This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the definition of "use" in relation to zoning ordinances. Specifically, it defines "use" to encompass domestic use, farming, or activities conducted on the land from which water is drawn, explicitly excluding extraction for transport to other jurisdictions through methods such as bottling, storage, or pipelines. This change aims to ensure that local landowners can utilize their resources without the risk of being classified under commercial extraction regulations.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the rights of property owners regarding the use of their land for agricultural and industrial purposes, ensuring that existing uses are not prohibited by new zoning ordinances. It also stipulates that if a nonconforming use ceases for a year, it will be presumed abandoned unless the owner can prove otherwise, while clarifying that the absence of certain activities does not equate to abandonment. Overall, the bill seeks to protect local land use rights while providing clear definitions and guidelines for zoning ordinances.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8A-7-10