Effect of Zoning Ordinance on Groundwater Usage

HB 5009 amends §8A-7-10 of the West Virginia Code to clarify how zoning ordinances apply, specifically by defining the term “use” in zoning law. It focuses on protecting certain activities and landowner rights from local zoning restrictions.

Sponsors: Joe Funkhouser, William Ridenour, Ian Masters

ISSUES: Pure Water

CWV Position: Opposes

Position Statement: While enabling local government to restrict groundwater usage in high growth counties in subsection (e), seems to reverse course inadvertently in subsection (f).

Status: Introduced on 1/30/26; referred to House Government Organization Committee on 1/30/26.