LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Rural Land Management Board approved applications for two primary residences on farmland during its May 27 meeting and moved forward with revisions to regulations governing smaller agricultural properties in Fayette County, according to meeting minutes posted online.

The board unanimously approved construction of primary residences on two properties, with both decisions contingent on obtaining necessary permits from the division of building inspection. The Rural Land Management Board governs the Purchase of Development Rights program, which enables the board to purchase farm owners' development rights, thereby preserving farms as farmland forever.

The board also approved draft changes to the small farm ordinance during the meeting, which included modifications to mortgage subordination and conservation plan requirements. The updated rules are designed to provide clearer guidance for small farming operations in the county.

In other business, the board authorized an offer to acquire a third farm property and finalized rankings for the 2025 Purchase of Development Rights applications. To date, 304 farms have been permanently protected by PDR, totaling nearly 33,332 acres.

The board also discussed recent local infrastructure developments, including a decision by the urban county council to rehabilitate an existing pump station at Dunbar High School rather than build a new mid-lane facility. Additionally, cell tower operators withdrew their applications to place utilities on PDR-protected farmland, a decision that satisfied board members and neighboring property owners.

The board meets at 3 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month via Zoom. Interested parties can contact PDR Director Beth Overman at eoverman@lexingtonky.gov for more information about the program.