Imagine Lexington 2045 Summary

Well-planned cities do not happen by accident.

An intentional process called comprehensive planning ensures that entire community is served by equitable growth. Comprehensive planning relies heavily on public inputcommunities should determine how they want to grow.

We want to know how you imagine Lexington.

We challenge you to get involved in the planning process. Start by becoming familiar with our 2045 Comprehensive Plan, Imagine Lexington, and then share your thoughts at public input opportunities.

Ready to get started?

Imagine Lexington is available for download or Online browsing at www.imaginelexington.com @ImagineLexington @imagine_lex

WHAT’S IN THE PLAN?

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Informed by Lexington residents, the Goals & Objectives are the backbone of Imagine Lexington, its themes, and the resulting policies. Their key purpose is to ensure that the urban growth boundary and other long-range planning issues address needs for new urban development and contribute to the property of Lexington

THEMES, PILLARS, & POLICIES

Imagine Lexington’s five themes stem directly from the Goals & Objectives. Each theme focuses on a specific topic that is relevant to the long-term success and vitality of Lexington as it continues to grow. Branching from each theme is a set of three pillars, which categorize a robust set of policies that guide future community development initiatives.

The Placebuilder is a tool for reviewing development proposals for agreement with the Comprehensive Plan. It is a visual guidebook that provides actionable development criteria derived directly from Imagine Lexington themes and policies. The Placebuilder was designed to encourage dialog between development applicants, communities, Planning staff, the Planning Commission, and the Urban County Council

Well-planned cities do not happen by accident.

An intentional process called comprehensive planning ensures that entire community is served by equitable growth. Comprehensive planning relies heavily on public inputcommunities should determine how they want to grow.

We want to know how you imagine Lexington.

We challenge you to get involved in the planning process. Start by becoming familiar with our 2045 Comprehensive Plan, Imagine Lexington, and then share your thoughts at public input opportunities.

EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF...

EQUITY

• Acknowledge and work to correct inequities of historic planning practices and policies

• Create abundant housing opportunities for all income levels, but with a specific focus on affordable housing

• Create complete neighborhoods within a 5 minute walk, bike, or transit ride

ENVIRONMENT

• Identify and mitigate local impacts of climate change

• Create sustainable development that lessens the impact of the environment

• Utilizes the land we have to the greatest extent possible

• Reduces Lexington’s carbon footprint (reduces dependency on the single occupancy vehicle)

CORRIDOR REDEVELOPMENT

• Anticipating shifts in retail landscape

• Improving transit infrastructure

• Determining compatible land use

UPDATING OUR REGULATIONS TO CORRESPOND WITH THE PLAN’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Ready to get started?

Imagine Lexington is available for download or online browsing at www.imaginelexington.com

PLACEMAKING

• Creating quality spaces where people want to live, work, & play

• Offering social opportunities for all ages & abilities

URBAN & RURAL BALANCE

• Determining a process for smart growth

• Preserving Lexington’s character & cultural identity

imagine@lexingtonky.gov

@ImagineLexington

@imagine_lex

THEME A: BUILDING AND SUSTAINING SUCCESSFUL NEIGHBORHOODS

PILLAR 1: DESIGN

Design Policy 1: Utilize A People-first Design, Ensuring That Roadways Are Moving People Efficiently & Providing Equitable Pedestrian Infrastructure.

Design Policy 2: Ensure Proper Road Connections Are In Place To Enhance Service Times & Access To Public Safety, Waste Management And Delivery Services For All Residents

Design Policy 3: Multi-family Residential Developments Should Comply With The Multi-family Design Standards In Appendix A.

Design Policy 4: Provide Development That Is Sensitive To The Surrounding Context

Design Policy 5: Provide Pedestrian-friendly Street Patterns & Walkable Blocks To Create Inviting Streetscapes.

Design Policy 6: Adhere To The Recommendations Of The Lexington Area MPO Bike/ Pedestrian Master Plan, Adopted In 2018.

Design Policy 7: Design Car Parking Lots And Vehicular Use Areas To Enhance Walkability And Bikability

Design Policy 8: Provide Varied Housing Choice.

Design Policy 9: Provide Neighborhood-focused Open Spaces Or Parks Within Walking Distance Of Residential Uses.

Design Policy 10: Reinvest In Neighborhoods To Positively Impact Lexingtonians Through The Establishment Of Community Anchors

Design Policy 11: Street Layouts Should Establish Clear Public Access To Neighborhood Open Space And Greenspace.

