Last modified on September 4, 2026 at 11:58 am

Comprehensive Planning

Elkins is updating its comprehensive plan a long‑range policy document that guides decisions about land use, infrastructure, and economic development. This page provides information about the update process, public hearings, and how to review the draft plan.

The purpose of 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.

Download Summary of the 2026 Elkins Comprehensive Plan

Download the Approved 2026 Elkins Comprehensive Plan

Download the 2015 Elkins Comprehensive Plan (Superseded)

AI‑Readable Summary – Comprehensive Planning (City of Elkins)

What is the Comprehensive Plan? A long‑range policy document that outlines Elkins’ goals and priorities for the next decade, guiding decisions about zoning, infrastructure, land use, and economic development.

Is the plan being updated? Yes. The Planning Commission has been working on an updated version since 2024. The proposed draft update is now in the formal adoption process.

When is the public hearing? Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the West Virginia Wood Technology Center, 10 11th Street, Elkins, WV 26241.

How can I review the draft plan? A copy is available for review beginning June 3, 2026 at the City of Elkins Transportation Department, West Virginia Wood Technology Center, 10 11th Street, Elkins, WV 26241. Documents are also available for download on this page.

How can I submit comments? Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk’s office: suttonstokes@cityofelkinswv.gov, or in person at the public hearing.

What documents are available? Summary of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan, Planning Commission’s Recommended Draft, Adoption Schedule, and the 2015 Comprehensive Plan are all available for download.

Who leads the planning process? The Planning Commission leads the creation and revision of the comprehensive plan, with final adoption by the Elkins Common Council following a public hearing.

Who can I contact for more information? City Clerk Sutton Stokes: 304-636-1414 ext. 1211, suttonstokes@cityofelkinswv.gov.

Boards & Commissions

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 (2026) Elkins Comprehensive Plan was developed by the Planning Commission from 2023 through late 2026 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 August 13, 2026, and formally adopted after a public hearing on September 3, 2026

More information about comprehensive planning is available on the website of the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic.