[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6706721,"mediaKeyId","5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418","parentId",5690149,"title","Planning Commission approves zoning change to allow small distilleries downtown with limits","audioSeconds",1568,"startMs",1195000,"endMs",2763000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418&start=1195&end=2763","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418/thumbnail_1195000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6706721/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Planning-Commission-approves-zoning-change-to-allow-small-distilleries-downtown-with-limits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706721-42d9547a04ceebbfcda03f00d51c41f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771062465&Signature=Wpnw9RPZHbjiegj8kyVUwpT4O0V~ssdW8e3J9FNsJypV8AJpjWtwvZUUssgORWM4oOkULWcm7gNLRV0ilz5n03vV0AWcL3lvUm4AYTi6PdAaWYhM5XPmZNhiTeCwo8OVjvkYA8AVwOellfa26zQGQ~H9W1H2KrW-m8A7Un9KErcuAXsCU-K9qGYzMYCiIFkB55iYwLaifFv2yQkkdhSi~8ftH6kJe1fhy1Awa2LcKJKaQWdTNO7DJ~xFoMnrRp0hSTtKzuLdAzPUmOBnTFWcKLrEYCw42sDCYP4Iy43uYepf~SsYsbGiuFyU9JX1PBeJp1c3gh5u3kO4UFmG7rJCBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lexington","date","2025-08-28T00:00:00Z","article","LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a zoning text amendment to allow micro distilleries in the downtown B-2 business zone, adopting staff’s alternative text that sets a 10,000-gallon annual production cap by right and preserves a conditional-use pathway for larger micro distilleries up to the 50,000-gallon definition the city adopted in June.

The vote followed a staff presentation, remarks from applicant representatives and several members of the public who said downtown distilleries can support tourism. Commissioners moved the measure after a brief discussion and approved it unanimously.

Jeremy Young, planning staff, told the commission the proposed ZOTA 25.6 would add micro distilleries to Article 8.17 (the downtown business zone) and described the staff recommendation as a compromise: allow 10,000 gallons as a permitted principal use in the B-2 zone, but provide a conditional-use route for operations seeking production between 10,001 and 50,000 gallons. Young said staff’s alternative text was chosen after reviewing other cities’ ordinances and consulting industry advocates to balance downtown compatibility and business growth.

John Woodall, counsel for applicant New Era Whiskey and Spirits, said the applicant originally requested a 10,000-gallon allowance. Woodall noted the city’s June definition of “micro distillery” as 50,000 gallons or less and described the approved language as allowing a 10,000-gallon operation by right while enabling an applicant to seek Board of Adjustment approval if it later wanted to expand within the micro-distillery cap. “The state still has sway here in terms of what gets licensed,” Woodall said, adding that the applicant would need state licensing for any production.

Charlie Kirks, representing New Era Whiskey and Spirits, clarified operational plans: the applicant expects to bring in distilled spirits for on-site redistillation and tasting rather than fermenting or mashing grain on-site. “We won't be fermenting and mashing grain on-site… the distillation process brings no smell whatsoever,” Kirks said in response to commissioner questions.

Members of the public who spoke included Brian Luffman, co-founder of Never Say Die Spirits, who said similar downtown distilleries have strengthened tourism in Louisville and encouraged Lexington to build its own visitor-focused whiskey experiences. Casey Mather, speaking for the Northside Neighborhood Association, asked about barrel storage, fire safety and mold risk in historic buildings; applicant representatives and staff said only minimal on-site storage is expected and that many downtown operations focus on tasting-room experiences rather than large-scale production.

The commission’s staff report described the B-2 zone as downtown’s core (with sub-designations B-2A and B-2B for frame and center business districts) and noted the amendment’s goals are consistent with the comprehensive plan objectives to support mixed downtown uses, job creation and tourism. Staff recommended adopting the alternative text to standardize allowances across the B-2 subzones while preserving a path for expansion under conditional use review.

The Planning Commission also handled routine and procedural items at the meeting. The commission approved the July 10 meeting minutes unanimously; two applicants requested postponements: an economic development zone text amendment (PLN ZODA 24-6) was postponed to Nov. 20 at the applicant’s request, and a plan for Warratt/War Admiral Place (PLN MAR 2510) was postponed to Sept. 25 to allow coordination with staff. Commissioners set a work session for Sept. 18 with affordable-housing providers and related stakeholders to discuss impediments and next steps on housing affordability.

