This bill amends the Code of West Virginia regarding the process of annexation by minor boundary adjustment. It allows municipalities to apply to the county commission for permission to expand their corporate limits through minor boundary adjustments, with specific conditions. Notably, the bill introduces a new provision stating that a minor boundary adjustment may not exceed 120 percent of the current area of the municipality, while also removing the previous limitation that restricted such adjustments to one boundary annexation within a two-year period. Additionally, the bill clarifies the requirements for the application process, including the need for consent from affected parties and a detailed plan for providing public services to the newly annexed territory.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the county commission in reviewing applications for annexation, including the requirement to publish a notice of the proposed annexation and hold a public hearing. It emphasizes the importance of considering various factors, such as the contiguity of the territory to be annexed and the support or opposition from affected parties. If an application is denied, the municipality may modify the proposal to address the commission's concerns, and a new public hearing will be required for significant modifications. The bill also establishes an appeal process for municipalities or affected parties dissatisfied with the commission's final order.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-6-5