipal Court is issued. The matter is then handled by the municipal court judge.
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How do I report a code violation?To report a code violation, click here.
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Why do I have to maintain the sidewalk and the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street adjacent to my property?Sidewalks are maintained by the adjacent property owners per the City Code of Ordinances Chapter 34. Maintenance of the portion of the public right-of-way, between the sidewalk and the edge of the street (often known as the parkway), is the responsibility of the owner of the adjacent property. This includes mowing the grass, edging, trimming shrubs and keeping the area free of trash and debris.
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Who is responsible for code violations on a rental property?Ultimate responsibility falls to the property owner to ensure the rental property is maintained and meets code requirements. It is recommended that tenants include a property maintenance schedule and responsibilities within their lease.
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How do I get the City of Bluefield to pick up a large pile of debris or trash?The City of Bluefield offers special trash pick-up service on demand. Please call 304-327-2401 for service. Additional fees may be incurred.
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How many animals can I own if I live in the city limits?Residents are allowed to own three animals per City Code of Ordinances Chapter 4. All dogs must be tagged with the City of Bluefield. Dogs tags can be obtained at the Municipal Building.
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Will the City of Bluefield take care of my wildlife problem?Wildlife issues are to be handled by licensed agencies and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Please contact one of the following should you need assistance: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources: 304-558-2771 RAD: 304-887-2221 Professional Wildlife Removal: 304-306-7050
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Does the City of Bluefield have a leash law?The City Code of Ordinances Chapter 4 states that "no person shall allow any dog owned by him or in his custody to run at large within the city. The term "running at large" means allowing a dog to leave the property limits of property owned, leased or occupied by its owner without restraint. The term "restraint" means being secured by a leash or lead, or being under the control of a responsible person and obedient to that person's command."
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Who is responsible for sidewalk repairs?The adjoining property owner is responsible for sidewalk repairs.
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Who is responsible for tree, shrub, and brush trimming in the right of way?The adjoining property owner has the responsibility of maintaining the trees, shrubs, and brush in the right of way, including damage caused by trees, shrubs, or brush removal if fallen.