Commission grants waiver to allow fourth parcel on access easement for family farm tract (PZ-25-005)

The Oldham County Planning Commission voted 8-0 on Jan. 28 to approve a waiver request (PZ-25-005) allowing a fourth parcel to take access from an existing private access easement at roughly 5400 W. Highway 42, Goshen. Anna Barge, senior planner, said the parent tract is approximately 142.5 acres and the applicant proposes a minor plat that would create a 2.501-acre parcel to contain the primary residence and detached garage; the residual tract would remain.

Applicant Jeff Watzeroy spoke in favor and explained family circumstances: the proposed conveyance would allow his family to keep the original farmhouse in the family and help pay for long-term care for his grandmother. Watzeroy noted one structure on the property (5404) burned down two years earlier and said his plan is to purchase the smaller tract to provide for his relative.

In discussing the request, commissioners noted the county preference to limit multiple parcels on a single access easement because of maintenance and safety concerns. Several commissioners said repeated, unplanned parceling on a single driveway can create precedent problems. The commission approved the waiver with standard conditions included in the staff motion: the waiver applies only to the plan presented at the Jan. 28 hearing; the applicant must obtain a road-frontage variance from the Oldham County Board of Adjustments and Appeals; the applicant must submit a minor plat and survey for staff review and approval prior to building permits; and a shared road-maintenance agreement must be prepared and recorded with the minor plat.

Commissioners debated the broader policy issue of repeated waivers for the same driveway but ultimately approved this request on the record. Vote was recorded as 8-0.