Commission approves access-easement and terminus waivers for Vernon and Roxie Harris townhome plan

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Planning Commission on Aug. 14 approved waivers that let the developer create an access easement (instead of a public street) and use a nonstandard terminus with a turnaround area for the Vernon and Roxie Harris property (PLNMJDP 2541) at 363 Pasadena.

Planning staff described the proposal as a plan for 16 townhomes accessed solely via an access easement connecting to Hillandale. The applicant requested the waivers because the property’s size and shape make construction of a full cul-de-sac impractical. Staff said it found the waivers acceptable provided the turnaround is adequate for large vehicles, "no parking" signs are posted along the access easement and turnaround, and that pavement, curb and sidewalk meet minimum roadway- manual standards.

Fire Department representative Embry Beatty told commissioners he supports the proposal provided the turnaround is maintained and parking is restricted so roll carts or parked vehicles do not obstruct emergency access. Staff and the applicant said the proposed sidewalk and utility-strip configuration meet the required 10-foot setback in the P-1 zone.

Commission discussion touched on connectivity to adjoining neighborhoods, a temporary access on Sunseeker Court recorded in 2004, and whether closing that temporary connection would alter travel distances for future residents. Staff explained the Sunseeker temporary access was recorded to permit earlier single-family access and that closing or changing that connection would require action by that lot’s owner or a separate process; staff noted spacing and subdivision regulations constrain creation of a new access point to Pasadena for this development.

Applicant representatives from Vision Engineering (Mark McCain and Mark McIntosh) answered questions about tree preservation and connectivity; the applicant said trees in the area are limited and that they provided tree protection and a tree inventory chart in the packet. Commissioners asked whether the developer could tie the new parcels to the adjacent development instead of creating a separate stub; the applicant said doing so would likely remove some homes from the proposed plan.

Commissioner Oglens moved to approve the waivers and conditions; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion passed unanimously. The approval included restrictions on parking on the access easement and required construction standards for the access pavement, curb and sidewalk.