Actions at a glance:
- Approval: ZOTA 25.6 (micro distilleries in B-2) adopted based on staff alternative text; motion passed unanimously.
- Postponement: PLN ZODA 24-6 (economic development zone revisions) postponed to Nov. 20 at applicant request.
- Postponement: PLN MAR 2510 (Warratt/War Admiral Place) postponed to Sept. 25 at applicant request.
- Approval: July 10 meeting minutes approved unanimously.

Why it matters: The amendment opens downtown to small-scale distillery tasting rooms and visitor-oriented operations while including production limits and a conditional-use mechanism for larger micro-distilleries. Supporters said the change could help Lexington build a downtown tourism draw similar to distillery-led initiatives in other Kentucky cities; neighbors asked for clarity about storage and impacts in historic buildings.

The commission did not adopt special odor or fermentation restrictions beyond the production limits and the conditional-use review pathway; state licensing requirements for spirit production remain in effect and will govern separate regulatory approvals. Commissioners and staff said the change standardizes zoning across downtown subzones and preserves a route for businesses to seek expansion without relocating.

The Planning Commission will include the approved text as an amendment to the Lexington zoning ordinance; implementation steps and any required state approvals were not specified at the meeting.

Ending: The commission adjourned after setting the affordable-housing work session for Sept. 18 and confirming the next planning meetings and hearing dates for postponed items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lexington - Planning Commission Zoning Items","oneSentenceSummary","The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission on Aug. 28 approved ZOTA 25.6, adding micro distilleries as a principal use in the B-2 downtown business zone with a 10,000-gallon-by-right cap and a conditional-use path up to the 50,000-gallon micro-distillery definition adopted by the city in June.","taxTitle","Lexington City, Fayette County, Kentucky","taxId",5707,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6706711,"District 2 neighborhood gym offers free classes, partners with local groups",256,0,256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418&start=0&end=256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6706711/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/District-2-neighborhood-gym-offers-free-classes-partners-with-local-groups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706711-242de8227bd25fa6bdb79ed66ddef6c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771062465&Signature=oNF4z2p-ctksx7qSYuGfOviTgUkHCXAqzx-b7~0dw1O4ZGSwQIUZE5x8DKxrqx5OtBI9gJK20qwQkYEAnLA4IStu~RSuqxRvbKCjnPJM1DGpp5YHUrXCK3pJlJ46G6PIahhZ6GbXVCSjGHvVNT~l0xpI8qTJrviuRkbjOXqoC3U1GP~KuOWEh4KKJfpARS7P8pRJwsxaxqA3uscw4hSFHJETy9sRd~XkQXWTHdnZ3eWLeLJiRn~Sh1NqndT9pL-de7wN-GFO2xigsjC9lQhepDXHdPIZ9YeNv2IDuHZXpRxjU8q0oL4dxKqvkuAIJJ4xlAu3Cp0wsLH5il7BSsCmKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The BW Gymnasium in Lexington's District 2 is offering a range of free activities for residents, including Zumba classes, an Ignite Saturday morning class at 11 a.m., open gym sessions and a monthly \"team talk\" for youth, staff said during a District 2 neighborhood update.

Director Sanders said the facility is free to use for community-benefiting activities and that staff welcome partnerships with local organizations. \"Completely free. Everything is free,\" Sanders said when asked whether the public must pay to use the space.

Staff listed partnerships already on the calendar, including a multiweek adult fitness program run by the YMCA and occasional events posted by Fayette County Public Schools. The gymnasium provides tables and chairs for partner events and requires interested organizations to complete an activity form.

Organizers said open gym is generally kept available to the neighborhood rather than reserved for recurring private team practices; the facility aims to keep time slots open so local children and adults can use the space. One regular youth schedule includes open gym from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by pizza at 5:30 p.m. and a team talk led by community mentors. The team talks are planned for the last Monday of every month and will include discussion on topics such as mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, college and careers.

Residents can request the neighborhood calendar by emailing bwgymnasium@lexingtonky.gov or by checking events posted on Lexington's official website (lexingtonky.gov). Director Sanders provided the gymnasium phone number in the meeting as recorded: 85935308. Staff emphasized they do not rent the facility for private parties such as baby showers; use is prioritized for community-benefit activities.

The gymnasium encouraged neighbors to attend programs and contact staff to propose partnerships or events.

