Engineering Department

The Engineering Department is responsible for the engineering review of subdivision plats and commercial/industrial site plans for compliance with the land development ordinances and the inspection of land development projects. In addition, the Engineering Department is responsible for the administration of the Property Safety Ordinance, the Building Code Enforcement Ordinance, and ordinance compliance efforts for all land development ordinances.

The Property Safety Ordinance deals with unsafe abandoned dilapidated structures in Jefferson County. The Citizens Guide to the Property Safety Ordinance is available from the Office of Building Permits & Inspections.

The Property Safety Enforcement Agency Board meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. in the Charles Town Library meeting room, 200 East Washington Street, side entrance on Samuel Street, Charles Town, West Virginia.

Building Code Enforcement Ordinance - Structures constructed in Jefferson County shall comply with the requirements of the adopted version of the International Residential Code and/or the International Building Code, as established by the State of West Virginia. The requirement for building permits includes but is not limited to: residential and commercial/industrial structures, remodeling and renovation projects, finished basements, signs, fences of 6' height or taller, sheds/storage buildings, garages,and swimming pools/hot tubs. Building permit applications and the fee schedule may be obtained from the Office of Building Permits & Inspections.

The Ordinance Compliance Officer investigates complaints and issues violation notices for the Improvement Location Permit Ordinance, Floodplain Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and the Salvage Yard Ordinance.