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Nicholasville planners approve rezoning for South Third townhomes, allow front‑load parking with conditions
Summary
The Nicholasville Planning Commission on July 22 approved rezoning for 115 Southview from R-3 to R-1T to allow construction of 12 townhomes; commissioners attached conditions including moving the first unit’s driveway to Edgewood Drive, a no‑parking zone at the corner, and brick end‑walls. Approval was 6–0.
The Nicholasville Planning Commission voted 6–0 July 22 to approve a zone map amendment for 115 Southview, changing the parcel from R-3 multifamily to R-1T townhouse residential to permit construction of 12 townhomes.
The applicants — represented by attorney Justin Manning — asked the commission to allow front‑load parking rather than the ordinance’s typical preference for rear loading. Manning said engineers recommended front‑load parking to reduce impervious surface near the detention infrastructure and to route runoff into existing storm drains on South Third Street. "Front parking is less than half the size, and it will flow straight into those existing storm drains on South Third Street," Manning said.
During public comment, adjacent property owner Martin Cobb said he supported infill housing but worried that placing driveways and parking close to the intersection of South Third Street and Edgewood Drive could worsen congestion and safety at a busy corner. "The parking is my biggest concern," Cobb said, asking whether unit count or vehicle access could be adjusted to reduce risk.
Planning staff and commissioners questioned whether stormwater and construction plan review would address on‑site drainage regardless of front or rear parking. Tim Frost, director of planning and zoning, confirmed developers must submit construction plans and stormwater analyses for staff approval before building permits are issued.
The commission attached conditions to the approval intended to address corner safety and neighborhood character: the first unit’s driveway will be routed to Edgewood Drive with a no‑parking area adjacent to Lot 1, and the two end elevations will use brick facades. The motion to adopt staff findings and approve the rezoning was moved and seconded in the meeting record and carried on roll call 6–0.
The decision clears the way for applicants to submit final construction plans and the required stormwater documentation before building permits are issued. The commission noted that front‑load parking may still require landscaping and construction details to meet drainage and setback rules established in the city’s ordinances.
