§8A-1-1. Legislative findings.
355 words·~2 min read·
/wv/chapter-8a-land-use-planning/article-1-general-provisions/8a-1-1·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(a)The Legislature finds, as the object of this chapter, the following:
(1)That planning land development and land use is vitally important to a community;
(2)A planning commission is helpful to a community to plan for land development, land use and the future;
(3)A plan and a vision for the future is important when deciding uses for and development of land;
(4)That sprawl is not advantageous to a community;
(5)A comprehensive plan is a guide to a community's goals and objectives and a way to meet those goals and objectives;
(6)That the needs of agriculture, residential areas, industry and business be recognized in future growth;
(7)That the growth of the community is commensurate with and promotive of the efficient and economical use of public funds;
(8)Promoting growth that is economically sound, environmentally friendly and supportive of community livability to enhance quality of life is a good objective for a governing body; and
(9)Governing bodies of municipalities and counties need flexibility when authorizing land development and use.
(b)Therefore, the Legislature encourages and recommends the following:
(1)The goal of a governing body should be to have a plan and a vision for the future, and an agency to oversee it;
(2)A governing body should have a planning commission, to serve in an advisory capacity to the governing body, and promote the orderly development of its community;
(3)A comprehensive plan should be the basis for land development and use, and be reviewed and updated on a regular basis;
(4)A goal of a governing body should be to reduce sprawl;
(5)That planning commissions prepare a comprehensive plan and governing bodies adopt the comprehensive plans;
(6)Governing bodies, units of government and planning commissions work together to provide for a better community;
(7)Governing bodies may have certain regulatory powers over developments affecting the public welfare; and
(8)Based upon a comprehensive plan, governing bodies may:
(A)Enact a subdivision and land development ordinance;
(B)Require plans and plats for land development;
(C)Issue improvement location permits for construction; and
(D)Enact a zoning ordinance.