This bill aims to enhance the authority of county commissions and local governing bodies in West Virginia to address hazardous real property conditions. It introduces new articles in the Code of West Virginia, specifically Chapter 7 and Chapter 8, which outline the processes by which these governing bodies can compel the cleanup of unsafe properties. The bill establishes a framework for issuing resolutions to identify hazardous conditions, serving notice to property owners, and providing a timeline for compliance. If property owners fail to act, the governing bodies are empowered to remove the hazardous materials at the owner's expense, which will then become a lien against the property.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a hearing and appeals process for property owners who object to the resolutions made by the county commissions or local governing bodies. It specifies the procedures for notifying owners, conducting hearings, and appealing decisions to the circuit court. The intent of the legislation is to ensure public safety and health by enabling local authorities to effectively manage and remediate unsafe real property conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-28-1, 8-20B-1