Council moves two zoning text amendments to first reading to clarify definitions and ministerial review

Planning director and staff presented two zoning text amendments (ZOTA 2025-01 and ZOTA 2025-03) focused on renumbering and consolidating definitions and aligning the ordinance with recent state statutory language (House Bill 443, codified as KRS 100.275). Staff described the changes as administrative: moving scattered definitions into a single section, renumbering special-use listings so additional items can be inserted without breaking sequence, and clarifying ministerial review procedures required under state law.

Key points: staff said the renumbering will make future edits and reference simpler and that the KRS 100.275 (HB 443) changes require clearer articulation of what is ministerial versus discretionary in the zoning code. Planners noted the small-cell facility rules remain in place and that the city has limited authority under state and federal frameworks to restrict communications infrastructure beyond local zoning implementation.

Council discussion: members asked about the pre-application conference (why it would be optional), how small-cell installations are defined (structures under 50 feet), and whether the code should explicitly distinguish provisions that apply only to Georgetown versus Scott County. Staff said those distinctions can be accommodated with clarifying notes and that the planning office provides flowcharts, checklists and online portals to improve transparency.

Council action: Council moved to take first reading of the two text amendments and identified sponsors for the next steps; staff will prepare first-reading orders and return with the procedural language for the June meeting cycle.

What happens next: Staff will draft the first-reading ordinance language and a reconciliation document if needed to show how ZOTA 2025-01 and ZOTA 2025-03 interrelate; council indicated interest in moving the two items forward quickly.