This bill amends the existing zoning ordinance provisions in West Virginia, specifically focusing on the notice requirements for amendments to zoning ordinances. It removes the requirement for the governing body to find that an amendment is consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan, unless there have been significant changes in the area that were not anticipated. The bill also updates the legal citation for the publication of notice in local newspapers, changing it to reference the specific code section 59-3-1 et seq.

Additionally, the bill introduces alternatives to the current requirement of providing notice by certified mail to affected landowners. It allows municipalities or counties to use various methods such as regular first-class mail, electronic mail, public postings on official websites, and newspaper summaries to ensure that affected landowners are informed. The bill also establishes that an affidavit of notice from the planning commission or governing body will serve as prima facie evidence of proper notice, and it clarifies that failure to provide actual notice will not invalidate the proceedings as long as there has been substantial compliance with the notice requirements.

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