Comprehensive Planning
A comprehensive plan is a long-range policy document that outlines a city’s goals and priorities for the next decade. In West Virginia, state law (§8A-3 of the West Virginia Code) requires municipalities to adopt and maintain a comprehensive plan, with updates at least every ten years. Elkins launched its first comprehensive plan in 2015.
Although a comprehensive plan is not a law, it plays a critical role in shaping laws—especially zoning ordinances—and guiding decisions about budgeting, infrastructure, land use, and economic development.
Elkins’ current comprehensive plan is in draft form. For the 2026 comprehensive plan, Elkins City Council members have until April 3, 2026, to comment. On April 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Phil Gainer Community Center, the Planning Commission will give a public presentation. The Planning Commission will meet on May 14, 2026, to update any changes, motion to start this process, and plan any subsequent timelines.
Download Draft Summary of the 2026 Elkins Comprehensive Plan
- Board of Property Maintenance Appeals
- Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health
- Board of Zoning Appeals
- Building Commission
- Fire & Rescue Service Fee Appeals Board
- Firefighters Civil Service Commission
- Historic Landmarks Commission
- Housing Authority of the City of Elkins
- Parks and Recreation Commission
- Planning Commission
- Police Civil Service Commission
- Sanitary Board
- Tree Board
- Water Board
Role of the Planning Commission
In Elkins, the Planning Commission leads the creation and periodic revision of the comprehensive plan. The process includes research, public engagement, and coordination with elected officials and planning professionals. Once the Planning Commission recommends a draft, it is reviewed, revised if needed, and formally adopted by Elkins Common Council following a public hearing.
The Current Comprehensive Plan
The current Elkins Comprehensive Plan was developed by the Planning Commission from early 2013 through late 2014, with support from the West Virginia University Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic (LUSD). The process included significant public input, extensive data analysis, and careful deliberation by commissioners. The plan was presented to council on December 18, 2014, and formally adopted after a public hearing on January 15, 2015.
Since its adoption, the plan has been amended twice—in 2017 and 2022—to reflect specific changes in city policy and conditions. A full update has been underway since 2024, once again led by the Elkins Planning Commission with assistance from LUSD staff.
More information about comprehensive planning is available on the website of the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic.
