West Virginia HB4977: Relating to authorizing municipalities to adopt an ordinance to recover demolition costs as special tax assessments

What the bill says

To amend and reenact §8-12-16 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to authorizing municipalities to adopt an ordinance to recover demolition costs as special tax assessments. §8-12-16. Ordinances regulating the repair, alteration, improvement, closing, demolition, etc., of structures, dwellings, or buildings that are unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous, or detrimental to the public safety or welfare; procedures. (a) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Code enforcement agency" means either a code enforcement department as defined by 87 CSR 7-2, as may be amended, or an e.

From the engrossed text, February 28, 2026:

A BILL to amend and reenact §8-12-16 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to authorizing municipalities to adopt an ordinance to recover demolition costs as special tax assessments. §8-12-16. Ordinances regulating the repair, alteration, improvement, closing, demolition, etc., of structures, dwellings, or buildings that are unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous, or detrimental to the public safety or welfare; procedures. (a) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Code enforcement agency" means either a code enforcement department as defined by 87 CSR 7-2, as may be amended, or an enforcement agency as permitted by subsection (c) of this section. (2) "Code enforcement agency official" means any lawful agent of a code enforcement agency. (3) "Owner" or "landowner" means a person who individually or jointly with (B) Has charge, care, or control of the property as owner or agent of the owner; (C) Is an executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian of the estate of the owner; (D) Is the agent of the owner for the purpose of managing, controlling, or collecting rents; or (E) May control or direct the management or disposition of the property. (4) "Unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous, or detrimental to the public safety or welfare" (B) The walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway, exit, or other means of egress is so warped, worn loose, torn, or otherwise …

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