Planning & Zoning Commission - P&Z

Overview

This Commission reviews, accepts or rejects changes in zoning matters, new constructions and demolitions. In other matters, the Commission may give suggestions to City Council for their acceptance or rejection of an issue.

This Commission hears petitions for various matters (i.e., rezoning, lot combinations, abandonment's, etc.). Petitions regarding rezoning and annexation are forwarded to this Commission by Council. This Commission then holds a public hearing on the petition and forwards the same, along with its comments and recommendations, back to Council for their further handling. Petitions concerning lot combinations/subdivisions are considered and ruled on by this Commission.

Established

SECTION 21. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION; ZONING COMMISSION AND BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.

   The council shall provide for the establishment and the financial support of a city planning commission as provided in article five, chapter eight of the official code of West Virginia, as amended. The commission shall be composed of eleven members, who shall be nominated by the city manager and confirmed by the council. The members of the commission shall be freeholders of the city. The commission shall have the powers and shall perform the duties prescribed by general law. It shall be the responsibility of the commission to prepare comprehensive plans for the future development of the city, including recommendations concerning needed streets, bridges, parks, parkways, playgrounds, public buildings, and other public improvements. Such plans and recommendations shall be submitted to the city manager and to the council and other appropriate agencies of the city for such action as the council or other agencies may deem proper. In addition, the commission shall submit annually to the city manager, not less than ninety days prior to the beginning of the budget year, a list of recommended capital improvements which in the opinion of the commission are necessary or desirable to be constructed during the forthcoming five year period. Such list shall be arranged in order of preference, with recommendations as to which projects shall be constructed in which year.

   The planning commission shall also act as the zoning commission and as such shall have the authority and shall perform the duties prescribed by general law, including the authority and duty to prepare and recommend to council for enactment any revisions or amendments of the city zoning ordinance it may deem advisable. The council shall in the manner prescribed by law provide for a board of adjustment which shall hear all appeals arising in connection with the enforcement of the city zoning ordinance.