For more information, organizers said to email bwgymnasium@lexingtonky.gov.","BW Gymnasium in Lexington's District 2 is offering free programming—including Zumba, open gym, an Ignite Saturday class, and monthly team talks—and is accepting partnership requests via email and phone.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":44,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":50,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6706716,"Planning commission approves zoning change to allow micro distilleries in downtown business zones",1411,2606000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418&start=1195&end=2606","/articles/6706716/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Planning-commission-approves-zoning-change-to-allow-micro-distilleries-in-downtown-business-zones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706716-a11e81f836dee40851d40b7de71499f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771062465&Signature=lOzfaMTPw0RY5GkGXGWfIHcXzr8jNOqGW23SUHZbfegLmw~ydXZ0vvDTpC8jyTHecRiUTJdk4Gx0osrHA4AcJJklYE7Mosdsr50DpoWHkfN8rO6ROCWcIm2ffVCPbdlbHPCvvKaHo48qDA2BL5LwBWTBQygNZbohZoqGE3uExAoJXzwXNKYUidpzhpq2SRLglBxHDmT7zXOiIcLQw19wL6uaTT0nzADEKqzVOpEdGtFlpJxITIx7imWlwZpkkCMqDcC-A-yw0u72LbuTVgwFzZqcJHg8YaIg5g1sBXWyx1Z4wiBHjwtWeOl4t56FIOSKIL7ZVoxzF1UjtpplXasJMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Planning Commission voted unanimously Aug. 28 to approve Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA) 25.6, adding micro distilleries to the downtown B2 zoning designation under conditions recommended by planning staff.

The amendment allows a micro distillery as a principal use in the downtown B2 zone limited to 10,000 gallons of production annually by right, and provides a conditional-use path for operations up to the micro distillery definition adopted by the city in June (50,000 gallons or less). Planning staff and applicant representatives told commissioners that state licensing would still be required for any distillery operation.

Planning staff senior planner Jeremy Young presented the amendment to the commission and described the change. Young said the city's ordinance defines a micro distillery as \"a distillery that produces less than 50,000 gallons of distilled spirits,\" and explained staff's proposal to allow a 10,000-gallon principal use while reserving a conditional-use review for larger micro distilleries so businesses could expand without relocating.

John Woodall, counsel for applicant New Era Whiskey and Spirits, told the commission the applicant requested a 10,000-gallon allowance at the proposed downtown site. Woodall said the staff alternative would allow 10,000 gallons by right in B2 and provide a mechanism to seek approval if a business sought to expand toward the 50,000-gallon micro distillery threshold.

Public speakers and representatives of potential operators urged approval as a tool for downtown tourism and economic development. Brian Luffman, co-founder of Never Say Die Spirits, said including the B2B (downtown center business) designation in the change would support tourism and attract investment. Nick Nicholson, speaking from the private sector, compared downtown distillery projects in Louisville and said such facilities can generate significant visitor activity.

Several residents raised operational concerns. Casey Mather, representing the Northside Neighborhood Association, asked whether barrel storage or fermentation would pose fire, mold, or odor risks for historic downtown buildings; applicant representatives and staff responded that the typical downtown facilities would not conduct mashing/fermentation on-site and that only limited barrel storage was expected.

Commissioner Forrester moved to approve ZOTA 25.6 based on the staff alternative text; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

What the amendment changes: it formally adds micro distilleries to the downtown B2 classifications (B2, B2A and B2B) with a 10,000-gallon principal-use cap and a conditional-use path for operations up to the city's micro distillery definition (50,000 gallons). It leaves state licensing and alcohol-control requirements under Kentucky law in place.

The commission did not set additional conditions beyond the staff text; the item will proceed per the council/administrative steps required for text amendments and to applicants' subsequent state permitting processes.

Speakers who testified or were quoted during the discussion included planning staff, applicant representatives and members of the public; commissioners emphasized the amendment's potential for tourism and the need to balance that with protections for historic downtown structures.","The Lexington-Fayette Planning Commission voted unanimously Aug. 28 to adopt staff'recommended text for ZOTA 25.6, allowing micro distilleries in downtown B2 zones with production limits and a conditional-use path for larger operations.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6706701,"Planning commission schedules Sept. 18 affordable housing work session with providers",429,2753000,3182000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418&start=2753&end=3182","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418/thumbnail_2753000.jpg","/articles/6706701/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Planning-commission-schedules-Sept-18-affordable-housing-work-session-with-providers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706701-01f370c40b0ed403979cc51a6407612a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771062465&Signature=e87AtojUgZEyEuquKBKpblSjxKD6cR4JLCgePsu4tYBlOF0eyED7mDU9i69X9LTnIOUR0MXS675uJOlWGGOvRrcMoZsLqWFn2gGcubnDbgR8LuogO~FI2dqmMaCtGybIELup3VRjAqAZwd1~bD9Fw9q0WwhDv~Pdiuz7eQkePrgdQFzWHxJliXkSHJlmPGah8cVR6DNUFVObZUv-AI6Xp-garEgfbNAGE-S8D1o3OilGzzL8kKr3iGLsIEQEWCRHOcHkrv9mpgcByX7-H9MH5go8gInpXX9pW1VndwrxnXRHfJFWyLEvkqRbAwEAfHLuDnNj8xy3ClWK2GsNOJ8d1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning commission staff announced a work session for Sept. 18 to convene affordable-housing developers, the Lexington Housing Authority, AU Associates and other providers for a roundtable on barriers to creating affordable housing in Lexington.

