LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Planning Commission work session scheduled for June 18 will feature presentations on several key planning initiatives, including the first draft of the Downtown Area Master Plan and an update from the solar work group on proposed regulations for renewable energy installations.

Andrew Overbeck, principal with MKSK, is scheduled to present the first draft of the Downtown Area Master Plan during the 90-minute session at the Phoenix Building's third-floor conference room. The Division of Planning is undertaking the Downtown Master Plan with MKSK as the lead consultant to thoughtfully guide the future growth and revitalization of the city's core. The plan includes proactive strategies built on robust engagement and addresses housing affordability, office space usage, and urban heat islands.

The work session also includes a solar work group report from Daniel Crum, principal planner with Planning Services. The work group, consisting of Council Members Liz Sheehan, Dave Sevigny, Tyler Morton and Hil Boone, has been tasked with refining regulations for large-scale solar installations outside the urban service area, particularly on agricultural land. For agricultural zones, the ordinance includes a 1 percent cap on large-scale solar—approximately 1,827 acres of Fayette County's total acreage—along with requirements for 85 percent vegetative ground cover and land management plans submitted to the city.

Additional items on the agenda include an update on the Unified Development Code from Jt Holt, senior planner with Outreach and Strategic Planning; a presentation from Kenzie Gleason on the Complete Streets Design Manual, which must be approved by the Urban County Council before taking effect and will replace Lexington's Roadway Design Manual last updated in 2005; and a briefing on the Asphalt Art Shropshire Avenue pilot project from Hannah Crepps, principal planner with Outreach and Strategic Planning. The work session begins at 1:30 p.m. ET.