CHARLESTON, W.Va. (The Hinton News) – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the launch of West Virginia’s new One Stop Shop Permitting Portal, a cutting-edge online system that allows businesses to apply for permits, pay fees, and track applications through a single account as part of his Speed to Build initiative.
Watch the Governor’s Press Conference here
“One of the fundamentals of attracting investment and creating jobs is making sure government moves at the speed of business,” said Governor Morrisey. “We’ve been working to get sites ready for development, improve water and sewer infrastructure, expand broadband, and ensure affordable energy. But we also have to make it easier for businesses to get projects moving. This new One Stop Shop is an important part of that effort.”
Available at SpeedToBuild.wv.gov, the portal had a soft opening on October 1, three months ahead of the January 1, 2027, deadline established under House Bill 2002. The legislation directed the Department of Administration to establish a public permitting dashboard that brings services from multiple state agencies into one secure online account. Applicants can submit applications, upload documents, pay fees, track their status, receive updates, and renew permits and licenses. A searchable database and guided portal assistant help users identify the permits they need.
Participating agencies include the Division of Highways, Bureau for Public Health, Department of Environmental Protection, and divisions within the Department of Commerce, including Forestry, Labor, Natural Resources, Miners’ Health, Safety and Training, and Alcohol Beverage Control Administration.
Beginning January 1, 2027, businesses will also be able to take advantage of fast-track processing options for eligible permits. Examples include reducing the processing deadline for oversized hauling permits from five to two days and timber license renewals from 14 calendar days to seven business days. Although the portal was completed ahead of schedule, the fast-track options cannot be activated before January 1 under the implementation schedule established by law.
“Businesses shouldn’t have to spend unnecessary time navigating government bureaucracy when they could be creating jobs and growing their operations,” said Governor Morrisey. “We’ve delivered the technology three months ahead of schedule, and beginning in January, businesses will have new options to get their permits processed faster. We’re making the process simpler and holding state agencies accountable for getting the work done. That’s what our Speed to Build initiative is all about.”
Since October 2025, West Virginia has announced approximately $96 billion in private-sector investment, with more than 19,000 projected jobs. The administration’s broader economic development efforts include improving site readiness, investing in infrastructure, expanding energy production, and reducing regulatory burdens.
Use of the portal remains optional until July 1, 2027, allowing businesses to continue using paper applications or existing agency systems without penalty. After that date, the portal becomes the required application method for covered permits, with exceptions provided under applicable disability and human rights laws.
Businesses and individuals can access the portal at SpeedToBuild.wv.gov. New users should select “Sign Up” to create an account and add Speedtobuilddonotreply@wv.gov to their contacts to receive application updates. Questions about individual permits should be directed to the issuing agency through the portal’s resource guide.
“The public launch of this one-stop permitting portal is good news for both existing and future manufacturers in West Virginia. The Mountain State has distinguished itself by improving our state permitting process, especially when compared to neighboring states. This portal furthers our ability to make the permitting process more transparent and communicative, which benefits employers as well as state agencies. It demonstrates a commitment to better government that companies considering West Virginia for investment will also recognize. We thank Governor Morrisey and the West Virginia Legislature for their support of the one-stop permitting portal.”
– Bill Bissett, Ed.D., President, West Virginia Manufacturers Association
“Governor Morrisey and his administration recognize that an effective and efficient permitting process is essential to West Virginia’s future. At a time of unprecedented demand for energy and growing interest in investment across our state, we need a system that provides clarity and timely decisions while maintaining important protections. GO-WV appreciates the administration’s commitment to permitting efficiency, and we look forward to continuing to work together to further improve the process.”
– Rebecca McPhail, President, Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia
