Daviess County holds first reading of temporary moratorium on certain group housing and facilities

At its Oct. 2 meeting the Daviess County Fiscal Court conducted a first reading of an ordinance (listed as KLC 8 2025, 11-2025 on the agenda) that would impose a temporary moratorium on certain categories of group housing and related facilities in Daviess County.

County legal counsel read the ordinance’s whereas clauses, stating the court had "received public input expressing concern over the location of certain categories of group housing and other facilities" and wished to "obtain data related to these types of group housing and facilities" while the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission (OMPC) reviews the county zoning ordinance. Section 5 of the draft ordinance, as read, would keep the moratorium in effect for one year unless repealed or extended.

Because this was a first reading, the court did not vote on the ordinance. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about scope and whether previously approved residential zoning or pending applications would be affected. Counsel and staff clarified that a recent application for standard apartment development outside the city limits would not fall under the moratorium because it is not classified as group housing under the language read aloud.

Commissioners said the item mirrors similar action taken by the City of Owensboro and was placed on the agenda after constituents raised concerns. The court directed that OMPC review zoning and report back; no formal direction to staff beyond the planning review was recorded on the transcript.

Next steps: The ordinance will return for further readings and potential vote after OMPC completes its review and the court determines whether to proceed with a formal moratorium.