W. Va. Code § 16-15 § 16-15-9
Developments subject to ordinances, etc., of locality in which situated; restrictions on acquisition, etc., of property; securities need not be offered to sinking fund commission.
Operative Text
All developments of an authority shall be subject to the planning, zoning, sanitary and building laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to the locality in which the development is situated. No provisions with respect to the acquisition, operation or disposition of property by public bodies shall be applicable to an authority unless the Legislature shall specifically so state. No authority shall be required to offer its securities to the state sinking fund commission at any time, nor shall any authority be required to turn over any surplus or sinking funds to the state sinking fund commission.
West Virginia Code § 16-15-9 establishes that housing authority developments must comply with local planning, zoning, sanitary, and building rules just as other properties do. At the same time, general laws governing how public bodies acquire, operate, or dispose of property do not apply to housing authorities unless the Legislature explicitly says so. Additionally, housing authorities are not required to offer their securities to the state sinking fund commission or transfer surplus or sinking funds to that body.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 16-15-9, a housing authority operating a development must ensure that its properties meet all local planning, zoning, sanitary, and building requirements for the locality where each development sits. Compliant operators typically track applicable municipal codes and ordinances and incorporate those standards into development and maintenance practices. At the same time, the provision clarifies that general public-body property laws do not bind the authority unless the Legislature specifically extends them.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 16-15-9 confirms that housing authority developments are held to the same local planning, zoning, sanitary, and building standards as other properties, which can be relevant if residents believe a development falls short of those local requirements. Tenants who observe conditions that may violate local building or sanitary codes may have avenues such as contacting local code enforcement or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance. Consulting a legal aid provider familiar with West Virginia housing law can help clarify what options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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