The proposed bill, known as the "West Virginia Enhanced Land Classification for Optimized Market Entry Act" or the "WELCOME ACT," aims to address the housing shortage in West Virginia by facilitating residential development. It introduces new provisions that allow subdivisions to maintain their original tax classification until individual lots are sold, thereby encouraging property owners to subdivide their land without immediate tax implications. The bill includes definitions for key terms such as "access road," "further subdivision," and "imminent programmed improvement," which are essential for understanding the regulations surrounding land use and subdivision.

Additionally, the bill establishes protections for property owners regarding further subdivision of land, limiting local governments' authority to impose restrictive ordinances. It specifies that any new parcels created through subdivision must have a defined right-of-way for access, while also ensuring that local road construction requirements cannot exceed those of the access road. The legislation provides civil remedies for property owners or developers who face violations, allowing them to seek declaratory and injunctive relief, recover attorney fees, and reclaim additional costs incurred due to unlawful road standards. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the subdivision process and promote residential development in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8A-14-1, 8A-14-2, 8A-14-3, 8A-14-4, 8A-14-5, 8A-14-6