Oldham County board allows existing barn to remain on Smithfield parcel while owner builds house

The Oldham County Board of Adjustments on Jan. 16 approved a conditional use permit that allows an existing accessory structure (a barn) to remain on a 2.45‑acre parcel at 3926 East Highway 22 in Smithfield while the property owner constructs a primary residence.

John Hein, Planner I with Oldham County Planning and Development Services, told the board the parent tract is about 37.5 acres, zoned AG‑1 with a narrow sliver of Conservation‑1, and that the applicant has submitted a minor plat to divide a roughly 2.45‑acre lot where the barn sits. Hein said the county’s comprehensive zoning ordinance normally prohibits accessory structures from being developed or used before construction of a principal structure, which is why the applicant sought a conditional use permit.

Valerie Shannon, attorney for Exit 17 Properties LLC, said the company prepared the 2.45‑acre plat with the intention to sell the parcel for construction of a private residence. “The only storage use of this property would be associated with work or construction of the…