By Patrick Hurston
The Hardy County Commission will host a public hearing on Wed., Sept. 10, 2025, beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the conference room of the Hardy County Health Department (421 E Jackson Street, Moorefield).
Residents are invited to weigh in on the newly drafted Comprehensive Plan Update, submitted by the Planning Commission on Aug. 5 to the Commission. The Plan is aimed at guiding County policy for the next decade and beyond.
The draft Plan reflects a comprehensive reimagining of priorities across a wide array of areas including land use, development, housing, transportation, infrastructure, economic diversification, natural resources, and community design.
Differing from the earlier 2016 plan, the 2025 draft emphasizes expanded commercial and industrial subdivision regulations, the addition of sector-based planning (e.g., for Baker, Lost River, Moorefield, Wardensville areas), and new incentives for adaptive reuse of buildings, tourism development, and preservation of the natural environment, scenic vistas, and historic sites.
The update also proposes buffer zones, hillside and floodplain protections, plus a “Right-to-Farm/Hunt” policy — all designed to balance development with conservation.
Reflecting the changing economy, two other issues emerged as potential points of tension for the County and some residents.
Short-term rentals, including AirBnB-style vacation homes, are becoming one of the most contentious housing issues facing Hardy County.
While these rentals support tourism and generate revenue, they also remove housing from the long-term market, contributing to rising home prices and a shortage of affordable options for local workers and families.
County officials note growing tension between full-time residents—who worry about neighborhood disruption and absentee investors—and second-home or vacation property owners who see short-term rentals as income opportunities. The draft Plan suggests County leaders must find a careful balance, ensuring that tourism thrives without undermining the County’s ability to affordably and adequately house its workforce.
The Comprehensive Plan update also draws a clear distinction between Hardy County’s small, local, often family-run farms and the larger commercial agricultural operations that have increasingly shaped the County’s economy.
The Plan notes that the County’s agricultural future is being shaped by this growing divide.
While industrial poultry and livestock facilities provide significant jobs and tax revenue, they also spark concerns about water usage, waste, and land-use conflicts.
Some residents are concerned that zoning rules favor corporate farming at the expense of traditional family agriculture, which has long been the backbone of the County’s rural character. The Plan calls for finding common ground—supporting economic growth while safeguarding water quality, rural identity, and the survival of smaller farms.
The planning process began in 2021, featuring multiple rounds of input from stakeholders, including businesses, community groups, and residents. These insights have shaped the draft’s goals, which are intended to steer Hardy County’s growth in a coordinated and community-informed direction.
Copies of the draft plan are available for public review at: The Hardy County Clerk’s Office, Room 111, 204 Washington Street, Moorefield
The Hardy County Planning Office, 106 Washington Street
The Planning Commission’s website: www.hardywvplanning.weebly.com
At the hearing, residents are encouraged to provide feedback of any kind – support, concerns, or suggestions. Afterward, the Commission may—but is not required to—vote on the Plan’s adoption.
The Comprehensive Plan serves as the county’s blueprint for future priorities in housing, business growth, infrastructure, environment, and cultural preservation. These updates work to keep development in line with community values and needs.
