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Court asks staff for RR→AG rezoning data, discusses defining 'agricultural product' and reviving stormwater task force
Summary
During other business the court directed staff to compile rezoning application trends (RR to AG), asked experts to help define allowable agricultural products as part of a zoning code rewrite, agreed to revive a stormwater task force and requested a review of city contracts.
During the June 30 work session several members raised longstanding questions about zoning classifications and the county’s ability to define agricultural uses.
Squire Wissman asked staff to assemble information on the number of applications that convert rural residential (RR) zoning to agricultural (AG) zoning and to explain why the trend appears to be increasing. The court discussed a target time period for the data, with members asking staff to try to produce five years of information if feasible but not to overburden staff.
The court also debated whether the county can legally adopt narrower definitions of "agricultural product" than the state. One member referenced KRS 101 as a statutory definition relevant to planning and zoning. The court agreed it would retain planning and zoning experts for the upcoming code rewrite and work with counsel to develop definitions and recommendations that the court could consider. "My thought was since there's a code rewrite and we are retaining experts in the area of planning and zoning to work with that individual in order to develop that definition," counsel said.
Members raised examples for consideration, including aquaculture, hydroponics and value-added products such as jams or distilled spirits, and discussed whether the county could place restrictions on specific products or processes. One member suggested agriculture might be limited to rough stock prior to processing; the court asked staff and legal counsel to clarify statutory limits and local options.
The court also agreed to revive the stormwater task force after recent flooding and noted staff will attend a stormwater conference next week; members signaled support for a more active role, particularly given federal funding and mitigation needs. Separately, a member requested a comprehensive review of all contracts and agreements with the city, asking for copies and any revisions from the past three years to assess budgetary impacts and billing practices.
The court gave direction to staff to return with the requested zoning application data and legal/technical guidance during the code rewrite process; no formal ordinances or code changes were adopted at the session.
