Planning Commission Subdivision Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Planning Commission met via video teleconference on April 8, 2021, at 1:30 PM, with Larry Forester presiding as the presiding officer. The commission addressed 17 agenda items during the session, taking a total of 19 votes on various development proposals, text amendments, and procedural matters. No public comments were heard during this meeting.

The commission's work focused primarily on development approvals and postponements, with five items being postponed to future meetings, including projects for University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, Hamburg Place Farm office development, Chick-fil-A, and residential developments at Newmarket Property and Kingston Hall. The commission approved eight development-related items, including reapproval of JFG Enterprises, approval of Lexington Clinic amendments, Gerald C. Johnson & Barbara Johnson Property with an associated waiver request, Griffin Gate Office Park amendments, Spring Lake development, and Kingston Hall Unit 1 Lot 8.

In addition to individual project reviews, the commission approved several regulatory amendments, including revisions to Articles 1 and 6 regarding street patterns and continuity standards. The commission also initiated two text amendment processes: one for traffic impact studies in the zoning ordinance and another for subdivision regulations concerning street trees near intersections. The meeting concluded with approval to cancel the work session that had been scheduled for April 15, 2021.

Attendance

The following members were present at the April 8, 2021 meeting:

• Ivy Barksdale
• Headley Bell
• Zach Davis
• Anthony de Movellan
• Larry Forester
• Janice Meyer
• Frank Penn
• Carolyn Plumlee
• Graham Pohl
• Bill Wilson

Absent: Nicol

Late arrivals: None

Ten members attended the meeting, with one member absent. No members arrived late to the proceedings.

Votes and Decisions

The commission conducted 19 votes during the April 8, 2021 meeting, with all motions passing unanimously by a vote of 10-0. All ten commissioners present—Ivy Barksdale, Headley Bell, Zach Davis, Anthony de Movellan, Larry Forester, Janice Meyer, Frank Penn, Carolyn Plumlee, Graham Pohl, and Bill Wilson—voted in favor of each item.

Administrative Actions The commission approved minutes from the February 25, 2021, and March 11, 2021 meetings on a motion by Carolyn Plumlee, seconded by Graham Pohl.

Postponements 0:00 Five development plans were postponed unanimously: - PLN-MJDP-20-00051 (Queen Estate/University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union) - PLN-MJDP-21-00007 (Hamburg Place Farm, Sir Barton Way Office Park, Phase 2, Lot 9) - PLN-MJDP-21-00006 (Wiggins & Company/Chick-fil-A) - DP 2012-89 (Newmarket Property, Phase 1, Unit 10) - PLN-MJDP-21-00009 (Kingston Hall, Unit 1 & 2)

Project Approvals 0:00 The commission approved several development projects with conditions: - PLN-MJDP-19-00027 (JFG Enterprises, Inc./IVCP Athens LLC) reapproval - PLN-MJDP-21-00008 (Lexington Clinic AMD) - PLN-FRP-21-00006 (Gerald C. Johnson & Barbara Johnson Property) with eight conditions and an associated waiver - PLN-MJDP-20-00057 (Griffin Gate Office Park AMD) with 12 conditions - PLN-MJDP-20-00067 (Spring Lake) with 19 conditions and 15 waiver findings - PLN-MJDP-21-00012 (Kingston Hall, Unit 1, Lot 8) with 19 conditions and EAMP compliance report

Regulatory Changes 0:00 The commission approved SRA 2021-1, amending Articles 1 and 6 to revise street pattern standards, and initiated two text amendments regarding traffic impact studies and street trees near intersections.

The commission also voted to cancel the April 15, 2021 work session.

Approval of Minutes

The board considered the approval of minutes from two previous meetings during this agenda item. The minutes under review were from the February 25, 2021, meeting and the March 11, 2021, meeting.

Key speakers during this discussion included Carolyn Plumlee and Graham Pohl, who participated in the consideration of the meeting records.

Following the review and discussion of both sets of minutes, the board approved the minutes from both the February 25, 2021, and March 11, 2021, meetings. No specific concerns or amendments to the minutes were noted in the available records.

The approval of these minutes allows them to serve as the official record of the proceedings from those previous meetings.

Postponement of QUEEN ESTATE (UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION)

0:00

The planning commission considered agenda item PLN-MJDP-20-00051, a development proposal for Queen Estate by the University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union. Richard Murphy addressed the commission regarding the application status.

