Community Development

The Community Development Department coordinates all development and land use planning throughout the city. The department is tasked with administering the state building code, zoning regulations, planning, and property maintenance codes. We provide economic development support to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council. The mission is to ensure the citizens and business owners of Bridgeport an excellent quality of life through properly designed and controlled growth.

Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement addresses a variety of property issues in order to maintain and better the quality of life for our residents. Violations of the City's code, West Virginia Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code affect the community's health, safety, environment and property values.

Balancing the general public's welfare and property rights of individual owners when it comes to enforcing the City's codes is an often difficult assignment. Our Code Enforcement Inspectors have refined skills and knowledge, and participate in continuing education in order to better serve the community.

The main goal of the Code Enforcement process is to achieve voluntary compliance. The City's Code Enforcement Inspectors are happy to work with residents and property owners to bring their property into compliance with City codes. If you need our assistance, please contact us by phone or email. Please bear in mind that the inspectors are normally out of the office during the day doing inspections but they will get back to you as quickly as possible.

The City of Bridgeport utilitzes the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).

To schedule inspections, please email Building Permits or by calling 304-842-8218.

2019 Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is the City of Bridgeport's most important document regarding growth, development and change. The Comprehensive Plan is updated once every five years and is a long-range planning document that is designed to guide future growth, manage expected population growth, and development.

Chapter 8A of the West Virginia State Code establishes the scope and requirements of comprehensive plans. Each comprehensive plan and subsequent update must follow the requirements found in state code.

W.Va. Code 8A-1-1(a)(5) "a comprehensive plan is a guide to a community's goals and objectives and a way to meet those goals and objectives." According to the West Virginia Code the comprehensive plan should also "be the basis for land development and use, and be reviewed and updated on a regular basis (W.Va. Code 8A-1-1(b)(B3)).

A comprehensive plan is required if a governing body wants to enact a zoning ordinance, enact a subdivision and land development ordinance, require plans and plats for land development, or issue permits for construction.

The City of Bridgeport Comprehensive Plan can be viewed here.

FAQ

How do I report a Code Violation?

To report a code violation contact a staff member of the Community Development Department. You can find their contact information below.

What should I do if I received a notice of violation?

Please contact the Code Enforcement Officer who signed the notice. The officer will be able to assist you in resolving the situation.

Are inspections required after the permit is issued?

Yes, construction inspections are required during the various phases of construction. You may call the City at 304-842-8218 to schedule an inspection.

What happens if I start work without first obtaining a permit?

Working without a permit may result in stop of work until a permit is issued, and a double permit fee shall be assessed, with a minimum permit fee of $100.00.

What is the code regarding maintenance on vacant structures?

Vacant structures are to be maintained to the same standards as occupied structures, with the exception that a vacant structure needs to be secured against entry.

Can I post temporary signs?

Yes, but all temporary signs must be removed within forty-eight hours after the conclusion of the event. All temporary signs still in place after said period may be confiscated by the City.

Staff / Office Information

Director: Andrea Kerr, 304-842-8209
Code Enforcement Officers:
Mike Osborn, 304-842-8237
Brian Zannino, 304-848-6104
Bob Noworyta, 304-842-8218

Office Manager:
Staci Unger, 304-842-8231

Administrative Assistant:
Missie Clayton, 304-842-8208
Ronda Swiger, 304-842-8218 - Building Permits

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
515 W. Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330

Office: (304) 842-8218
Fax: (304) 842-8213