Spencer County planning staff presented four rezoning applications on first reading Nov. 17; the court provided direction and will hold second readings and final votes at the next meeting scheduled for Dec. 1.

The applications presented included: a request from Norman Harden to rezone two tracts (1.001 and 1.381 acres) from agricultural to B2 (general commercial); staff recommended denial pending additional site/business information and review by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet because highway access details were not provided. Commissioner Hunt moved to recommend denial on the record after a roll‑call recommendation by the planning commission.

Other first readings recommended favorable action to move the properties toward residential or agricultural classifications consistent with the comprehensive plan: an AG→R1 application by Vicki Smitha for 1.611 acres at 805 Smitha Road; an AG→AG2 application by Paul White on two tracts (8.12 and 7.25 acres) at 2359 Beech Creek Road; and an AG2→R1 application by Robert Willett and Ashley Stone for tracts totaling 6.81 acres at 1815 Hochstrasser Road. Each of those items received motions recommending the rezoning and will be subject to the required second reading and vote in two weeks.

Court members emphasized the procedural distinction between first and second readings: the first reading begins the public notice and review process and the court will take final action at the second reading on Dec. 1.