Planning commission approves Parkside Estates preliminary plan and two setback variances for 199‑lot open‑space subdivision

The Oldham County Planning Commission on May 27 approved a preliminary subdivision plan and two setback variances for Parkside Estates, a proposed 199‑lot open‑space subdivision on 67.76 acres that will take access from Jericho Road.

Staff recommended approval with binding elements addressing construction‑phase permits, fire protection, limits on annual lots issued and required reviews by county engineering and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The commission approved both variance requests (single side from 7 to 5 feet; total side from 16 to 10 feet) and the preliminary plan after hearing staff, the applicant and multiple neighbors.

Senior planner Anna Barge told commissioners the property is zoned R‑2A and that open‑space subdivision rules in Oldham County subdivision regulation section 5.12 allow smaller individual lot sizes and reduced setbacks when at least 50% of the overall site is preserved as permanent open space. The applicant’s plan proposes 199 single‑family lots ranging from about 5,500 to 8,794 square feet with approximately 34.25 acres (50.54%) of dedicated open space. Barge said the gross‑density cap for the tract is 236 dwelling units; the applicant proposes 199.

County engineer and TRC comments focused on stormwater, wetlands and transportation. The county engineer noted that construction will require a stormwater quality/erosion control permit and likely a Kentucky Division of Water (KDW) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers review if wetlands or jurisdictional waters are impacted. He said post‑construction runoff detention and construction‑phase erosion controls will be reviewed at construction‑plan stage. The commission also reviewed a traffic impact assessment: staff concluded average daily trips were below the county threshold that would require a second subdivision entrance, but the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will complete an independent review and may require turn lanes or other improvements.

Applicant attorney Mike Swansberg and developer Clay Jones emphasized compatibility with adjacent subdivisions and greater open space than in a previously approved conventional plan for the tract. "The proposed subdivision combines 199 proposed lots with 1,491,803 square feet — 50.54% of the total — of undeveloped open space," Swansberg said, adding that the plan preserves stream corridors and limits paved area.

Several neighbors spoke in opposition, citing concerns about stormwater routing, the proposed pump station and traffic on Jericho Road. Cathy Lewis and Damon Thomas said runoff from the site currently sheets toward adjacent properties and that any added stormwater must be controlled to avoid damage to farmland or yards. Staff and the applicant said the construction‑plan review and required permits will analyze and address runoff and detention; staff also committed to coordinate with the county’s MS4 program and to inspect sediment controls during construction.

On motions from the commission: Miss Krauss moved to approve the single side‑yard setback variance (reducing the required single side from 7 to 5 feet); the motion was seconded and passed 9‑1. Commissioner Nasser moved to approve the total side‑yard setback variance (reducing the total side yard from 16 to 10 feet); the motion was seconded and passed 9‑1. Commissioner Finney moved to approve the preliminary subdivision plan, including staff’s binding elements; Commissioner Davis seconded and the motion passed 10‑0.

Approved binding elements attached to the plan include that approval applies only to the plan presented May 27; no subdivision of any lot without planning commission review; compliance with federal, state and county ordinances at construction‑plan approval; the Oldham County Board of Education limit of 31 lots permitted per year; fire hydrant locations to be placed in consultation with LaGrange Fire Department prior to construction plan approval; and that the homeowners association will maintain open‑space areas. The applicant also agreed to incorporate any KYTC recommendations for Jericho Road.

Next steps: The applicant must complete construction‑plan review, obtain required erosion and stormwater permits, secure any KDW or Corps approvals if wetlands are impacted, and show fire hydrant locations in consultation with the LaGrange Fire Department before construction may begin. School capacity and the 31‑lots‑per‑year building‑permit cap will govern build‑out timing.