Putnam County Commission approves rezoning of Winfield Road parcels to R-2 mixed residential

The Putnam County Commission approved a rezoning request for 28.65 acres off Winfield Road in Winfield, changing parcels 6.7, 6.13 and 6.18 on tax map 172 from RR (rural residential) to R-2 (mixed residential).

Senior planner Melissa Sargent presented the application on behalf of Mark and Sarah Drennan, describing the 28.65-acre site as having about 594 feet of frontage on Winfield Road and a mix of maintained lawn, an existing dwelling and undisturbed woodlands near Hurricane Creek. Sargent told the commission the request (rezoning request number 202501) was evaluated against Chapter 8A of the West Virginia code, the county's comprehensive plan, the U.S. 35 corridor management plan and the Teays Valley land use plan.

Sargent said water service is available through West Virginia American Water and sewer service through Putnam PSD; she also noted portions of the property are mapped in the 100-year FEMA floodplain. She said the planning commission held a public hearing on July 24 and unanimously recommended approval, finding the rezoning would "protect and promote the public health, safety, convenience, morals, and general welfare," would advance the adopted plans and would help address an existing county housing shortage.

Commissioners discussed the planning commission's findings and whether the request met the adopted plans. Commissioner Ellis and Commissioner Pearson both said they agreed with the planning commission's recommendation and cited the county's housing needs and the US 35 investments as supporting context. The commission then voted to approve the rezoning; the motion passed with all commissioners voting in favor.

The county packet for the item (attachments noted by staff) included the comprehensive plan excerpt, the U.S. 35 corridor management plan section, the Teays Valley land use plan, copies of the deed and plats, a zoning map, photographs and FEMA flood mapping. Staff said the only direct neighbor outreach had been a July 21 phone call from an adjacent property owner who did not state an opinion on the application.

The county commission record notes the applicant purchased the land in 2022 and that the R-2 district would permit a variety of residential densities, including multi-family housing, while RR is intended for low-density single-family and rural-compatible uses. Melissa Sargent said worksheets and the full plan documents are available to the commission if members want additional review.

Staff did not report any specific conditions tied to the approval at the meeting. The planning materials and staff contact remain available for follow-up questions.