The applicant formally requested a two-week postponement of the agenda item to allow additional time to address outstanding concerns with security consultants. No detailed presentation of the development proposal was made during this meeting, as the focus was solely on the postponement request.

The commission granted the requested postponement without extended discussion, allowing the applicant the additional time needed to resolve the security-related issues before returning for full consideration of the development plan.

The item will be rescheduled for a future meeting once the applicant has completed their work with security consultants and is prepared to proceed with the review process.

Postponement of HAMBURG PLACE FARM, SIR BARTON WAY OFFICE PARK, PHASE 2, LOT 9

0:00

The planning commission considered agenda item PLN-MJDP-21-00007, a request for postponement of the Hamburg Place Farm, Sir Barton Way Office Park, Phase 2, Lot 9 development proposal.

Steve Baker addressed the commission regarding the postponement request. The applicant sought a one-month delay to address outstanding parking issues that needed resolution before the project could proceed to full review.

The commission granted the requested postponement without extended discussion, allowing the development team additional time to work through the parking-related concerns that had been identified during the preliminary review process.

The item was postponed and will return to the commission's agenda at a future meeting once the parking issues have been resolved by the applicant.

Postponement of WIGGINS & COMPANY (CHICK-FIL-A)

0:00

The planning commission addressed agenda item PLN-MJDP-21-00006, a postponement request for the Wiggins & Company (Chick-fil-A) development proposal.

Donna Brown presented the postponement request on behalf of the applicant. The applicant requested a one-month delay to allow additional time to resolve outstanding parking issues with the Division of Traffic Engineering. These technical matters required further coordination between the development team and city traffic officials before the project could proceed to full review.

The commission granted the postponement request without opposition, allowing the applicant the requested time to address the parking and traffic engineering concerns. The item will return to the commission's agenda following resolution of these technical issues with the appropriate city departments.

Postponement of NEWMARKET PROPERTY, PHASE 1, UNIT 10

0:00

The Planning Commission considered agenda item DP 2012-89 regarding the Newmarket Property, Phase 1, Unit 10 development project. However, the item was not heard as scheduled due to a procedural issue.

Rory Kahly addressed the commission regarding the postponement request. The applicant had requested a two-week delay because they failed to post the required public notice sign within the mandated timeframe. This posting requirement is a standard procedural step that must be completed before development proposals can be heard by the Planning Commission.

The commission granted the postponement request, allowing the applicant additional time to properly complete the public notification requirements. The item will be rescheduled for a future meeting once the proper signage has been posted and the required notification period has elapsed.

This postponement ensures that all proper public notice procedures are followed before the commission considers the development proposal, maintaining transparency in the planning process and providing adequate opportunity for public input on the project.

Postponement of KINGSTON HALL, UNIT 1 & 2

0:00

The planning application PLN-MJDP-21-00009 for Kingston Hall, Unit 1 & 2 was addressed during the meeting, with Rory Kahly serving as the key speaker for this agenda item.

The applicant formally requested a one-month postponement of the review process to allow additional time to address several outstanding issues identified on the property. The specific nature of these issues was not detailed in the available meeting materials, but the request indicated that the applicant needed additional time to resolve matters before proceeding with the planning review.

The meeting participants accepted the applicant's request for postponement without apparent objection or extended debate. This type of postponement is a standard procedural option that allows applicants to address concerns or make necessary modifications to their proposals before formal consideration by the planning body.

The outcome of this agenda item was the approval of the requested one-month postponement, effectively deferring further consideration of the Kingston Hall development proposal to a future meeting date. This postponement will provide the applicant with the requested time to resolve the identified property issues before the planning review process continues.

Reapproval of JFG ENTERPRISES, INC. (IVCP ATHENS LLC)

0:00

The Planning Commission considered agenda item PLN-MJDP-19-00027, the reapproval of JFG ENTERPRISES, INC. (IVCP ATHENS LLC). Traci Wade served as the key speaker for this item.

The commission reviewed the previously approved plan and determined that reapproval was appropriate under the existing framework. The discussion focused on maintaining consistency with the original approval conditions that had been established for this development project.

Following the presentation and review, the Planning Commission voted to reapprove the plan subject to the original conditions that were part of the initial approval. No modifications to the existing conditions were made during this reapproval process.

The item was approved by the commission, allowing JFG ENTERPRISES, INC. (IVCP ATHENS LLC) to proceed under the terms of their original approval conditions.

