2045 Implementation

T F

D

R

A

THEME F. IMPLEMENTATION

251

|

THEME F

IMAGINE LEXINGTON 2045

IMPLEMENTATION TABLE: ACTION ITEMS

Also listed throughout the policies of Imagine Lexington 2045, the following implementation items stand as short- and long-term tasks for the Planning Division once Imagine Lexington is put into action. Progress on these items will be tracked and actively updated to promote public awareness of our progress.

PILLAR

POLICY

ACTION ITEM

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

TIMELINE

2

Conduct a comprehensive road connectivity assessment.

MPO, Planning

DESIGN

3

Update the Zoning Ordinance to adopt elements of the Multi-Family Design Standards.

T

Near-Term

Planning

Developers, Neighborhood Associations

Ongoing

DESIGN

4

Create guidelines for massing and design.

Planning

Local Developers, Neighborhood Associations, AIA Local Chapter

Ongoing

DESIGN

5

Conduct a pedestrian accessibility audit.

MPO, Planning, Traffic Engineering

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Access Lexington Commission

Near-Term

DESIGN

9

Review and update plans, regulations, and policies to establish consistent level of service standards for neighborhood-focused open spaces and parks.

Planning, Parks and Recreation

Parks Advisory Board, Neighborhood Associations

Near-Term

DESIGN

9

Develop resources to promote the development of affordable housing with parks, greenspaces, and equitable transportation options.

Planning, Parks and Recreation, Housing and Community Development

Lextran, Advocacy Groups, Developers

Long-Term

DESIGN

10

Conduct a city wide study to identify opportunities for community anchors.

Planning

FCPS, Fayette County Public Library, Neighborhood Associations, Nonprofit Organizations, Business Associations

Long-Term

DESIGN

12

Amend the Zoning Ordinance to encourage greater residential opportunities within existing neighborhood-serving business districts.

Planning

Ongoing

2

Evaluate and amend residential zones to allow greater housing opportunities.

Planning

Ongoing

DENSITY

3

Perform gap analysis of existing neighborhoods to identify enhancement opportunities for new supportive uses.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Mid-Term

DENSITY

4

Update Zoning Ordinance to allow for compact housing types.

Planning

Ongoing

D

R

A

DESIGN

F

THEME A - DESIGN

THEME A - DENSITY DENSITY

DIVISION OF PLANNING

IMPLEMENTATION |

252

PILLAR

POLICY

ACTION ITEM

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

TIMELINE

THEME A - EQUITY 1

Educate the public, rectify historical discrimination, and ensure equitable development through workshops, education campaigns, zoning policies, affordable housing initiatives, and community engagement.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Mayor's Racial Justice and Near-Term Equality Commission, FCPS, Fayette County Public Library, Neighborhood Associations, Non-profit Organizations

EQUITY

1

Work with communities, local partners, and policymakers to research and develop community benefit and antidisplacement strategies in existing neighborhoods.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Mayor's Racial Justice and Mid-Term Equality Commission, FCPS, Fayette County Public Library, Neighborhood Associations, Non-profit Organizations

EQUITY

2

Create an ongoing educational curriculum on historical planning practices and policies' impact on marginalized neighborhoods in Lexington.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

EQUITY

3

Review regulatory changes and incentives to produce affordable housing.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Affordable Housing Developers, Developers

Ongoing

EQUITY

9

Support expansion of ESP and REAL programs to more schools.

Parks and Recreation

FCPS, Fayette County Public Library

Near-Term

EQUITY

9

Collaborate with libraries to improve access to additional community services and engagement.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Fayette County Public Library

Mid-Term

EQUITY

9

Develop resources to promote the development of affordable housing with parks, greenspaces, and equitable transportation options.

Planning, Parks and Recreation

Lextran

Near-Term

EQUITY

10

Collaborate with government agencies to develop comprehensive assistance programs.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Mayor's Racial Justice and Mid-Term Equality Commission, FCPS, Fayette County Public Library, Neighborhood Associations, Non-profit Organizations

D

R

A

F

T

Equity

Mayor's Racial Justice and Near-Term Equality Commission, FCPS, Fayette County Public Library, Neighborhood Associations, Non-profit Organizations

THEME B - PROTECTION PROTECTION

PROTECTION

253

|

2

Develop a county wide inventory of Special Natural Protection Areas.

