This bill amends the Code of West Virginia regarding the process of annexation by minor boundary adjustment. It allows municipalities to apply for permission from the county commission to increase their corporate limits through minor boundary adjustments, with specific limitations on the extent of these adjustments. Notably, the bill stipulates that a minor boundary adjustment cannot exceed 105 percent of the existing total municipal boundary and 120 percent of the current area of the municipality. Additionally, the previous limitation of one boundary annexation within a two-year period has been removed, providing municipalities with greater flexibility in pursuing annexations.

The bill also outlines the requirements for the annexation application, including the need for consent from affected parties, a detailed plan for public services, and an assessment of the impact on existing services and finances. The county commission is tasked with reviewing the application to ensure it meets the necessary criteria and may deny it if it lacks sufficient evidence of consent or fails to meet other requirements. If denied, municipalities can modify their proposals and request another public hearing. The final decision by the county commission can be appealed to the circuit court, but municipalities are restricted from submitting another application for the same proposed change for two years following a denial.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-6-5