Jefferson County is governed by a group of five elected County Commissioners and operates under a form of government called “non-home rule.” For additional information about government departments in Jefferson County, please visit jeffersoncountywv.org.
Permits/licensing
All licensing goes through the WV Secretary of State’s office as a first step.
If you choose a business location in one of our municipal city limits – Charles Town, Bolivar, Ranson, Harpers Ferry or Shepherdstown please contact the City Permitting department to determine if a special license is required
The permitting process differs depending on location
If your business is located inside the city limits you will go through the town's permitting process.
If your business is located outside the city limits you will go through the county permitting process.
WV Secretary of State
Municipality pages:
Bolivar
Charles Town
Harpers Ferry
City of Ranson
Shepherdstown
Jefferson County Engineering Department, Jefferson County permits
Planning and Zoning
To research the planning and zoning ordinances, please visit the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Department's website. Jefferson County Staff, in collaboration with the public, are in the process of reviewing and updating its 2014 Comprehensive Plan, a document that describes the desired future of the County and how to achieve it. Envision Jefferson 2035 has been created to keep you abreast of the plan's development.
Zoning map
Business start up assistance:
The Small Business Development Center of the Eastern Panhandle promotoes economic development in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia through a program of free business assistance. The assistance includes a variety of services such as business consulting, problem solving, start-up assistance, business plan development, strategic planning, and small business training. The SBDC links federal, state, and local resources to assist the potential or existing small business owner in achieving their business goals.
Contact Business Specialists
Christina Lundberg, 304-596-6643, Christina.M.Lundberg@wv.gov
Nancy Ferner, 304-596-6643, Nancy.J.Ferner@wv.gov
Entrepreneurship Links:
WVU's College of Business & Economics
Additional Resources:
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Regional Contracting Assistance Center
Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau
