LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's Planning Commission postponed a controversial zoning request on May 28 after determining the applicant failed to meet minimum notice requirements, delaying a decision on a proposal to convert residential property into a specialty trade development facility.

The Planning Commission voted to postpone action on Mt. Laurel Lands Company's request to rezone 1.12 net acres at 2137 Old Paris Road from single-family residential to Wholesale and Warehouse Business (B-4) zoning. The B-4 zone is intended to provide for wholesaling, warehousing, storage operations and establishments whose activity is of the same general character, focusing on supportive uses to both industrial and residential needs.

According to planning staff, the petitioner had not satisfied preliminary notice requirements to proceed with the application. The applicant indicated a desire to establish 21 individual specialty trade shops with 36 proposed parking spaces and an outdoor storage area on the property.

The project also faces significant technical challenges. Mount Laurel Lands Company's request to rezone property on Old Paris Road from single-family residential to wholesale and warehouse business awaits additional public notice and staff analysis. A related development plan submitted by the applicant failed to meet at least 37 requirements under the city's zoning ordinance, spanning landscaping, stormwater management, fire safety, bicycle parking and building design standards.

The Subdivision Committee, which reviewed the development plan on May 7, also recommended postponement. Committee members cited numerous unmet code requirements and noted the applicant failed to post required signage on the property at least 21 days in advance of the Technical Review Committee meeting.

The B-4 zone permits shops of special trade contractors such as plumbing, heating, carpentry, masonry, and painting, among other uses. Planning staff must complete its analysis before the proposal can advance to a full public hearing.

The Planning Commission continues to oversee multiple rezoning petitions as part of the city's land-use planning process. The applicant may resubmit the proposal once all notice and technical requirements are satisfied.