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1. Are there homes or lots for sale in the Ranson area?

Unfortunately, the Community Development Department does not track lot or home availability, we recommend that you contact a local realtor for this information.

2. Where can I get a copy of the Zoning Laws or Ordinances for the City of Ranson?

The City Council has adopted land development regulations and zoning to implement the community vision adopted in the comprehensive plan through the authority granted to West Virginia municipali­ties by W. Va. Code, § 8A-7-1 et seq. These regulations and process are organized within an urban to rural transect where all the elements of the built environment are organized in useful order.  Ranson has adopted a form-based zoning ordinance that encourages the development of compact walkable neighborhoods. The City’s zoning ordinance prioritizes the development’s form over the development’s uses. To incentivize compact walkable development, the Council has adopted an expedited development review process, and consolidated development applications.  

The ordinances for the City of Ranson, including the zoning regulations, are codified online and can be accessed through MuniCode online. If you need more information, contact the Community Development Department at 304-724-3895.

The Ranson's Subdivision Ordinance is contained within Chapter 16 of the Ranson Municipal Code. The Ranson's Zoning Ordinance is contained within Chapter 19 and Chapter 19A of the Ranson Municipal Code.

3. Where can I get maps of the City of Ranson?

We currently carry maps depicting annexations, zoning, streets, and basic parcel data. You may acquire these in a different variety of sizes, in black or color, at City Hall. If you need a map not included in the list, then contact City Hall for other options at 304-724-3865.

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. What are the major state/county phone numbers?

Jefferson County Emergency Dispatch Center.................................304-725-8484
City of Charles Town.....................................................................304-725-2311
Harpers Ferry Police Department....................................................304-535-6366
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office....................................................304-728-3205
Shepherdstown Police Department.................................................304-876-6036
WV State Police-Charles Town Detachment....................................304-725-9779
Citizen's Fire Company..................................................................304-725-2814
Independent Fire Company............................................................ 304-725-2514
Jefferson County Health Department.............................................. 304-728-8416
Jefferson County Magistrate Court..................................................304-728-3233
Jefferson County Circuit Court........................................................304-728-3231
Jefferson County Family Court....................................................... 304-724-6253
Jefferson County Animal Control.....................................................304-728-3289
Jefferson County Tax Office...........................................................304-728-3220

2. How do I know which jurisdiction I live in?

Citizens can contact the Jefferson County Emergency Services Dispatch Center at 304-725-8484 to learn which jurisdiction they reside in.

3. What is a Special Activity Permit and how can I obtain one?

Permits that are used when there is an activity or event involving a number of people which may affect the public. Examples: Parade, 5K, block party, boot drives. You may stop in the police department to get a copy of the form.

4. Do I need a permit for a yard sale?

Yes. Yard Sales must be conducted at an occupied residence, and are limited to one household only. They may not be conducted at a business or on commercial property.No more than three licenses may be issued to any single residence within the city during a 12 month period. For more information...

5. I need fingerprinting. Does the Ranson Police Department provide fingerprinting services?

Fingerprint services are subject to Officer availability only. Please call before coming in, to ensure that an Officer is available.

Non-government (Ranson Citizen) $ 5.00
Non-government (non-Ranson Citizen) $10.00
Government (non-law enforcement) $ 5.00
Government (law-enforcement) No Fee

6. How do I make an animal complaint?

Citizens can contact the Jefferson County Animal Welfare Society directly at 304-728-3289 or by calling the Jefferson County Emergency Services Dispatch Center at 304-725-8484

7. How do I file a complaint regarding the conduct of an officer or staff member employed by the Ranson Police Department?

Please come in to the Ranson Police Department during normal business hours to obtain a Citizen Complaint Form.

8. How do I obtain a criminal or accident report?

To obtain an accident or criminal report, please come in during business hours. There is a $20 fee for all reports.

9. How do I pay a traffic fine?

To pay a traffic citation, you may make payment in person at the Ranson Police Department, mail in a check or money order or pay over the phone with a credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

You have 30 days from the date of the citation to make payment in full. However, if you wish to start a payment plan, please come into the office within 30 days of the citation to set one up. We require 30% down, and you will have 90 days to pay off the remaining balance.

If you wish to schedule a court date, please call 304-725-2411.

10. How do I get to the Ranson Police Department?

We are located on the corner of East 13th Avenue and North Preston Street, in Ranson.

From Charles Town: Take Mildred Street, make a right on E. 13th Avenue, proceed to the stop sign and Ranson Police Department is on the left.

From Martinsburg: Take Rt. 9 East to Currie Road, make a right on Currie Road. Make a left onto Rt. 115N (Mildred Street). Proceed approximately two miles and make a left on E. 13th Avenue, proceed to the stop sign and Ranson Police Department is ahead on the left.

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1. Where do we shop in Ranson?

The city is loaded with stores featuring everything from groceries, to clothing, to home improvement. Some of the stores include Home Depot, Kohls Department Store, Weis' Market, and many more.

The Potomac Marketplace and The Boulevard at Fairfax Crossing are conveniently located on the north side of the city with access to West Virginia State Route 9. Our area also includes a Super Walmart, Staples, and Martin's Grocer.

2. What city facilities and parks are available in Ranson?

Ranson maintains 3 facilities and 6 parks for public use. The Pierson Complex and Marcus Field is a magnificent sports complex designed for football and meetings, and is operated by our local Youth Football League. Cranes Lane Park contains a community garden and practice fields for football and soccer.

Ranson Civic Center provides an indoor arena type environment for sporting events, concerts, and festivals, along with it's adjoining West End Park with playground and basketball court.Lance-Slusher Park is located in the center of town and provides a pavilion, tables, barbecue grills, 2 playgrounds, and basketball and tennis courts.

The Nancy Mills Community Center, located at Lance-Slusher Park, is the future home of our Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Flowing Springs Park is a natural park that is planned for a walking path through its natural surroundings.

For a complete listing of parks and facilities, please view our Ranson Facilities page.

3. Can I rent or reserve a city park or facility?

Yes you can. Lance-Slusher Park, Ranson Civic Center, West End Park, Cranes Lane Park, and the Pierson Complex may all be reserved / rented. For information on how to reserve a park or facility, call Kim Spangler at 304-724.3865, stop by city hall on the second floor, or view our Ranson Facilities page.

4. What schools are available in Ranson?

In the heart of Ranson you will find Ranson Elementary School, for grades first through fifth. In the areas surrounding Ranson are Charles Town Middle School, Jefferson High School, Washington High School, C.W. Shipley Elementary, and T.A. Lowery Elementary just to name a few. View our Education and Schools page for further information.