Planning, Environmental Services

Kentucky Geological Survey, Rural Land Management Board, Conservation Organizations

Mid-Term

2

Update land development regulations to include best practices for greenway access and implementation of conservation easements.

Planning, Environmental Services

Greenspace Trust, Conservation Organizations

Near-Term

THEME F

IMAGINE LEXINGTON 2045

PILLAR

POLICY

ACTION ITEM

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

TIMELINE

2

Update the 2002 Greenway Masterplan.

Environmental Services

Greenspace Trust, Conservation Organizations

Ongoing

Protection

6

Review the Zoning Ordinance for new agritourism and ecotourism opportunities.

Planning

Rural Land Management Board

Long-Term

PROTECTION

6

Work with local partners to establish a program linking public transit to experiences in Lexington's rural parks, natural areas, and agritourism offerings.

Planning

Lextran, Rural Land Management Board

Long-Term

PROTECTION

7

Update Article 26 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Planning, Environmental Services

Tree Board

Ongoing

PROTECTION

8

Complete a county-wide biodiversity inventory and action plan.

Planning, Environmental Services

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Conservation Committee, Rural Land Management Board

Mid-Term

PROTECTION

9

Update regulations to include best practices for soil preservation and management during the construction process.

Planning, Environmental Services, Engineering

Fayette County Conservation District

Mid-Term

PROTECTION

10

Develop a lighting ordinance that regulates the type and intensity of lighting used in outdoor spaces.

Planning, Traffic Engineering

Neighborhood Associations, Business Associations

Near-Term

THEME B - SUSTAINABILITY

A

F

T

PROTECTION

1

Explore opportunities for federal funding for climate solutions.

Planning, MPO, Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

1

Develop a community-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

1

Create a community-wide emissions reductions plan to achieve net zero by 2050 in Lexington-Fayette Urban County.

Planning, MPO, Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

2

Conduct a detailed LFUCG greenhouse gas inventory and an emissions reductions plan.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Near-Term

SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY

DIVISION OF PLANNING

D

SUSTAINABILITY

R

SUSTAINABILITY

2

Identify opportunities and commit funding for renewable energy generation (i.e. solar or wind).

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Near-Term

2

Create an LFUCG Sustainability Policy and/or update LFUCG’s Policy on Energy Efficiency.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Mid-Term

3

Identify opportunities to create complete neighborhoods that provide a full range of opportunities and services within a 15 minute walk, bicycle or transit ride.

Planning, MPO

Lextran, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Neighborhood Associations

Mid-Term

IMPLEMENTATION |

254

PILLAR

POLICY

ACTION ITEM

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

TIMELINE

THEME B - SUSTAINABILITY 3

Update LFUCG roadway design manuals to incorporate complete streets best practices for new roadways and design retrofits.

Planning, MPO, Traffic Engineering

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Near-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

3

Conduct study to identify complete street deficient roadways and prioritize retrofit projects to address deficiencies.

MPO, Traffic Engineering

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Long-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

3

Identify opportunities to close connectivity gaps in the bicycle and pedestrian facility network.

MPO

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

3

Conduct 25 year long-range plan for public transportation to identify service gaps and opportunities for increased service.

MPO

Lextran

Mid-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

3

Develop an E-Bike cost share/subsidy program.

MPO

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Near-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

4

Collaborate with LFUCG urban forestry to identify priority areas for improving environmental equity through increased canopy and impervious area mitigation.

Planning, Environmental Services

Tree Board, Neighborhood Associations

Mid-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

4

Continue to refine street design, parking area, and vehicle use area standards to reduce impervious surfaces and minimize environmental impacts.

