During a recent Planning Commission meeting, city officials presented a comprehensive proposal for a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA) aimed at modernizing landscaping and tree protection regulations. Senior planner Eve Miller outlined the initiative, which seeks to enhance environmental standards and align with the city’s 2045 comprehensive plan.

The proposed amendments focus on three main articles of the zoning ordinance: Articles 5, 18, and 26. Key changes include updating landscaping requirements to streamline regulations across different zones, enhancing tree protection standards, and increasing administrative fees related to landscaping enforcement.

Miller emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into urban development, highlighting the role of the Division of Environmental Services in protecting the environment during construction. The proposed amendments aim to minimize tree removals and promote the use of native plant species, which are more resilient and beneficial to the local ecosystem.

Significant changes proposed in Article 26 include redefining what constitutes a \"significant tree\" by lowering the diameter breast height (DBH) requirement from 36 inches to 12 inches, thereby expanding the scope of tree protection. Additionally, the definition of a tree stand will be adjusted to include groups of three trees, each with a minimum DBH of four inches, rather than the previous requirement of 15 trees.

The proposal also seeks to dissolve the Landscape Review Committee, streamlining the variance process by relying on in-house expertise from the Division of Environmental Services. This change reflects a shift towards more efficient governance in managing landscaping and environmental compliance.

The Planning Commission is expected to review the proposal further, with the goal of finalizing the amendments to enhance the city’s green infrastructure and sustainability efforts. The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including local landscape architects and the Building Industry Association of Central Kentucky, indicating a collaborative approach to urban planning and environmental stewardship.