Greenbrier County holds public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance; commission to revise after comments

The Greenbrier County Commission held a public hearing on a proposed updated county zoning ordinance and took two evenings of public comment, the commission said. "This public hearing is being held by the Greenbar County Commission in accordance with West Virginia code 8A-7-5," the presiding official said, describing the Planning Commission's recommendation and the study that supports the draft.

Commissioners said the draft before the public reflects a multi-year study and a Planning Commission recommendation and that state law requires the county to present the ordinance as transmitted. The presiding official told attendees the commission "does not have the authority to substantially rewrite or alter the ordinance prior to these required public hearings" but that it expects to make additional revisions after reviewing public comments and will hold another public hearing on any amended version before adoption.

Speakers addressed a range of concerns, including map designations that assign different land‑use categories to adjacent parcels, the treatment of agricultural uses in residential zones, yard and setback rules, regulations for event and agritourism uses, accessory dwelling units and enforcement of camper/trailer rules. Officials encouraged written comments and said the hearing would continue the following morning at 11:00 a.m. for anyone who ran out of time.