The proposed bill aims to establish a new legal framework for the annexation of undeveloped property from municipalities to counties in West Virginia, designated as the "Municipal-to-County Annexation Act." It introduces a series of provisions that outline the eligibility requirements for property owners wishing to petition for annexation, including the necessity for written consent from both the property owner and the county commission. The bill also details the application process, which requires property owners to submit specific documentation to the county commission, including a map of the property and evidence of its undeveloped status. Additionally, the county commission is tasked with reviewing applications, holding public hearings, and determining whether the annexation serves a legitimate public purpose without adversely impacting public services.

Furthermore, the bill grants county development authorities a right of first refusal to purchase annexed properties for five years at fair market value, ensuring that the county has the opportunity to acquire land that may be beneficial for development. Upon successful annexation, the property will be removed from municipal jurisdiction and will fall under county governance, including zoning and land use regulations. The bill also allows for judicial review of county commission decisions regarding annexation, ensuring a legal recourse for affected parties. This new article is intended to supplement existing annexation procedures without altering the authority of municipalities to annex territory under current law. The act is set to take effect 90 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-12A-1, 8-12A-2, 8-12A-3, 8-12A-4, 8-12A-5, 8-12A-6, 8-12A-7, 8-12A-8, 8-12A-9, 8-12A-10, 8-12A-11