Areas for Future Study

The 2013 Comprehensive Plan Update identified several "Areas for Future Study" - area in which existing zoning does not align with the existing land uses or the existing pattern of development. These areas may also be locations where the existing zoning is not compatible with or does not fully support the desired future of the area as indicated in the Comprehensive Plan's Land Management Map (PDF).

Small Area Planning


In May 2015, the Morgantown Planning Commission adopted a set of guidelines to develop small area plans for the several "Areas for Future Study" identified in the 2013 Comprehensive Plan Update. Small area planning is a method to engage stakeholder involvement to develop land use policies (zoning text and/or zoning map amendments) within a defined geographic area for the purpose of advancing the goals, objectives, strategies, and consistency principles of the Update and enhancing the quality of life of each distinct neighborhood.

Small Area Plan


A "Small Area Plan" is a neighborhood - level plan that addresses land use, transportation, and a variety of other topics. For each "Area for Future Study," a plan will be developed that is adopted by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Future Study Areas


The diverse nature of each of the "Future Study Areas" will dictate the amount of time and effort necessary to develop small area plans for each location, as some of these areas will require more extensive study and planning analysis than others.

Note: This page will serve as the repository for information and documents relating to each of the "Areas for Future Study" where a "Small Area Plan" has been initiated.
  1. Future Study Area 5
  2. Future Study Area 16
  3. Future Study Area 18
  4. Future Study Area 17
  5. Future Study Area 2
“Future Study Area 5” is generally described as being located along Stewart Street and Jones Avenue, below Raymond Street. The study area is mostly rental and residential properties. 

The final Future Study Area No. 5 Small Area Plan Recommendations Report, available here, was presented to the Morgantown Planning Commission on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 and accepted unanimously.  The presentation to the Planning Commission is available here.


A map showing the boundaries for Study Area Number 5.

Related Documents