Planning Commission Subdivision Items

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Planning Commission met on July 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. ET in the Council Chambers at the Urban County Government Building, 200 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky. Chair Zach Davis presided over the meeting, which included six agenda items covering call to order, approval of minutes, postponements and withdrawals, land subdivision items, zoning items, and commission items. The Commission took 13 motions and votes during the meeting and heard 10 public comments. Commission Items were approved during the session.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the Commission meeting on July 9, 2026:

• Zach Davis
• Ivy Barksdale
• Robin Michler
• Judy Worth
• William Wilson
• Bruce Nicol
• Larry Forester
• Molly Davis
• Jonathan Davis
• Will Owens

There were no absences or late arrivals reported.

Votes and Decisions

The Commission took the following actions during the July 9, 2026 meeting:

Approvals and Postponements

• Performance bonds and letters of credit [0:01:25] — Approved unanimously by motion of Mr. Chair.

• PLN-MJDP-26-30: WML Properties, LLC (Two Keys) [0:03:09] — Postponed to August 13 by unanimous vote. Motion by Mr. Chair, seconded by Commissioner Worth.

• PLN-FRP-26-14: Glenmore Farm, Inc. final subdivision plan [0:10:05] — Approved unanimously, subject to conditions presented by staff. Motion by Mr. Forester, seconded by Commissioner Worth.

• PLN-MJSUB-26-04: Lane Allen Park preliminary subdivision plan [0:16:59] — Postponed to July 23 by unanimous vote. Motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Molly Davis.

• PLN-MJDP-26-39: Lexmark International development plan [0:32:51] — Approved unanimously, subject to conditions presented by staff. Motion by Mr. Forester.

• PLN-MJDP-26-48: Samuel H. Bryan, Tract 8 development plan [0:53:32] — Approved unanimously, subject to conditions presented by staff. Motion by Mr. Forester, seconded by Mr. Wilson.

Waivers

• PLN-WAV-26-0017: Masterson Station Center street cross-section [1:03:45] — Approved unanimously with conditions that the trail be never less than eight feet and that the applicant work with LFUCG staff. Motion by Commissioner Worth, seconded by Mr. Forester.

• PLN-WAV-26-18: Church of the Good Shepherd tree canopy standards [1:14:19] — Approved unanimously, subject to conditions presented by staff. Motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Worth.

• PLN-WAV-26-19: Turner Property & Meadowthorpe Community Business Center [1:25:14] — Approved unanimously, subject to conditions presented by staff. Motion by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Commissioner Jonathan Davis.

Other Actions

• PLN-ZOTA-26-4: Solar energy systems amendment [4:34:31] — Approved unanimously staff alternative text. Motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Penn.

• Planning Commission officers slate [4:40:53] — Approved unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Commissioner Worth.

• Delegation of Secretary's duties to staff [4:41:57] — Approved unanimously. Motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Owens.

Withdrawal

• PLN-MJDP-24-0030: Greendale Hills, Unit 3 [0:04:45] — Withdrawn by unanimous vote. Motion by Mr. Davis, seconded by Commissioner Barksdale.

All votes were unanimous.

Public Comment

The Commission received ten public comments addressing large-scale solar development proposals, with speakers expressing both support and opposition.

Opposition to Solar Development

Justin Kinder 2:32:27 raised environmental concerns about solar panels, including potential harm to soil and wildlife, and questioned the benefits to Fayette County.

Brittany Rothmyer 2:36:08, representing the Fayette Alliance, argued that large-scale solar is industrial in nature and unsuitable for agricultural zones, emphasizing the importance of preserving farmland for agriculture and tourism.

Brett Faulkner 2:51:26 voiced concerns about negative impacts of solar farms on existing neighborhoods and the rural landscape, urging the Commission to consider these factors.

Don Robinson 2:56:50 emphasized the importance of preserving farmland for the thoroughbred industry and shared personal experience with solar installations on barns.

Brandon Lee 3:18:08 questioned the benefits of trading agricultural land for solar farms and suggested alternative locations for solar panels.

Logan Foster 3:30:58 expressed concerns about the impact of industrial solar projects on the bluegrass region and questioned the sustainability of such projects.

Gloria Martin 3:38:25, representing the Rural Land Management Board, explained the board's opposition to large-scale solar in agricultural areas, emphasizing the uniqueness of Fayette County's farmland.

Support for Solar Development

Jeremy Jenkins 2:55:11 supported the council's proposal for solar development, highlighting the importance of job creation and dual-use agricultural practices.

Jude Hample 3:00:02 argued that the council's proposal offers strong protections for agricultural land while supporting renewable energy goals.

Andy McDonald 3:03:09 supported large-scale solar in agricultural areas, emphasizing the need for renewable energy to meet climate goals.

Appointments

The Commission reappointed the following officers to their respective positions:

• Zach Davis – Chair (reappointed)
• Ivy Barksdale – Vice Chair (reappointed)
• Robin Michler – Secretary (reappointed)
• Judy Worth – Parliamentarian (reappointed)

Contested Items

Solar Energy Systems Amendment

A heated discussion arose during the meeting regarding an amendment to allow large-scale solar energy systems in agricultural zones. The primary disagreement centered on concerns about industrial use of farmland and the potential impacts on the local economy and environment. Commissioners debated the balance between advancing renewable energy development and preserving agricultural land for farming purposes.

The contentious nature of the discussion reflected broader concerns about how solar installations would affect the character and productivity of agricultural areas, as well as economic implications for the farming community and environmental consequences of converting farmland to industrial energy production.

Call to Order

Chair Zach Davis called the meeting to order. 0:54

Approval of Minutes

The Commission considered the minutes from the June 11, 2026 meeting during this agenda item.

No additional details regarding discussion, debate, concerns, or formal action on the minutes were recorded.

Postponements and Withdrawals

2:00

The Commission considered requests for postponements and withdrawals during this agenda item. Scott Shooty and Mr. Michler were the key speakers addressing this procedural matter.

The discussion resulted in an informational outcome, with the Commission reviewing the postponement and withdrawal requests that had been submitted.

Land Subdivision Items

During this agenda item, the Commission discussed various subdivision plans. 5:16

Key Speakers

Cheryl Gallt and Gary Roland led the discussion on this item.

Subdivisions Discussed

The Commission reviewed subdivision plans for the following projects:

• Glenmore Farm
• Lane Allen Park

Outcome

This item was presented for informational purposes.

Zoning Items

The Commission reviewed zoning map amendments and text amendments during this agenda item 1:26:21. The discussion was led by Traci Wade and Council Member Sevigny.

The review included consideration of a solar energy systems amendment as part of the zoning text amendments under discussion. The item was presented for informational purposes, allowing the Commission to examine proposed changes to zoning regulations and map designations.

No additional details regarding specific concerns raised, debate points, or the full scope of amendments reviewed were provided in the available meeting materials.

Commission Items

During this agenda item, the Commission conducted the election of officers and delegated secretary's duties. 4:38:15

Key Participants

Molly Davis and Mr. Wilson were the primary speakers during this discussion.

Actions Taken

The Commission proceeded with the election of officers and addressed the delegation of the secretary's duties as part of its procedural business.

Outcome

The item was approved.