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Council gives first reading to small‑farm conservation easement ordinance
Summary
The Lexington Fayette Urban County Council received a first reading of an ordinance to establish a small‑farm conservation easement program for Fayette County; Council member Boone described program basics and local benefits.
The Lexington Fayette Urban County Council on Jan. 16 gave first reading to an ordinance that would create a small‑farm conservation easement program for Fayette County.
The ordinance, read into the record as an item on first reading, would establish Chapter 27 of the Lexington code to authorize application, evaluation and purchase of conservation easements targeted at smaller agricultural parcels.
Council member Boone described the ordinance as an effort to help landowners with parcels at least 10 acres but less than 20 acres access local and federal funding while preserving working farmland.
Boone said prospective farms will be graded using a point system, appraised for transparency and inspected annually to ensure compliance with farming operations. He said the program is modeled to complement the city’s existing Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program and to strengthen local food production by helping small producers who sell at farmers markets, to restaurants and grocery stores.
No council vote was taken beyond the first reading. Council members thanked planning staff and the Farmland Preservation Board for work on the ordinance and asked staff to return with implementing details and evaluation criteria if the measure advances to subsequent readings.
Speakers quoted: Council member Boone spoke in support of the program on the record.
