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Hardy County Zoning

In West Virginia many cities have zoning to keep compatible land uses together, but only two counties zone the land outside cities: Jefferson and Fayette. For many, "zoning" is a dirty word, and is regarded as an infringement on a fundamental right to use one's land as one sees fit, regardless of the consequences for one's neighbors. However, these attitudes are beginning to erode.

For a long while the Potomac Highlands has seen the accumulating construction of second homes and retirement homes. More recently, 9/11 and the construction of the Corridor H highway have led to an understandable spurt in land sales. Fears have grown among long-standing residents as well as newcomers that the basic rural character of the region is under threat. In response to these pressures, the Hardy County Commission prepared its first-ever zoning ordinance. Neighboring Hampshire County is exploring similar issues through its enlarged Planning Commission.

The draft ordinance has revealed the somewhat contradictory goals of two strong interests in the community: farmers and developers. The prime bottom land of the Lost River, South Fork and South Branch rivers was reserved for agriculture while agricultural land elsewhere, encompassing most of the rest of the county, was potentially open to even dense sub-division development. Commercial and industrial developments were restricted to the major roadways and the existing industrial parks.

This first draft was criticized at countywide public meetings and sent back for revisions. As of this writing, a new draft has been prepared and will be presented at another series of public meetings in November and December.

Resources

The Morgan County Citizens Coalition addresses transportation, environmental, and planning issues in Morgan County WV.

Save Our County is Paul Burke's amazing collection of information on planning, sprawl, state environmental laws, based in Jefferson County WV but it is applicable to many other areas as well.

Washington DC Regional Network For Livable Communities promotes urban and suburban planning which brings more facilities into each community, improves transit options, and reduces automobile use.

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