In March 2024, the Kentucky legislature passed a bill that requires regulations governing development plans and subdivision plats “be in the form of objective standards” and “applied ministerially.”
This means – that once the law takes effect on July 1st – many development plans will be approved by Planning Staff without a public hearing.
Other development plans, such as those that include a Zoning Map Amendment or that are identified as posing a specific threat to public health, safety, or welfare, would get a public hearing before the Planning Commission.
What’s Happening Locally?
In order to comply with the new law, Winchester-Clark County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations must be updated.
This update was presented to the Planning Commission in the form of a draft text amendment at its May 6th meeting.
The draft was reviewed at a meeting of the Planning Subcommittee last week, and is due to be reviewed by the full Planning Commission at its June meeting.
Importantly, the final version will require two readings by both the City Commission and Fiscal Court before July 1st.
Our Thoughts
Clark Coalition believes that local control and public input are critical to developing sound land-use policy.
We believe public engagement is vital to building healthy communities, and ensuring quality of life and economic opportunities for all citizens.
Note: Clark Coalition’s work is generally focused on issues of county-wide impact, such as text amendments to the zoning ordinance. However, we recognize the value of public input in situations concerning specific properties and development plans.
Often, a potential issue with a proposed development does not come to light until it is raised by a neighbor or a concerned citizen. Public hearings offer an opportunity to address such issues, of which planning staff and members of the Technical Review Committee may not be aware.
We will continue to follow the process of the zoning ordinance text amendment and update you as more news becomes available.
