This bill amends sections 8A-13-1, 8A-13-2, and 8A-13-3 of the West Virginia code to enhance local permitting deadlines, ensuring that petitioners have sufficient time for review and approval by local authorities. It defines a "request" as an application for various types of permits or approvals related to property development, specifically referencing the relevant code sections. The bill stipulates that local governing bodies or planning commissions must approve or deny requests within 60 days, with provisions for automatic approval if the deadline is not met, provided that public notice requirements are still adhered to. Additionally, if a request is denied, the governing body must provide a written explanation.

The bill also extends the deadline for requests that require prior approval from state or federal agencies from 60 days to 120 days after such approval is granted, with the possibility of further extensions if agreed upon by the applicant. This change aims to streamline the permitting process while ensuring compliance with existing legal notice requirements, thereby reducing potential conflicts in the approval process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8A-13-1, 8A-13-2, 8A-13-3