Design Policy 12: Support Neighborhood-level Commercial Areas

Design Policy 13: Development Should Connect To Adjacent Stub Streets & Maximize The Street Network.

THEME A: BUILDING AND SUSTAINING SUCCESSFUL NEIGHBORHOODS

PILLAR 2: DENSITY

Density Policy 1: Locate High Density Areas Of Development Along Higher Capacity Roadways (Minor Arterial, Collector), Major Corridors & Downtown To Facilitate Future Transit Enhancements

Density Policy 2: Infill Residential Can & Should Aim To Increase Density While Enhancing Existing Neighborhoods Through Context Sensitive Design

Density Policy 3: Provide Opportunities To Retrofit Incomplete Suburban Developments With Services And Amenities To Improve Quality Of Life And Meet Climate Goals.

Density Policy 4: Allow & Encourage New Compact Single Family Housing Types.

THEME A: BUILDING AND SUSTAINING SUCCESSFUL NEIGHBORHOODS

PILLAR 3: EQUITY

Equity Policy 1: Ensure Equitable Development And Address Lexington’s Segregation Resulting From Historic Planning Practices And Policies: Rectify The Impact Of Redlining, And Discrimination Based On Race And Socioeconomic Status

Equity Policy 2: Provide An Ongoing And Contextualized Educational Curriculum On Historical Planning Practices And Policies Acknowledging Their Impact On Marginalized Neighborhoods In Lexington.

Equity Policy 3: Meet The Demand For Housing Across All Income Levels.

Equity Policy 4: Provide Affordable Housing Across All Areas, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, Complying With HUD Guidance.

Equity Policy 5: Add Residential Opportunities By Proactively Up-zoning Areas Near Transit For Populations Who Rely Solely On Public Transportation

Equity Policy 6: Preserve & Enhance Existing Affordable Housing Through The Land Bank, Community Land Trust & Vacant Land Commission.

Equity Policy 7: Protect Affordable Housing Tenants Through Improved Code Enforcement Policies

Equity Policy 8: Improve Access To And Promote Accessory Dwelling Units As A More Affordable Housing Option In Lexington

Equity Policy 9: Community Facilities Should Be Well Integrated Into Their Respective Neighborhoods

Equity Policy 10: Housing Developments Should Implement Universal Design Principles On A Portion Of Their Units.

Equity Policy 11: Ensure Stable Housing. Empower Individuals Through Shelter, And Provide Housing Security Through Permanent Residences And Comprehensive Assistance Programs

THEME B: PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

PILLAR 1: PROTECTION

Protection Policy 1: Continue The Sanitary Sewer Capacity Assurance Program (Cap) And Encourage The Storm-water Incentive Grant Program To Reduce Impacts Of Development On Water Quality.

Protection Policy 2: Conserve And Protect Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Including Sensitive Natural Habitats, Greenways, Wetlands And Water Bodies.

Protection Policy 3: Continue To Implement PDR Program To Safeguard Lexington’s Rural Land.

Protection Policy 4: Conserve Active Agriculture Land In The Rural Service Area While Promoting Sustainable Food Systems

Protection Policy 5: Promote And Connect Local Farms With The Community Through Integrated Partnerships.

Protection Policy 6: Promote Context-sensitive Agritourism In The Rural Service Area.

Protection Policy 7: Protect The Urban Forest And Significant Tree Canopies

Protection Policy 8: Protect And Enhance Biodiversity In Both The Urban And Rural Service Areas

Protection Policy 9: Respect The Geographic Context Of Natural Land, Encourage Development To Protect Soils And Steep Slopes, And Locate Building Structures To Reduce Unnecessary Earth Disruption.

THEME B: PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

PILLAR 2: SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability Policy 1: Establish A Plan To Reduce Community-wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions To Net Zero By 2050.

Sustainability Policy 2: Establish A Plan To Reduce All LFUCG Facilities, Operations, And Fleets To Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Sustainability Policy 3: Reduce Air Pollution And Greenhouse Gasses Through Compact Development And Complete Streets That Encourage Multi-modal Transportation Options

Sustainability Policy 4: Reduce And Mitigate Negative Environmental Impacts Of Impervious Surfaces And Vehicle Use Areas.

Sustainability Policy 5: Expand And Promote Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, And Electrification Initiatives.

