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Board of Adjustment approves nightclub and 10‑foot setback variance at Oxford Circle
Summary
The Lexington City Board of Adjustment on an evening vote approved a conditional use permit and a variance allowing a karaoke/nightclub room at 1910–1914 Oxford Circle, trimming the required setback from a residential zone from 100 feet to 90 feet.
The Lexington City Board of Adjustment approved a conditional use permit on a unanimous vote for El Tenampa LLC to operate a nightclub-style venue with a karaoke room at 1910 and 1914 Oxford Circle, and granted a variance reducing the required 100-foot setback from the adjacent residential zone to 90 feet.
The applicant’s attorney, Ted Houlihan, told the board the proposal is aimed at “being fully compliant to have a karaoke room,” and stressed that the business is a restaurant/bar use that has operated for years. Houlihan said the applicant plans soundproofing and other measures to limit off-site noise and nuisance.
Neighbors raised concerns about late-night noise, trash and trespass into nearby parking lots. Ryan Madanacker, owner of Ford’s Fitness Center adjacent to the property, said patrons already leave bottles and urine in his lot at 1–2 a.m. and added, “I can’t imagine that that would decrease if you expand this and make it a nightclub.” Another nearby business owner said the shopping-center owners do not contribute to upkeep of shared parking and feared the addition of later‑hour clientele would make problems worse.
Board members pressed the applicant on exact distance to the residential zone and on mitigation plans. Houlihan said the building is about 90 feet from the residential zone and that the applicant would maintain hours in line with the staff recommendation and pursue a local dance permit from the Lexington Police Department if required.
After public testimony, a board member moved to approve the conditional use permit and variance with the staff-recommended conditions. The board approved the motion; the chair reminded neighbors that conditional use permits can be revoked if conditions are violated and encouraged residents to report complaints to staff for enforcement.
Why it matters: The decision lets a commercial entertainment use operate nearer to homes than the ordinance standard allows, while relying on conditions and post‑approval enforcement to limit off‑site impacts. Neighbors remain concerned about parking, trash and late-night activity; the board approved the use on the record after hearing mitigation commitments from the applicant.
Provenance: Staff presentation and applicant summary began when attorney Ted Houlihan introduced the request, and the board vote and final advisories occurred later in the hearing (transcript excerpts cited).
