Fort Thomas planning commission approves land addition at 75 Bluegrass, sets public hearing on Pearson Street rezoning

FORT THOMAS — The Fort Thomas Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a convenience plat that moves a rear parcel onto 75 Bluegrass Avenue and set a public hearing for Feb. 19 to consider a zoning change affecting a cluster of homes on Pearson Street.

The commission also took routine administrative actions: it approved Dec. 18 meeting minutes, adopted its 2025 meeting schedule and re-elected its existing slate of officers by voice vote.

The land addition at 75 Bluegrass, proposed by Stephen and Linda Herzog, transfers a rear portion of an adjacent parcel to the large lot at the end of a cul-de-sac to “secure privacy,” the applicants said. City planning staff told the commission the proposed conveyance is intended not to create a standalone lot but to add the rear portion to the larger parcel at the cul-de-sac. Commissioners discussed the potential for future development if a buyer later sought to subdivide or create a flag lot, and staff noted that the proposed change meets the city's subdivision regulations.

City planning staff said the plat meets setback requirements and that, if the property were later rebuilt after a fire, existing or future variances would remain with the land if granted. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the convenience plat for Stephen Herzog at 75 Bluegrass; another commissioner seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote with ayes recorded.

On Pearson Street, the commission heard a staff presentation about a proposed zone change covering multiple addresses (listed in application materials as Lot Nos. 3, 5, 9, 13, 19 and others). The applicants have asked to dissolve their homeowners association and transfer parts of what is now common property to individual homeowners. Staff said the homeowners signed to support the application and that dissolving the HOA is permitted under the recorded deed restrictions if the HOA follows the required procedure. The properties are described as contributing resources within a National Historic District but are not individually designated landmarks.

Staff said the proposal will require Board of Adjustment review for variances because the resulting lot lines will leave some lots with tight setbacks. The commission asked staff and the applicants to show specific lot dimensions and to include the city’s desired right-of-way and utility easements on the revised plat. Staff also asked that the applicant show the water transmission line easement that bisects a triangular piece of the site.

Commissioners voted to set a public hearing for Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. to consider the Pearson Street zone change and associated plat modifications; the date was set by motion and voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes, Dec. 18, 2024 — motion, second; voice vote: ayes; outcome: approved (no roll-call tally recorded). - 2025 meeting schedule (third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.) — motion, second; voice vote: ayes; outcome: approved. - Election of officers for 2025 (current slate) — motion, second; voice vote: ayes; outcome: approved. - Convenience plat / land addition for Stephen Herzog, 75 Bluegrass — motion, second; voice vote: ayes; outcome: approved. Staff noted setbacks comply; commissioners discussed potential future subdivision if later buyers meet regulations. - Set public hearing for Pearson Street zone change (Pearson Street homeowners association) — motion, second; voice vote: ayes; outcome: public hearing set for Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

What’s next

Staff said applicants must return with corrected plats that show lot dimensions, proposed right-of-way, water easement locations and any deed-restriction language to be carried forward into new deeds. The Pearson Street proposal will go through Board of Adjustment review for variances and then back to city council if recommended by the commission.

The meeting adjourned after the Feb. 19 hearing was set.