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Zoning Guide

Morgantown Zoning & Land Use Guide

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Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Morgantown Planning Department(304) 284-7431
Building Code Edition
WV State Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
ADUs Allowed
No
Primary District
R-1 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Morgantown Zoning Overview

Morgantown is a city in West Virginia with approximately 30,347 residents, located in Monongalia County. The city manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

West Virginia follows the WV State Building Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Local jurisdictions may adopt additional amendments.

Primary Zoning Districts

Morgantown's zoning code includes several district classifications (R-1, R-2, R-3, B-1, B-2, I). The R-1 (Single-Family Residential) district requires a minimum lot size of 8,000 sq ft with setbacks of 25 ft (front), 8 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). Maximum height is 35 ft. The R-2 (Two-Family Residential) district requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 sq ft with setbacks of 20 ft (front), 6 ft (side), and 15 ft (rear). Maximum height is 35 ft. The R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 20 ft (front), 5 ft (side), and 15 ft (rear). Maximum height is 50 ft. The B-1 (Neighborhood Business) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 10 ft (front), 0-10 ft (side), and 10 ft (rear). Maximum height is 45 ft. The B-2 (General Business) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 0 ft (front), 0 ft (side), and 10 ft (rear). Maximum height is 60 ft. The I (Industrial) district has varying lot size requirements with setbacks of 25 ft (front), 10 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). Maximum height is 50 ft.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Morgantown does not have specific ADU provisions confirmed. Contact the Planning Department for current regulations. West Virginia does not have a statewide ADU mandate.

Development Process

Development in Morgantown generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

  1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
  2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
  3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
  4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
  5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Morgantown, property owners should:

  • Verify the zoning classification of their property
  • Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
  • Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
  • Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
  • Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
  • Contact the Planning Department at (304) 284-7431 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Morgantown and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Morgantown or the municipal code before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Morgantown

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — West Virginia

  • Building Code: WV State Building Code
View West Virginia zoning overview

County — Monongalia County

  • Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
8,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
R-2Two-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
6 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft
R-3Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
50 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft
B-1Neighborhood Business
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
10 ft
Side Setback
0-10 ft
Rear Setback
10 ft
B-2General Business
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
60 ft
Front Setback
0 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
10 ft
IIndustrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
50 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft

ADU Rules in Morgantown

ADUs:Not Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Morgantown are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Morgantown permit fees →

Official Sources

City of Morgantownmorgantownwv.govOfficial sourceMorgantown Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in Morgantown?
Contact the Morgantown Planning Department at (304) 284-7431 or visit https://www.morgantownwv.gov. You can also review the municipal code for zoning district descriptions and permitted uses.
What building code does Morgantown follow?
West Virginia follows the WV State Building Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Contact the local building department for specific requirements and local amendments.
Do I need a permit for home improvements in Morgantown?
Most structural modifications, additions, and changes of use require a building permit. Contact the Morgantown building department at (304) 284-7431 for specific requirements.
Can I build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in Morgantown?
ADU regulations vary by municipality. Contact the Morgantown Planning Department at (304) 284-7431 for current requirements regarding accessory dwelling units.