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 or pipelines. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that protect the rights of landowners regarding the use of natural resources and agricultural operations, ensuring that zoning ordinances cannot limit these activities outside of urban areas.

Furthermore, the bill includes a specific provision for growth counties with majority karst terrain, stating that the restrictions on water extraction for commercial sale or shipment outside of West Virginia do not apply. However, it emphasizes that this provision does not grant any authority to local governments to impose regulations that would infringe upon the water rights of property owners. Overall, the bill aims to provide clarity and protection for land use and resource management in the context of zoning laws.

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