Planning, Environmental Services, Traffic Engineering

Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Committee, Business Associations

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

5

Establish Government/Community Targets For Renewable Energy.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Near-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

6

Update the Empower Lexington Plan guided by the LEED for Cities framework and apply for LEED for Cities certification.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

7

Develop and proactively share educational materials and programs to increase public awareness of energy efficiency benefits and services.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

8

Coordinate with LFUCG waste management, LiveGreenLex, and community partners to expand residential and commercial composting opportunities.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Mid-Term

8

Develop and implement a program to track and publicize landfill diversion efforts.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Long-Term

9

Update the zoning ordinance to incentivize green stormwater infrastructure elements during development.

Planning, Water Quality

Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Committee

Mid-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

10

Explore permitting and zoning incentives for green building design.

Planning, Building Inspection

US Green Building Council, AIA Local Chapter

Mid-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

10

Explore tax abatements for LEED Certified Green Building Design.

Planning

US Green Building Council, AIA Local Chapter

Mid-Term

SUSTAINABILITY

255

|

F

A

R

D

SUSTAINABILITY

THEME F

T

SUSTAINABILITY

IMAGINE LEXINGTON 2045

PILLAR

POLICY

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

SUSTAINABILITY

10

Explore opportunities to work with Kentucky building codes to incorporate green building principles.

Planning, Building Inspection

SUSTAINABILITY

11

Require that plantings for publicly owned property include at least 75% native species and decrease the area of mowed grass and irrigated land.

Planning, Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

11

Update codes, ordinances, plans, and manuals to require current best practices for low impact landscaping.

Planning, Environmental Services

Ongoing

SUSTAINABILITY

11

Implement the Mayor's Monarch Pledge.

Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation

Conservation Organizations

SUSTAINABILITY

11

Work with the Urban County Council and community partners to establish and promote “No Mow May” as a city wide initiative.

Planning, Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation

Conservation Organizations

Mid-Term

Planning, Environmental Services

Tree Board, Neighborhood Associations

Ongoing

Environmental Services

Tree Board, Neighborhood Associations

Near-Term

US Green Building Council, AIA Local Chapter

T

ACTION ITEM

TIMELINE Long-Term

Near-Term

F

THEME B - RESTORATION 1

Implement recommendations from the Urban Forestry Management Plan.

RESTORATION

1

Strategically plant new trees to create walkable streetscapes.

RESTORATION

1

Update the Planting Manual and Land Subdivision Regulations to reflect best practices on street tree planting, placement, and maintenance.

Planning, Environmental Services

RESTORATION

1

Develop a program to implement and track progress on canopy coverage goals from the 2022 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment.

Planning, Environmental Services

Tree Board, Neighborhood Associations

Near-Term

RESTORATION

2

Coordinate across LFUCG to develop a comprehensive planning and implementation document for a community-wide green infrastructure network.

Planning, Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation

Greenspace Trust

Mid-Term

RESTORATION

3

Promote and develop public education and outreach materials supporting urban agriculture, native plants, and pollinator-friendly community gardens.

Environmental Services

Conservation Organizations

Ongoing

R

D

RESTORATION

A

RESTORATION

Ongoing

4

Update regulations to require installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations.

MPO, Planning

4

Identify appropriate locations and funding opportunities for the installation of Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations.

MPO, Planning

KYTC, FHWA

Mid-Term

RESTORATION

4

Conduct a study to identify appropriate refueling locations for freight vehicles utilizing alternative fuels.

MPO

KYTC, FHWA

Mid-Term

RESTORATION

5

Update ordinances and regulations to reflect national best practices on floodplain protections.

Planning, Environmental Services

Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Committee

Mid-Term

RESTORATION

DIVISION OF PLANNING

Mid-Term

IMPLEMENTATION |

256

PILLAR

POLICY

ACTION ITEM

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

TIMELINE

THEME B - RESTORATION 5

Update regulations to refer to the Royal Springs Aquifer requirements.

Planning, Environmental Services

Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Committee

Near-Term

RESTORATION

6

Coordinate with LFUCG Waste Management, Environmental Services, and other community partners to expand outreach on litter prevention and abatement.

Environmental Services

Corridors Commission, Advocacy Organizations

Ongoing

RESTORATION

7

Develop education and outreach tools to link those most impacted by environmental inequity to the decision-making process.

