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Fiscal court hears first reading of zone-change ordinance for 70.27 acres on College Hill Road
Summary
The court took first reading of Ordinance 2025-006 to reclassify 70.27 acres near College Hill Road from agricultural to single-family residential; the court discussed prior denials, a lawsuit, and discretion to approve or deny rezoning requests.
Madison County Fiscal Court heard the first reading of Ordinance 2025-006 on May 13, which would change the land-use classification of a 70.27-acre parcel on College Hill Road and Pike Road in Waco from agricultural (R‑7/C‑7) to UC‑1 single-family residential.
Bert (county planning staff) read the ordinance summary and said the Madison County Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 18, 2025 and recommended approval. Bert provided the court with the planning commission’s findings of fact and recommendation. Bert also explained the ordinance requires the Madison County GIS coordinator to amend the official zoning map and calls for publication in accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes; the ordinance becomes effective on the date of second reading and adoption.
Court members reviewed the parcel’s recent history. A court member recalled the planning commission first approved the change in August 2022 but the fiscal court denied it in September 2022; that denial prompted litigation. The court member summarized the circuit court ruling upholding the fiscal court’s discretion to deny a zone change even when it aligns with the comprehensive plan, noting the court described a comprehensive plan as a guide rather than a binding requirement.
Members emphasized the importance of on-site review before making a final decision and encouraged colleagues to inspect the property. Judge Taylor confirmed the item was for first reading only; no vote was taken. Public comments may be submitted to the county email address and a draft ordinance was posted to the county website. A second reading and final vote will occur at the next scheduled fiscal court meeting.
