The Shepherdstown Planning Commission met in August to discuss a proposed “Projected Extraterritorial Expansion,” known also as an urban growth boundary.

John Mathews, Shepherdstown Zoning Officer, said that under current rules, the town cannot force a property owner to have their land annexed.  Property owners can request that their land be annexed, and such a request can be passed by the town with the approval of Jefferson County.

Mathews explained that the purpose of the growth boundary is “to allow for planning to occur in areas of potential future growth which would only come into play if land is annexed.”

Mathews made it clear that he was not proposing that the town annex all the land up to this proposed boundary. Annexation can only occur if the land is contiguous, and if and when property owners request to be annexed into the town. Mr Mathews suggested that the town’s comprehensive plan was due for updating, and that this might be an opportunity to allow for the creation of such an urban growth boundary.

A map of Greater Shepherdstown was placed on the wall during the planning commission meeting. The proposed urban growth boundary would run from the Potomac along the border with Berkeley County, along Rocky Marsh Run, then along Perssimon Lane down 480 towards Shepherdstown, then along Ridge Road, Gardners Lane to Route 230, across to Trough Road and down to River Road and back to Shepherdstown. This is an increase in potential land by a factor of around 100.