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Planning panel approves temporary parking waiver for Bluegrass Springs Quarry
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Summary
The Oldham County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a 9–0 waiver allowing temporary parking on existing grass/gravel at 2101 and 2201 Finley Mill Road so owners can open the Bluegrass Springs Quarry for the season; approval is limited to the plan reviewed and requires a permanent plan submitted to staff by March 2028.
The Oldham County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 9–0 on March 24 to approve a temporary waiver (PZ-26-004) allowing off-street parking to remain on grass and existing gravel areas at 2101 and 2201 Finley Mill Road while the property owners develop a long-term parking plan.
The waiver applies only to the plan reviewed at the March 24 hearing and includes a condition that the applicants submit a permanent development and parking plan to staff no later than March 2028. The parcel totals 60.79 acres and is zoned AG1 and CO1, and the property has been referred to by the applicants as Bluegrass Springs Quarry.
County planning staff summarized the request and noted the Board of Adjustments had previously approved a related conditional use permit. "Potential condition of approval, the waiver shall only apply to the plan reviewed at the 03/24/2026 Planning Commission public hearing, and the Planning Commission can amend, delete, or add, conditions as required," Oldham County planner Sandy Regroden told the commission.
Attorney Valerie Shannon, representing the applicants Michelle and Klaus Doranth, said the waiver is a temporary measure to address safety and traffic concerns while a survey and a permanent plan are completed. She presented aerials showing a new entrance and a remote parking area from which tractor-pulled trams would shuttle visitors to the quarry. "Granting a waiver of the parking surface and maintenance requirement would allow the new owners to have the ability to open this season," Shannon said.
Applicant Klaus Doranth described the tram concept and the parking sequence, saying the change would reduce backups on Findlay Mill Road and eliminate intrusive vehicle searches previously performed at the old parking pattern. He also confirmed the operation will maintain a no-alcohol policy. "You can't bring any any drinks in. We're gonna give you free water," Doranth said.
Commissioners questioned traffic impacts, bridge capacity and tractor/tram stopping power on gravel slopes; county engineer Jim Silliman said the engineering department will engage more fully when the applicants submit their long-term plan and that bridge load limits are reviewed on the state's inspection schedule.
Commissioner Krauss moved to approve the waiver including the conditions (applicability to the plan reviewed at the hearing and submission of the permanent plan by March 2028); the motion was seconded by Commissioner Douglas and passed by roll call, 9–0.
The approval allows the applicants to operate for the coming season while they complete surveys and formalize a permanent parking and access plan. Staff will monitor compliance with the conditions and coordinate engineering review as the applicants advance the long-term design.
