A Certificate of Occupancy is required before any new building can be occupied or before an existing building can be used for a new purpose. This applies whenever a new business goes into an existing or new structure or there is a change of business owner.
FORM
Certificate of Occupancy Application
PROCESS
1. Contact or meet with the Zoning Officer in the Planning and Zoning office to check to zone, discuss signage, and complete the Certificate of Occupancy application.
- Zoning Officer: Patricia Usher
- Department: Planning
- Phone: 304.696.5540 opt 3
- Email: usherp@huntingtonwv.gov or planningdept@huntingtonwv.gov
- Location: City Hall, Main Floor, Room 100
2. Certificate of Occupancy will then be delivered to the Permit Technician for processing by the Zoning Officer.
- Location: City Hall, Main Floor, Room 100
- Permit Technician: Melissa Kilgore
- Phone: (304) 696-5540 ext. 2003
- Email: kilgorem@huntingtonwv.gov
3. Pay for the Certificate of Occupancy in Business and Licensing.
- Location: City Hall, Main Floor, Room 103
- The cost of the Certificate of Occupancy permit is $75.00.
4. Schedule Inspections: Contact the Permit Technician at 304.696.5540 ext. 2003 or kilgorem@huntingtonwv.gov
- The Inspectors will inspect the building in accordance with IBC 2018, IPC 2018, NEC 2020, and Fire and Life Safety NFPA1-21 ed
- Department: Inspections and Permits
- Location: City Hall, Lower Level, Room 5 (Appointments are scheduled in Room 100)
- Building Inspector: Todd Darst (304) 696-5540 ext. 2205 | darstt@huntingtonwv.gov
- Electrical Inspector: Joey Black (304) 696-5540 ext. 2206 | blackl@huntingtonwv.gov
- Plumbing Inspector: Chris Johnson (304) 696-5540 ext. 220 | johnsonc@huntingtonwv.gov
- Permit Technician: Melissa Kilgore (304) 696-5540 ext. 2003 | kilgorem@huntingtonwv.gov
- Fire Marshal: Capt. Mat Winters (304) 696-5540 ext.4004 | wintersm@huntingtonwv.gov
6. Upon completion of the inspections, a representative from Business and Licensing will contact you to pick up your Certificate of Occupancy.
- B&O and Licensing Specialist: Becky Bartlett
- Phone: 304.696.5540 ext. 2314
- Email: bartlettb@huntingtonwv.gov
- Location: City Hall, Main Floor, Room 103
7. After you have received your Certificate of Occupancy, you may apply for your Municipal Business License. You will need to bring your WV Business Registration Certificate (other documents may be required).
8. You will be able to open for business once you have obtained a Municipal Business License.