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Nicholasville holds first reading to remove maximum lot-coverage cap in multiple zones
Summary
On first reading July 8, commissioners considered Ordinance 15920-2024 to remove a percentage-based maximum first-floor lot-coverage restriction across several residential and business zones, keeping existing setback rules in place; staff said the change affects mainly smaller lots and was begun in April.
The Nicholasville City Commission held the first reading of Ordinance 15920-2024 on July 8, introducing amendments to Chapter 25 of the Nicholasville Code of Ordinances to remove the maximum first-floor lot-coverage percentage for a range of residential and business zones.
City staff explained the change began in April and that current setback requirements (front, side and rear yard) are unchanged. "In our zoning ordinance, we have previously had 2 restrictions on the size and location of a home," a staff member said, and the proposed amendment removes the arbitrary percentage cap so lot buildability will be governed by setbacks rather than a separate maximum first-floor coverage percentage. Staff said the percentage cap had been an arbitrary number (for example, "37%, 38 %") that in practice could be more restrictive than setbacks on smaller lots.
Officials noted the practical effect will be most visible on smaller lots where setbacks yield a buildable area larger than the former maximum coverage; on larger lots the change is unlikely to produce notably larger homes. Commissioners moved and seconded the ordinance for first reading and the clerk recorded roll-call responses on the record.
What happens next: the item was presented for first reading; subsequent meetings will cover further readings, public comment and a potential final vote if the ordinance proceeds through the legislative process.
