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WV HB5602
Bill
Status
2/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Joe Funkhouser
Click for details
AI Summary
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Creates the "Municipal-to-County Annexation Act" allowing owners of undeveloped land within city, town, or village boundaries to petition for their property to be transferred to unincorporated county jurisdiction
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Defines "undeveloped land" as property containing less than two percent impervious surfaces, requiring written consent from all property owners and approval by county commission resolution
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Requires applications to include property maps, consent affidavits, development authority eligibility statements, and applicable fees, with municipalities given 30 days to file objections after receiving notice
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Grants county development authorities a five-year right of first refusal to purchase annexed property at fair market value, with property owners required to provide 60 days' notice before accepting other purchase offers
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Takes effect 90 days after passage and supplements rather than replaces existing municipal annexation procedures under West Virginia law
Legislative Description
Provide a statutory mechanism allowing property owners of undeveloped or unimproved land located within municipal boundaries to petition for annexation of their property into the county.
Municipalities
Last Action
To House Government Organization
2/16/2026