Planning, Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation

Mayor's Racial Justice and Equality Commission, Advocacy Organizations

Ongoing

RESTORATION

7

Develop a plan to address environmental inequity and collaborate with and support community members within affected areas.

Planning, Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation

Mayor's Racial Justice and Equality Commission, Advocacy Organizations

Mid-Term

Commerce Lexington

Mid-Term

F

THEME C - LIVABILITY 9

THEME C - PROSPERITY

Inventory and analyze existing industry and production land, identifying areas to enhance or repurpose based on market and locational factors.

Planning

A

LIVABILITY

T

RESTORATION

8

Perform analysis of existing employment opportunities and graduate supply from area institutions.

Planning

Commerce Lexington

Mid-Term

PROSPERITY

9

Study the efficacy of the Professional Office zone, looking for ordinance revisions aimed at reducing vacancy rate.

Planning

Realtors Association, Developers

Mid-Term

Amend Subdivision Regulations street standards.

Planning, MPO, Traffic Engineering

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Mid-Term

THEME D - CONNECTIVITY

CONNECTIVITY CONNECTIVITY CONNECTIVITY

CONNECTIVITY

257

|

1

D

CONNECTIVITY

R

PROSPERITY

2

Implement Projects from the Lexington Area MPO Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Planning, MPO, Traffic Engineering, Engineering

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Ongoing

2

Implement Lexington’s Complete Street Policy.

Planning, MPO, Traffic Engineering

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Near-Term

3

Develop a resource guide for Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

Planning, MPO

Lextran, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Near-Term

4

Review the use and regulation of access easements.

Planning, Traffic Engineering

THEME F

Mid-Term

IMAGINE LEXINGTON 2045

PILLAR

POLICY

ACTION ITEM

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

TIMELINE

THEME D - PLACEMAKING 1

Update the Zoning Ordinance and Land Subdivision Regulations to create development standards for land adjacent to shared-use paths and trail corridors.

Planning, MPO, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Services

PLACEMAKING

3

Amend the Zoning Ordinance to include placemaking elements.

Planning

Mid-Term

PLACEMAKING

5

Update the business zones to create more walkable commercial opportunities.

Planning, MPO

Ongoing

PLACEMAKING

7

Host workshops with development and neighborhood interests to create a collaborative pre-development process.

Planning

PLACEMAKING

8

Work with Council to increase staffing to develop a tactical Planning, Urban placemaking program within the Division of Planning.

County Council

PLACEMAKING

10

Initiate discussions with public art partners about potential ordinance revisions to increase public art opportunities.

PLACEMAKING

11

Review Adaptive Reuse Ordinance to consider additional zones.

PLACEMAKING

12

Perform corridor studies along arterial streets that examine land use and transportation elements.

Planning, MPO

KYTC, FHWA

Mid-Term

PLACEMAKING

13

Update the Downtown Master Plan.

Planning

Downtown Lexington Partnership

Mid-Term

PLACEMAKING

15

Update Zoning Ordinance regulations for business zones.

Planning

Engage with Fayette County Public Schools in order to align priorities in site selection and design.

Planning, Traffic Engineering, Engineering, Parks and Recreation

SUPPORT

1

F Planning, Public Art Commission

Mid-Term

Developers, Neighborhood Associations

Non-profit Organizations

Planning

A

D

SUPPORT

R

THEME D - SUPPORT

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

T

PLACEMAKING

Mid-Term

Near-Term Mid-Term

Mid-Term

Ongoing

FCPS

Ongoing

4

Forge a partnership with the Lexington Fayette County Health Department to develop planning initiatives.

Planning, Fayette County Health Department

Mid-Term

9

Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow for greater diversity in housing types.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Ongoing

SUPPORT

11

Develop a Climate Resiliency Action Plan.

Planning, Environmental Services

Non-profit Organizations

Near-Term

SUPPORT

12

Work with Department of Housing to enhance tenant protection programs.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Non-profit Organizations

Ongoing

SUPPORT

DIVISION OF PLANNING

IMPLEMENTATION |

258

PILLAR

POLICY

ACTION ITEM

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

TIMELINE

THEME E - ACCOUNTABILITY 1

Complete the new process for determining longterm land use decisions involving the Urban Service Area and Rural Activity Centers.

