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.
Since 2024, the Planning Commission has been working on an updated version of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan. In May 2026, the Commission initiated the formal adoption process for its proposed draft update. Please see announcement below.
NOTICE: The City of Elkins Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the West Virginia Wood Technology Center, 10 11th Street, Elkins, WV 26241.
The public is invited to attend and submit comments on the City of Elkins Comprehensive Plan.
Beginning on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, a copy of the comprehensive plan can be reviewed at City of Elkins Treasurer’s Department, 10 11th St., Suite 3 West Virginia Wood Technology Center, Elkins, WV 26241 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM).
The comprehensive plan is also available to view online at https://cityofelkinswv.gov/. The draft plan is available for public review and comment through the public hearing date.
Written comments can be submitted prior to the scheduled hearing at City of Elkins Treasurer’s Department, Attn: City Clerk, 10 11th St., Suite 3 West Virginia Wood Technology Center, Elkins, WV 26251 or suttonstokes@cityofelkinswv.gov.
For more about the new (2026) proposed plan:
Download Summary of the 2026 Elkins Comprehensive Plan
Download Planning Commission’s Recommended Draft of the 2026 Elkins Comprehensive Plan
For more about the existing (2015) 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 (2015) 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.