Staff member Mr. Duncan told commissioners the meeting will be a discussion, not a presentation, and will include Todd Johnson and other providers who were asked to attend. Duncan said the session is intended to identify impediments and foster an ongoing conversation between the commission, staff and housing providers.

Commissioners and staff emphasized this will likely be the first of multiple conversations. Commissioner Penn observed the issue will take months of follow-up, and urged more frequent engagement rather than sporadic quarterly meetings. Commissioner Forrester and others said staff will continue coordinating with Duncan and that the commission will use opportunities in light meeting schedules to invite participants for substantive discussion.

No formal policy or vote was taken; the Sept. 18 work session was scheduled and described as part of the commission's continuing efforts to address housing affordability.","Commission staff and members set a Sept. 18 roundtable with affordable-housing providers, the housing authority and stakeholders to discuss barriers to affordability and follow-up sessions.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6706706,"Historic Saint Paul AME Church honored on 205th anniversary; leaders recount preservation work",367,266000,633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418&start=266&end=633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690149-bef3bc3fcadb44ec1f20a2b516be8418/thumbnail_266000.jpg","/articles/6706706/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Historic-Saint-Paul-AME-Church-honored-on-205th-anniversary-leaders-recount-preservation-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706706-2d88e4c9992ff1856aab98db0e99629d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771062465&Signature=Pfk3K5S-kFCvfTxGSNtxzpU75hC7Q7E60gR9pEIqkyEJZ1beOQt1yMro-kBFKrIaIJ0EAvSE0rO9c~eTogyGYSRdeeMMUlq2c6koom4eNHKMa1TJhorfDg6jR8Yd4x3nkZnf6wmd3kBonpR~Qx8zitZtp-3B~JH673LISXFw7IawdroJt7o6t-fGy3ce05EP-g60ksIc3zpX1uvptfJepPHeqh0cZBrSNXdA72O10ZXQyURtqvf-c6EoIbTVN9mtrTqyt51JRqnlUC-hBnZVCz6wH995Tga2rksdxidTc-fcj6RplTv2R3r~wyZ7AeoUDQbO9aS~B4PZzyX36ApMpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the planning commission and community recognized the 205th anniversary of historic Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lexington during the meeting. Speakers recounted the congregation's history, the church's preservation efforts and its role in the city's Black community.

Priscilla Sullivan spoke about Saint Paul AME's founding and early history, saying the congregation formed after members left Hill Street Methodist Church and purchased land in the early 1820s. \"Historic Saint Paul was established ... in 1820. They were able to purchase the land for $280. They built the building in 1826, and of course they finally owned it in 1827,\" Sullivan said.

Speakers also described a concealed space above the sanctuary ceiling that church members say was used to hide people escaping enslavement; the transcript records that this hidden area was not broadly known until preservation work and research in 1978. The church's historian at that time, Lillian Gentry, is credited in the meeting with preservation work on the sanctuary's 20-foot windows.

Pastor (Dr.) Ragland, who said she was appointed as the church's pastor in October 2023 and is the congregation's first female pastor in its more-than-200-year history, commented on the church's ongoing role in education and social justice in Lexington.

Speakers framed the recognition as an opportunity to reflect on the church's long history and to raise awareness of restoration and preservation needs.

The commission's recognition did not include a formal action tied to city funding; it was presented as a ceremonial acknowledgement of the church's historical significance.","Members and the pastor of Saint Paul AME Church marked the congregation's 205th anniversary at a recognition during the meeting, recounting the church's founding, preservation efforts and its role in the community's history.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Commission approves zoning change to allow small distilleries downtown with limits

District 2 neighborhood gym offers free classes, partners with local groups

Planning commission approves zoning change to allow micro distilleries in downtown business zones

Planning commission schedules Sept. 18 affordable housing work session with providers

Historic Saint Paul AME Church honored on 205th anniversary; leaders recount preservation work