Approval of LEXINGTON CLINIC (AMD)

0:00

The Planning Commission considered agenda item PLN-MJDP-21-00008, an amendment request for the Lexington Clinic to add an additional building and parking facilities to their existing development.

Traci Wade served as the key speaker presenting this agenda item to the commission. The amendment proposal involved expanding the clinic's current footprint with additional building space and corresponding parking infrastructure to support the expanded facility.

During the discussion, the commission reviewed the details of the proposed amendment, which would allow the Lexington Clinic to enhance their medical services capacity through the addition of new building space. The parking expansion was designed to accommodate the increased demand that would result from the additional building.

The Planning Commission ultimately approved the amendment request, allowing the Lexington Clinic to proceed with their expansion plans. However, the approval came with specific conditions that the clinic must meet as part of the development process. These conditions were established to ensure the expansion aligns with local planning requirements and development standards.

The approval of PLN-MJDP-21-00008 represents the commission's support for healthcare facility expansion in the area, while maintaining appropriate oversight through the conditional approval structure. The Lexington Clinic will now be able to move forward with their plans to add the additional building and parking, provided they comply with all specified conditions attached to the approval.

Approval of GERALD C. JOHNSON & BARBARA JOHNSON PROPERTY

0:00

The Planning Commission considered agenda item PLN-FRP-21-00006 for the approval of the Gerald C. Johnson & Barbara Johnson property final record plat.

Lauren Hedge and Tom Martin served as key speakers during the discussion of this agenda item. The commission reviewed the proposed final record plat for the Johnson property, examining the technical details and compliance requirements associated with the development proposal.

Following their review and discussion, the Planning Commission voted to approve the final record plat for the Gerald C. Johnson & Barbara Johnson property. However, the approval was granted subject to eight specific conditions that must be met as part of the development process.

The conditional approval indicates that while the commission found the overall proposal acceptable, certain requirements or modifications were deemed necessary to ensure compliance with local planning standards and regulations. The eight conditions attached to the approval will need to be satisfied before the development can proceed.

The commission's decision represents the completion of the review process for this particular property development proposal, allowing the project to move forward provided all specified conditions are met by the property owners.

Approval of waiver request for GERALD C. JOHNSON & BARBARA JOHNSON PROPERTY

0:00 The Planning Commission considered a waiver request for property owned by Gerald C. Johnson and Barbara Johnson. Tom Martin served as the key speaker presenting information on this agenda item.

The waiver request involved access easement provisions that would benefit both properties under consideration. The Commission made a specific finding that the proposed access easement would serve both properties, which was a critical component of their approval decision.

The Planning Commission approved the waiver request for the Gerald C. Johnson & Barbara Johnson property. The approval included the determination that the access easement arrangement met the necessary requirements to serve both properties involved in the request.

No significant concerns or opposition were noted during the discussion of this waiver request, and the item proceeded to approval without recorded debate or controversy.

Approval of GRIFFIN GATE OFFICE PARK (AMD)

0:00

The Planning Commission considered an amendment to the Griffin Gate Office Park development plan, identified as PLN-MJDP-20-00057. The proposed amendment sought to add access to Citation Boulevard for the office park development.

Key speakers during the discussion included Cheryl Gallt and Scott Southall, who presented details about the proposed access modification and its implications for the development.

The Planning Commission ultimately approved the amendment to allow the additional access point to Citation Boulevard. However, the approval came with 12 specific conditions that must be met as part of the development plan.

The amendment represents a modification to the existing Griffin Gate Office Park development, expanding the access options for the commercial office development. The addition of Citation Boulevard access is intended to improve traffic flow and connectivity for the office park.

The Planning Commission's decision to approve the amendment with conditions demonstrates their consideration of both the development needs and potential impacts on the surrounding area. The 12 conditions attached to the approval will govern how the Citation Boulevard access is implemented and maintained as part of the overall development plan.

Approval of SPRING LAKE

0:00

The Planning Commission considered agenda item PLN-MJDP-20-00067 for the approval of Spring Lake development plan. The discussion involved key presentations from Traci Wade and Tom Martin.

The commission reviewed the proposed development plan and associated waiver requests submitted as part of the application. During the deliberations, commissioners examined various aspects of the project including site design, infrastructure requirements, and compliance with local planning regulations.

Following their review and discussion of the proposal, the Planning Commission voted to approve the Spring Lake development plan. The approval came with 19 specific conditions that must be met as part of the project's implementation. These conditions likely address various planning, engineering, and regulatory requirements to ensure the development meets municipal standards.

