Woodford County fiscal court approves rezoning, adopts comprehensive zoning text changes including medical cannabis rules

The Woodford County Fiscal Court approved a zoning map amendment for property at 942 and 948 Clifton Road and adopted a comprehensive zoning text amendment that adds provisions for medicinal cannabis and reorganizes multiple articles of the county zoning code.

The court voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 2024-11, a rezoning of approximately 19.473 acres at 942 and 948 Clifton Road from A-1 (agriculture) and CO-1 (conservation) to A-4, following a recommendation from the planning commission. County Attorney (unnamed) read a summary of the second reading to the court, noting the commission—s findings and that the map will be amended upon plat approval by the commission.

The court also approved second reading of Ordinance 2024-12, a broad zoning text amendment that repeals and replaces Articles 3 and 4 in full, amends Article 5 and Article 9, and enacts a new section addressing medicinal cannabis facilities. The county attorney said the new Article 3 reorders provisions under the heading "review bodies, administration and violations," removes jail as a penalty for ordinance violations and replaces it with a revised fine schedule, and that the proposed medicinal cannabis language mirrors language adopted by the cities of Versailles and Midway.

Judge (unnamed) and the county attorney both noted the text amendment is substantial and that much of the new law may not apply to unincorporated areas; the county attorney said a dispensary, if it were ever sited in Woodford County, would likely be within the city of Versailles. The ordinance will be published in summary form as required for a second reading.

Magistrates also directed the county attorney to draft two additional zoning map amendment ordinances (for properties on Cummins Ferry Road and Delaney Ferry Road) and voted to place those drafted measures on a future agenda. The court gave unanimous approval to that directive and the county attorney said the drafts would be ready for the Jan. 28 meeting.

Several magistrates discussed — without adopting — a possible moratorium on parts of the zoning code (Articles 2 and 7) so the court could have time to review family-conveyance rules and farmland protections. The county attorney advised that a moratorium would itself require an ordinance, should include narrowly tailored language to avoid unintended consequences, and would require two readings to take effect. The court did not vote to establish a moratorium; several magistrates instead urged public outreach and a timely public hearing to gather input.

The fiscal court tentatively scheduled continued ordinance committee review and a public hearing in early February for the zoning text amendments and related changes. Planning and zoning staff and the planning commission were credited with having provided detailed briefings, and magistrates encouraged members of the public to review meeting recordings and the posted text ahead of the hearing.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2024-11 (rezoning, Clifton Road) —19.473 acres —1st mover: Miss Squire Brown; second: Miss Squire Gentry; outcome: approved unanimously. Ordinance 2024-12 (zoning text amendment, includes medicinal cannabis) —1st mover: Squire Gill; second: Squire Gentry; outcome: approved unanimously.

The court—s discussion emphasized the importance of public input and careful drafting if the court pursues a moratorium or additional text changes.

Ending: County staff said finalized ordinance summaries for publication are on file with the clerk; the county attorney said the zoning map change will be reflected on the official map after plat approval by the planning commission.