Sustainability Policy 6: Apply For LEED For Cities Certification To Track Progress Toward Sustainability, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction, And Environmental Equity Objectives.

Sustainability Policy 7: Develop And Proactively Share Educational Materials And Programs To Increase Public Awareness Of Energy Efficiency Benefits And Services

Sustainability Policy 8: Enhance Lexington’s Recycling, Composting, And Waste Management Programs.

Sustainability Policy 9: Incentivize Green Stormwater Infrastructure Beyond Regulatory Requirements

Sustainability Policy 10: Develop Incentives For Green Building Practices And Sustainable Site Design.

Sustainability Policy 11: Require Low Impact Landscaping And Native Plants Species.

THEME B: PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

PILLAR 3: RESTORATION

Restoration Policy 1: Implement The LFUCG Urban Forestry Management Plan To Restore And Grow Lexington’s Urban Forest

Restoration Policy 2: Identify Opportunities To Strategically Link Parks, Trails, Complete Streets, Greenways, And Natural Areas To Advance Lexington’s Green Infrastructure Network.

Restoration Policy 3: Support Community Gardens And Urban Agriculture To Restore Natural Resources Within The Urban Service Area.

Restoration Policy 4: Improve Public Health And Reduce Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through The Use Of Alternative Fuel Vehicles.

Restoration Policy 5: Improve Watershed Management And Waterway Quality.

Restoration Policy 6: Coordinate To Address Litter Abatement.

Restoration Policy 7: Support Environmental Justice And Equity.

THEME C: CREATING JOBS & PROSPERITY

PILLAR 1: LIVABILITY

Livability Policy 1: Encourage Economic Opportunities For A Wide Array Of Agritourism While Preserving The Bluegrass Identity.

Livability Policy 2: Emphasize The Preservation, Protection, & Promotion Of The Iconic Bluegrass Landscape Along Rural Gateways & Roadways Serving As Primary Tourist Routes

Livability Policy 3: Promote Sports Tourism Through The Development Of Athletic Complexes & Enhance Lexington’s Existing Facilities.

Livability Policy 4: Promote Economic Development Through Improving The Livability Of Downtown To Support More Residents And Community Serving Businesses.

Livability Policy 5: Enhance Programs & Activities By Lexington’s Parks & Recreation Department, & Support Public Event Planning, Community Events, & Festivals.

Livability Policy 6: Attract & Retain A Vibrant Workforce By Improving Affordable Housing Opportunities, Amenities, & Entertainment Options.

Livability Policy 7: Create A Walkable City With Quality Transit That Is Attractive To New Businesses And Residents.

Livability Policy 8: Promote Quality Of Life Aspects, Including Investment In Public Space, As An Attraction To New Businesses & Residents

Livability Policy 9: Promote Economic Development Through The Preservation Of Strategically & Appropriately Located Industrial & Production Zoned Land.

THEME C: CREATING JOBS & PROSPERITY

PILLAR 2: DIVERSITY

Diversity Policy 1: Create Opportunities For Incubators. Seek Incentives For Owners Of Vacant Office/laboratory Space, & For Developers Who Build Incubator Space For Startups & For Growing Businesses.

Diversity Policy 2: Encourage A Diverse Economic Base To Provide A Variety Of Job Opportunities, Allowing Upward Mobility For Lower Income Residents Of Fayette County.

Diversity Policy 3: Support Full Funding & Adequate Staff For The Minority Business Enterprise Program (MBEP) Which Increases Diversification Of City Vendors Through Promoting An Increase In Minority, Veteran, & Women-owned Companies Doing Business With The City

Diversity Policy 4: Encourage Training, Programs, Access, & Inclusion To Employment Opportunities.

Diversity Policy 5: Maximize Context Sensitive Employment Opportunities Within The Opportunity Zone Tracts, Providing Equitable Community Development, & Prioritizing Local Residents For Advancement Opportunities

Diversity Policy 6: Increase Flexibility On Types Of Home Occupations Allowed.

THEME C: CREATING JOBS & PROSPERITY

PILLAR 3: PROSPERITY

Prosperity Policy 1: Promote Hiring Local Residents, & Recruit Employees Living In Areas Of Construction Projects

Prosperity Policy 2: Support Continued Funding For Economic Development

Prosperity Policy 3: Continue To Protect The Agricultural Cluster & Equine Industry, & Support Existing Agricultural Uses, While Promoting New Innovative Agricultural Uses In The Rural Service Area.

