Planning Commission approves zoning changes for multiple projects

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Urban County Planning Commission approved several zoning map amendments and a development plan at its April 23 meeting, clearing the way for residential and commercial expansion projects across the city.

The commission passed zoning requests for three separate properties, including approval for Bread and Roses LLC near East High Street to convert 0.6 acres from a professional office zone to a neighborhood business zone. The change will allow the company to expand its operations near the bakery and café.

Two additional properties received approval: Anderson Andover Country Club's request to rezone 0.368 acres at 3433 Country Club Drive for parking expansion, and the Board of Trustees of Clays Mill Baptist Church's petition to rezone 5.45 acres at 3000 Clays Mill Road for residential development.

In other action, the commission unanimously approved a zoning text amendment to the Economic Development zone designed to encourage denser, more efficient land use. However, the commission postponed a zoning petition from South Broadway Project Owner LLC, which would have changed 5.089 acres on South Broadway from a wholesale and warehouse zone to a neighborhood business zone.

The commission also granted approval for a solar energy system installation at the Haley Pike Landfill, finding the land suitable for development despite its previous use as a landfill. The project has been championed by city officials as a way to repurpose a closed landfill for renewable energy generation.

Community opposition emerged regarding the Haley Pike Solar project, with concerns raised about impacts on surrounding property values and notification to neighboring property owners. Despite the objections, the commission found the project consistent with the city's Imagine Lexington comprehensive plan.

All approved zoning changes remain subject to conditions outlined in staff recommendations and development plans.