Planning

Near-Term

ACCOUNTABILITY

2

Develop a series of Comprehensive Plan metrics.

Planning

Ongoing

ACCOUNTABILITY

3

Continue a public outreach program for ongoing community education on Imagine Lexington and the Placebuilder.

Planning

Ongoing

ACCOUNTABILITY

4

Modernize the Zoning Ordinance to reflect Imagine Lexington priorities.

Planning

Ongoing

ACCOUNTABILITY

5

Work with the Division of Traffic Engineering and neighborhoods to develop prototype street retrofit and traffic calming projects.

Planning, Traffic Engineering

Near-Term

ACCOUNTABILITY

6

Partner with other agencies, community organizations, and leaders to facilitate public education, outreach, and engagement opportunities

Planning

ACCOUNTABILITY

7

Establish a coordinating office to advance climate action and sustainability planning efforts.

Environmental Services

ACCOUNTABILITY

8

Establish a coordinating office to implement recommendations of the Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice and Equality.

Commission of Racial Justice and Equality

Ongoing

Near-Term

F

1

Educate the public regarding the Urban Service Area concept and the process for managing urban growth.

Planning

STEWARDSHIP

2

Collaborate with surrounding counties to connect transit between economic hubs.

MPO

STEWARDSHIP

5

Conduct a Blue Sky Small Area Plan.

Planning

STEWARDSHIP

259

|

D

STEWARDSHIP

R

STEWARDSHIP

STEWARDSHIP

5

Explore the development of comprehensive scenic resource analysis with VisitLex and the Corridors Commission.

Planning, Corridors Commission

6

Update the Zoning Ordinance provisions for Agritourism and Ag-tech.

Planning, Rural Land Management Board

7

Work with adjacent communities' planning departments to foster a unified approach to planning that maximizes resource efficiency, enhances coordination, and promotes the well-being of the region as a whole.

Planning

THEME F

Non-profit Organizations

Ongoing

Ongoing

A

THEME E - STEWARDSHIP

T

ACCOUNTABILITY

Planning, Adjacent County Planning Organizations, Lextran

Mid-Term

Mid-Term VisitLex

Mid-Term

Mid-Term Adjacent County Planning Organizations, Lextran

Long-Term

IMAGINE LEXINGTON 2045

PILLAR

POLICY

ACTION ITEM

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

STEWARDSHIP

7

Develop and implement plans aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating other harmful air pollutants in the region.

Planning, Environmental Services

STEWARDSHIP

9

Review buffering requirements for the Rural Service Area.

Planning, Rural Land Management Board

Mid-Term

GROWTH

1

Update the Zoning Ordinance to implement Imagine Lexington’s infill policies.

Planning

Ongoing

GROWTH

1

Evaluate the effectiveness of current policies surrounding the provision of services and how it affects the built environment.

Planning, Traffic Engineering

Mid-Term

GROWTH

3

Amend regulations to establish a Park Dedication Ordinance.

Planning, Parks and Recreation

Mid-Term

GROWTH

8

Work with the Planning Commission and Council to proactively pursue government-initiated zone changes recommended by corridor studies.

Planning, MPO, Planning Commission, Urban County Council

Near-Term

GROWTH

9

Evaluate and address the regulations and policies that make missing middle housing difficult to develop and serve.

Planning

Ongoing

GROWTH

10

Develop zoning regulations that ensure appropriately located Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

Planning

Ongoing

GROWTH

10

Develop Transit Oriented Development (TOD) resources.

Planning

Near-Term

GROWTH

12

Adopt the Urban Growth Management Master Plan.

Planning

Ongoing

GROWTH

14

Provide recommendations to the Planning Commission and Urban County Council, which identify mechanisms to fund and build affordable housing.

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Non-profit Organizations

TIMELINE Mid-Term

Non-profit Organizations, Affordable Housing Developers

Ongoing

D

R

A

F

T

THEME E - GROWTH

DIVISION OF PLANNING

IMPLEMENTATION |

260