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File #: 0935-25    Version: 1 Name: PLN-MAR-25-00006: MICRO-DISTILLERY IN THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS (B-2) ZONE
Type: Ordinance Status: Second Reading
File created: 9/26/2025 In control: Urban County Council
On agenda: 10/23/2025 Final action:
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: An Ordinance amending Articles 8-17(b) and (c) and Articles 8-19(b) and (d) of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Zoning Ordinance, relating to Downtown Business zones, to designate micro-distilleries as principal uses and conditional uses in the B-2 zones. Approval of the Staff Alternative Text 8-0 [Div. of Planning, Duncan]
Attachments: 1. 1-Final Report, 2. 2-Justification, 3. 3-Proposed Ordinance B-2, 4. 3-Proposed Ordinance B-2B, 5. 4-Postponement Staff Report, 6. 4-Staff Report, 7. 5-Minutes, 8. 0935-25 ZOTA-25-6 Micro-distilleries in B-2 zones 4926-2296-0238 v.1.pdf

Title

An Ordinance amending Articles 8-17(b) and (c) and Articles 8-19(b) and (d) of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Zoning Ordinance, relating to Downtown Business zones, to designate micro-distilleries as principal uses and conditional uses in the B-2 zones. Approval of the Staff Alternative Text 8-0 [Div. of Planning, Duncan]

Summary

[An Ordinance to modify the Downtown Business (B-2) zone to allow micro-distilleries. Approval of the Staff Alternative Text 8-0{Div. of Planning, Duncan]]

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WHEREAS, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission considered at a public hearing on August 28, 2025 a text Amendment to Articles 8-17(b) and (c) and Articles 8-19(b) and (d) of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Zoning Ordinance, relating to Downtown Business zones, to designate micro-distilleries as principal uses and conditional uses in the B-2 zones; said Commission recommending approval of the staff alternative text amendment by a vote of 8-0; and

WHEREAS, this Council agrees with the recommendation of the Planning Commission; and

WHEREAS, the recommendation of the Planning Commission is attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

                        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE. LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:

                      Section 1 - That Article 8-17(b) of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Zoning Ordinance be and hereby is amended to add subSection 20(a), (b) and (c), to read as follows:

Article 8-17: Downtown Business (B-2) Zone

[…]

(b) Principal Uses. (Other uses substantially similar to those listed herein shall also be deemed permitted.)

[…]

                     20. Micro-distilleries subject to the following requirements:

a.  Production shall be limited to ten thousand (10,000) gallons of distillate annually;

                                          b.  Distilling operations shall occur within a structure; and

c. There shall be an associated retail component or eating and drinking establishment.

 

Section 2 - That Article 8-17(c) of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Zoning Ordinance be and hereby is amended to add subSection 11, to read as follows:

Article 8-17: Downtown Business (B-2) Zone

[…]

(c) Conditional Uses. (Permitted only with Board of Adjustment approval.)

                     […]

11. Micro-distillery, including all activities permitted in KRS 243.0305 and 243.035, without limitation, sampling, souvenir package sales, retail drink sales, and bottling. 

 

Section 3 - That Article 8-19(b) of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Zoning Ordinance be and hereby is amended to add subSection 32(a), (b), and (c), to read as follows:

Sec. 8-19 Lexington Center Business (B-2B) Zone.

[…]

(b) Principal Uses. (Other uses substantially similar to those listed herein shall also be deemed permitted.)

 

[…]

                     32.  Micro-distilleries subject to the following requirements:

 

a. Production shall be limited to ten thousand (10,000) gallons of distillate annually:

b.  Distilling operations shall occur within a structure; and

c. There shall be an associated retail component or eating and drinking establishment.

 

Section 4 - That Article 8-19(d) of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Zoning Ordinance be and hereby is amended to add subSection 14, to read as follows:

Sec. 8-19 Lexington Center Business (B-2B) Zone.

[…]

(d) Conditional Uses (Permitted only with Board of Adjustment approval)

 […]

14. Micro-distillery, including all activities permitted in KRS 243.0305 and 243.035, without limitation, sampling, souvenir package sales, retail drink sales, and bottling. 

 

Section 5 - That this Ordinance shall become effective on the date of its passage.

PASSED URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL:

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

MAYOR

ATTEST:

 

________________________________

CLERK OF URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL

PUBLISHED:  

0935-25:TWJ:4926-2296-0238, v. 1