In addition to approving the main development plan, the commission also granted approval for the waiver requests that were submitted as part of the application. These waivers typically involve exceptions to standard development requirements where the applicant has demonstrated that alternative approaches will still meet the intent of the regulations.

The approval of both the development plan and the associated waivers allows the Spring Lake project to move forward in the development process, subject to meeting all 19 specified conditions.

Approval of KINGSTON HALL, UNIT 1, LOT 8

0:00

The Planning Commission reviewed application PLN-MJDP-21-00012 for the Kingston Hall development project, Unit 1, Lot 8. Key speakers during the discussion included Tom Martin and Dick Murphy.

The commission considered both the development plan for the project and an Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) compliance report. The discussion covered the technical aspects of the proposed development and its compliance with environmental regulations.

Following their review and deliberation, the Planning Commission voted to approve the Kingston Hall development plan. The approval came with 19 specific conditions that must be met as part of the project's implementation. Additionally, the commission approved the EAMP compliance report, indicating that the environmental assessment components of the project met the required standards.

The approval of both the development plan and environmental compliance report allows the Kingston Hall project to move forward to the next phase of the development process, contingent upon satisfying all 19 attached conditions.

Approval of amendment to Articles 1 and 6 to revise standards for street pattern

0:00

The Planning Commission considered agenda item SRA 2021-1, an amendment to Articles 1 and 6 to revise standards for street patterns and continuity. Jim Duncan served as the key speaker presenting this item to the commission.

The proposed amendment focused on updating requirements related to street patterns and continuity standards within the municipal code. The discussion centered on revising existing regulations to better address how streets should be designed and connected within development projects.

Following the presentation and discussion, the Planning Commission voted to approve the amendment to Articles 1 and 6. The approval will update the standards governing street patterns and continuity requirements for future development projects within the jurisdiction.

The amendment represents a regulatory update to modernize street design standards and ensure proper connectivity in new developments.

Initiation of a zoning ordinance text amendment for traffic impact studies

0:00 The Planning Commission discussed initiating a zoning ordinance text amendment to update traffic impact study requirements. Jimmy Emmons presented the proposal to modernize and simplify the existing regulations found in Articles 6-1 and 21-4 of the zoning ordinance.

The amendment aims to update the current Traffic Impact Studies framework to make it more streamlined and contemporary. The existing provisions in the zoning ordinance were identified as needing modernization to better serve current development review processes.

The Planning Commission approved the initiation of this text amendment, allowing staff to proceed with developing the specific language changes and bringing the proposal through the formal amendment process. This approval represents the first step in what will be a multi-stage review process to update these traffic study requirements.

The initiative reflects the Commission's ongoing efforts to ensure that zoning regulations remain current and effective for evaluating the transportation impacts of new development projects within the jurisdiction.

Initiation of a subdivision regulation amendment for street trees located near intersections

0:00 The Planning Commission discussed initiating an amendment to subdivision regulations regarding the placement of street trees near intersections. The item focused on increasing the minimum distance requirements for locating street trees from intersections.

Traci Wade served as the key speaker for this agenda item, presenting the proposed regulatory changes to the commission members. The discussion centered on modifying existing subdivision regulations to establish greater setback requirements for street tree placement near intersection areas.

The proposed amendment aims to address safety and visibility concerns that can arise when street trees are planted too close to intersections. By increasing the minimum distance requirements, the regulation would help ensure that trees do not obstruct sight lines for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists navigating intersections.

The Planning Commission approved the initiation of this subdivision regulation amendment. This approval allows staff to begin the formal process of drafting the specific regulatory language and conducting the necessary review procedures required for amending subdivision regulations.

The initiation represents the first step in what will likely be a multi-stage process involving additional public review, stakeholder input, and formal adoption procedures before the amended regulations take effect. The approved initiation demonstrates the commission's recognition of the need to balance urban forestry goals with intersection safety considerations in future subdivision developments.

Cancellation of the work session scheduled for April 15, 2021

0:00 The Planning Commission addressed the cancellation of a work session that had been scheduled for April 15, 2021. Jim Duncan spoke regarding this agenda item.

The Commission formally canceled the previously scheduled work session without extensive discussion. The cancellation was approved by the Commission.

No specific reasons for the cancellation were detailed in the available meeting materials, and no concerns or objections were raised regarding this scheduling change. The decision appeared to be administrative in nature and was handled as a routine matter during the meeting.