By Dakota Baker
The Greenbrier County Commission held an open house on Wednesday, Aug. 6, to discuss the 2025 Greenbrier County Comprehensive Plan. A comprehensive plan is a big picture guide that helps the planning commission make smart decisions about land use, housing, roads, jobs, and other essential services, shaped by those who reside in the area.
With a comprehensive plan, municipalities can invest wisely, protect what matters most, and build a strong foundation for future generations. Their vision statement is, “Greenbrier County envisions a thriving, resilient community and honors its natural beauty, rich heritage, and unique character while fostering sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and a high quality of life for all residents. Through collaboration, innovation, and stewardship, we will build a future that preserves what we value most, our land, our people, and our way of life.”
The Comprehensive Plan guides decisions on land use, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and natural resources while also serving as a blueprint for the next ten years. This plan must be updated every ten years to meet current needs. Public participation is a significant part of this process. A community survey was launched, and 931 responses were received. The input helped to identify top priorities for the comprehensive plan. There will be a public hearing conducted on Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Greenbrier County Courthouse. Written comments will be accepted through that date. Revisions to the plan will be made based on the public input that is received.
Some of the issues addressed in the comprehensive plan are housing, declining population, aging housing stock, limited infrastructure in rural areas, economic development hindered by lack of industrial sites, and natural constraints to development (e.g., flood plains, steep slopes). The comprehensive plan is primarily implemented through the zoning ordinance. There is an existing zoning ordinance in the county that was first adopted in 1973. Only about 10 percent of the county is zoned. It is also implemented through the subdivision ordinance, which is county-wide, excluding municipalities. Additionally, it is implemented through the floodplain ordinance and building codes.
The public can stay involved by reading the plan, which is available on the county website (www.greenbrier county.net) and at public libraries in the county, or by attending the public hearing or submitting written comments.
