Applicant seeks C-2 rezoning for South Highway 53 coffee shop; staff asks for plan clarifications

An applicant seeking to rezone 1913–1919 South Highway 53 from C‑1 (local business) to C‑2 (community business) to permit a drive-through coffee shop presented plans and neighborhood commitments at the Oldham County Technical Review Committee meeting on May 21, 2025. The proposal would convert an existing storefront in the rear of a multi-suite building to a Biggby Coffee drive-through with a bypass lane; the committee did not take any votes and requested specific plan corrections before the application advances to the Planning Commission.

Why it matters: staff and nearby businesses flagged circulation and parking questions because the alley behind the building currently has parallel parking and two-way traffic. Planning staff asked the applicant to provide clearer suite labeling, to correct ownership and adjacent-address information on the plan, and to submit a landscaping and lighting plan that complies with the county ordinance.

What was presented

Bowman Consulting representative Joey Mackin said the applicant would convert a two-way drive aisle behind the building to one-way circulation for the drive-through and add a bypass lane and six employee parking spaces. The applicant also agreed at the neighborhood meeting to extend an existing 8-foot fence and add evergreen screening trees between the back of curb and the fence to provide additional buffering for adjacent homes.

Agency comments and staff requests

- Planning: county planning staff listed plan corrections, including adding a preparation date, clarifying suite layout and addresses for adjoining property owners, noting existing utilities and storm drainage, showing contours, and providing calculations for required parking. Staff computed a total parking requirement (maximum shown on the plan) and asked the applicant to reconcile the striping so the drive aisle is not used as required parking.

- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC): KYTC said internal circulation questions are outside its authority but recommended considering a cross-connection to adjacent properties so traffic could use the existing signalized intersection rather than creating an additional access point to KY‑53.

- LaGrange Fire Department: No specific fire-safety concerns were raised at TRC; the department confirmed it will coordinate hydrant locations and access with the final construction plan.

- LaGrange Utilities: The utility reminded the applicant that a FOG (fats, oils and grease) control program applies for food service uses and advised submittal of required calculations and equipment if grease-producing activities occur.

Public questions and neighborhood concerns

Nearby business owners and residents asked how the drive-through would affect patient access at the adjacent Gaddy Eye Center, where visually impaired patients park; staff recommended internal crosswalks, striping and signage to separate pedestrians from drive-through queuing. Residents also asked about lighting, trash, security and whether any binding condition could be recorded to require regular trash/maintenance behind the building; the applicant said the owner agreed to additional screening and that binding elements can be discussed at Planning Commission.

Next steps

The applicant was asked to revise plans to correct the items listed by planning staff, provide a landscape and lighting plan that meets county standards, clarify parking counts and show how staff parking and drive-through stacking will function. Once revised, the application will proceed to the county Planning Commission (a separate public hearing) for a decision on the zoning map amendment. Interested parties will be notified of that hearing according to standard county procedure.