Putnam County approves three zoning text amendments to add and regulate 'lay down yard' use

The Putnam County Commission approved three related zoning text amendments to clarify and regulate a new land‑use category described in the record as a “lay down yard.” The county’s planning staff presented the proposals, and the Putnam County Planning Commission had recommended approval at its February 27 meeting.

David Call, a planning staff member, described the three items: an amendment to article 150.02 to add a definition for “lay down yard,” an amendment to article 800.02 to include lay down yards as a permitted principal use in the I‑1 Light Industrial District, and an amendment to article 1700.17 establishing design criteria and operational requirements. The requirements discussed include parking and internal‑roadway standards, surface and paving standards (asphalt, concrete, crushed stone with separation fabric), 22‑foot interior aisle widths, minimum 30‑foot rear/side yards adjacent to residences, restrictions on on‑site dismantling or body/paint work (to be treated as separate uses), and a requirement that the West Virginia Division of Highways approve ingress/egress when applicable.

Each proposed amendment was advertised, opened for public hearing during the meeting, and then approved by motion. A planning‑department worksheet and the planning commission’s recommendation were included in the meeting packet. Commissioners stated the amendments were clarifying changes that would aid staff and protect public health, safety and welfare in keeping with the adopted comprehensive and corridor plans.

Motions to approve each of the three cases were made, seconded and carried with commissioners voting in favor. The record shows the planning commission recommended the changes and that the county commission found they were consistent with the comprehensive plan, the US‑35 corridor management plan and the Teays Valley land‑use plan.