W. Va. C.S.R. § 87-4-1 et seq. § §87-4-6
Exceptions
Operative Text
§87-4-6. Exceptions. 6.1. The following structures are not subject to inspection by local jurisdictions: 6.1.a. Group U utility structures and storage sheds comprising an area not more than 200 sq. ft. which have no plumbing or electrical connections and are used only for residential storage purposes. (Examples include sheds that are for the residential storage of lawnmowers, tools, bicycles or furniture.) Not included are those utility structures and storage sheds which have plumbing or electrical connections are a non-residential use or for the storage of explosives or other hazardous or explosive materials.
West Virginia Code of State Rules § 87-4-6 establishes a narrow exemption from local jurisdiction inspections for certain small accessory structures. Specifically, Group U utility structures and storage sheds that are 200 square feet or smaller, have no plumbing or electrical connections, and are used solely for residential storage — such as sheds housing lawnmowers, tools, bicycles, or furniture — fall outside the inspection requirement. Structures that have plumbing or electrical connections, serve a non-residential purpose, or are used to store explosives or hazardous materials do not qualify for this exemption and remain subject to inspection.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 87-4-6, property owners who maintain small residential storage sheds may not need to arrange a local jurisdiction inspection for those structures, provided each shed meets all of the rule's qualifying conditions: no more than 200 square feet, no plumbing or electrical connections, and exclusive use for residential storage. Operators generally confirm that any shed they believe is exempt does not cross into non-residential use or contain hazardous or explosive materials, since those factors disqualify the structure from the exemption. Keeping documentation of a shed's size, purpose, and lack of utility connections can help demonstrate compliance with § 87-4-6 if questions arise.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 87-4-6 of West Virginia's Code of State Rules means that a small, unconnected residential storage shed on a rental property may not be subject to the same local inspection requirements as the main dwelling or utility-connected structures. Tenants who have concerns about whether a structure on their property has been properly inspected — particularly one with plumbing, electrical connections, or non-residential uses — may find it useful to contact their local building or code enforcement office to understand what inspections apply. Tenant-rights organizations in West Virginia can also help renters understand how § 87-4-6 interacts with broader habitability and safety standards.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation