Bill > SB697

This bill establishes clear standards for the Commissioner of Highways to determine if a "change of use" has occurred for existing entrances to state highways, which would then require a new permit or modification. A "change of use" is defined by specific thresholds, such as a significant increase in vehicle trips during peak hours or daily, a substantial rise in heavy vehicle traffic, or a documented safety or operational deficiency that meets certain criteria. The bill also exempts temporary forestry or logging operations and routine agricultural operations from triggering a change of use determination, provided they do not exceed specified daily trip limits. Furthermore, it "grandfather" entrances with documented use for over 40 years or for which records are unavailable, preventing the state from requiring modifications unless a change of use occurs, and clarifies that improvements to existing entrances that don't constitute a change of use are permissible without a new permit.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=697&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill