Land Use & Zoning
Under West Virginia law, a city may annex adjacent unincorporated territory. This affects real estate because:
AProperty values automatically increase upon annexation
BProperties become subject to city zoning, services, and taxation instead of county regulations✓ Correct
CExisting buildings must conform to city codes immediately
DMineral rights revert to the city upon annexation
Explanation
Annexation brings adjacent unincorporated land under municipal jurisdiction, subjecting it to city zoning, building codes, utility services, and taxation. This can significantly affect property use, value, and development potential.
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Key Terms to Know
Zoning
Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.
VarianceOfficial permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.
Comparable Sales (Comps)Recently sold properties similar in size, condition, and location used by appraisers and agents to estimate a property's market value.
DepreciationA reduction in the value of an improvement (building) over time due to physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, or external factors.
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