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Elkins to look at zoning

With minor exception the City of Elkins zoning laws have not been updated since 1959. While these provisions don’t need revisited or revised frequently, given the finite boundaries and small amount of undeveloped land in city limits, the passage of nearly 60 years has brought enough change to warrant some updating. With annexation, aging structures and evolving industry, the city and the citizens need to consider how they want to see Elkins develop. Zoning, although viewed by some as singularly restrictive, is meant to foster responsible growth while also protecting character and safety.

In January 2015, after months of intensive work, the city published a Comprehensive Plan. This plan, created under the guidelines of W.Va. Code Chapter 8A and with the assistance of the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic, looks at all facets of the community including land use. It is intended to help government make informed decisions that will enhance the life of all residents. Chapter five specifically examines existing land use, development constraints, current zoning laws and an action plan to address identified needs. Step one of the action plan is to revise the zoning ordinance to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and to help encourage new growth and preserve the city’s historic character.

It is from this recommendation that the Elkins Planning Commission then began their work on the proposed zoning ordinance. For two and a half years the Commission has regularly met to hash out the minute details involved in the creation of an updated zoning ordinance. These details include far beyond identifying distinct zones within the city to what types of uses will be allowed in each zone; what general regulations should be adopted that affect all zones; supplemental regulations that require particular consideration; lot requirements such as setbacks and percentage use; identifying non-conforming lots and uses; determining if certain guidelines should be enacted to protect historic areas; and defining the meaning of all the words and phrases used within the code.

I describe this work to you, not to praise the commissioners themselves, although they provide this dedicated service without compensation, but to express how impactful this ordinance will be on every resident, property owner and business owner in the city. To that end, the Elkins Planning Commission wants to make every effort to inform the public of the content of the ordinance and solicit any concerns or opinions. Every Commission meeting is open to the public and provides time for public comment. However, on Thursday, Jan. 11, the Planning Commission is offering an additional opportunity for education and input in the form of an open house regarding these proposed changes. A representative of the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic will give a presentation beginning at 6 p.m. to be followed by a question and answer session and the opportunity for attendees to view displays related to various parts of the ordinance. The event will be held in the Caboose Room of the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, located at 315 Railroad Avenue in Elkins, and is expected to last until around 7:30 p.m.

–Sutton serves as the Elkins city clerk.

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