Bill > HB5632

This bill modifies existing West Virginia law concerning local permitting processes, specifically by expanding the timeframe for local governing bodies or planning commissions to approve or deny a "request," which is defined as an application for a permit, license, variance, or other prior approval for property development or improvement. Previously, these bodies had 60 days to act on a request, and failure to do so resulted in automatic approval, provided public notice requirements were met. This bill maintains the 60-day deadline but clarifies that if a request requires prior approval from a state or federal agency, the local deadline is extended to 120 days after that external approval is granted, with a potential further extension up to 120 days if the applicant agrees. Additionally, the bill states that if a request is approved, no additional requirements can be imposed, though amendments to previously approved plans may be treated as new requests. If a request is denied, the reasons must be provided in writing, and if denied for incompleteness, the specific missing information must be detailed.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5632&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill