West Virginia HB5009 amends zoning ordinances to clarify definitions and effects, particularly regarding water rights and nonconforming uses.

West Virginia HB5009 amends Section 8A-7-10 of the Code of West Virginia to redefine "use" in zoning ordinances to include domestic use, farming, or activities on the land from where water was drawn, excluding extraction for commercial sale or shipment outside West Virginia. It validates existing zoning ordinances and their amendments, ensuring they remain in effect until changed by the governing body. The bill also addresses the presumption of abandonment for nonconforming uses that have ceased and been vacant for a year, unless the owner can prove otherwise.

West Virginia HB5009 amends zoning ordinances to clarify definitions and effects, particularly regarding water rights and nonconforming uses.

West Virginia HB5009 amends Section 8A-7-10 of the Code of West Virginia to redefine "use" in zoning ordinances to include domestic use, farming, or activities on the land from where water was drawn, excluding extraction for commercial sale or shipment outside West Virginia. It validates existing zoning ordinances and their amendments, ensuring they remain in effect until changed by the governing body. The bill also addresses the presumption of abandonment for nonconforming uses that have ceased and been vacant for a year, unless the owner can prove otherwise.