Prosperity Policy 4: Encourage Installation Of Fiber-optic Broadband Infrastructure For High-tech & Other Industries.

Prosperity Policy 5: Continue To Raise Awareness Of Farms & Farm Tours.

Prosperity Policy 6: Promote Kentucky Proud & Local Lexington Products Using Unified Branding.

Prosperity Policy 7: Support & Increase Networking Opportunities For Career Related Institutions, Organizations, & Agencies

Prosperity Policy 8: Provide Employment Opportunities That Match The Graduating Majors From Local Colleges & Vocational Training Institutions

Prosperity Policy 9: Recruit Professional Services That Utilize Vacant Office Space.

Prosperity Policy 10: Encourage Flexible Parking & Shared Parking Arrangements

Prosperity Policy 11: Expand Job Opportunities Through Education & Training To Retain Existing Businesses & Attract New Ones.

Prosperity Policy 12: Implement The Legacy Business Park Master Plan For The 250 Acres Of Publicly-controlled Economic Development Land At Coldstream Research Campus

Prosperity Policy 13: Promote Increasing The Supply Of Farm Workers, & The Availability & Affordability Of Using Agricultural Technology, & Agricultural Equipment.

Prosperity Policy 14: Enable Existing And New Neighborhoods To Flourish Through Improved Regulation, Expanded Opportunities For Neighborhood Character Preservation, And Public Commitment To Expand Options For Mixed-use And Mixed-type Housing Throughout Lexington-Fayette County

Prosperity Policy 15: Collaborate With Developers, Commercial Entities, And Non-profits To Eliminate Food Deserts

Throughout The County And Ensure That All Residents Have Easy Access To Affordable And Nutritious Food.

Prosperity Policy 16: Create A Central Coordinating Function For All Social Services In The County, Including Non-profit, Faith-based, And Governmental Services

THEME D: IMPROVING A DESIRABLE COMMUNITY

PILLAR 1: CONNECTIVITY

Connectivity Policy 1: Street Design Should Reflect & Promote The Desired Place-type.

Connectivity Policy 2: Create Multi-modal Streets That Satisfy All User Needs And Provide Equitable Multi-modal Access For Those Who Do Not Drive Due To Age, Disability, Expense, Or Choice.

Connectivity Policy 3: Encourage Transit-oriented Development, Increase Density Along Major Corridors, And Support Transit Ridership, Thus Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).

Connectivity Policy 4: Design Street Networks That Provide Alternative Route Options And Reduce Traffic Congestion.

Connectivity Policy 5: Streets Should Be Designed For The Desired Speed, Using Built-in Traffic Calming Measures Such As Roundabouts, Narrower Street Widths, Chicanes, Medians, Etc.

Connectivity Policy 6: Develop A Multi-modal Transportation Network And Infrastructure; Seek Collaboration With Regional Transit Partners For The Commuting Public.

Connectivity Policy 7: Plan For The Long-term Land Use And Transportation Impacts Of Connected And Autonomous Vehicles (CAV).

THEME D: IMPROVING A DESIRABLE COMMUNITY

PILLAR 2: PLACEMAKING

Placemaking Policy 1: Create Development Standards And Best Practices For Land Adjacent To Shared Use Trails And Trail Corridors.

Placemaking Policy 2: Activate Built And Natural Environments To Promote Economic Development And Create Safer Spaces

Placemaking Policy 3: Establish Design Standards For Placemaking

Placemaking Policy 4: Create Quality & Usable Open Space For All Developments

Placemaking Policy 5: Review Zoning Ordinance & Subdivision Regulations To Create More Walkable Places

Placemaking Policy 6: Promote A More Resilient Power Grid While Maintaining Urban Canopy And Enhancing The Visible Characteristics Of Lexington

Placemaking Policy 7: Cultivate A More Collaborative Predevelopment Process By Implementing The Recommendations Of The Public Engagement Toolkit

Placemaking Policy 8: Develop A Tactical Placemaking Program Within The Division Of Planning To Work With Interested Neighborhoods & Aid In The Organization Of Activities.

Placemaking Policy 9: Honor Lexington’s History By Requiring New Development & Redevelopments To Enhance The Cultural, Physical, & Natural Resources That Have Shaped The Community

Placemaking Policy 10: Coordinate With Non-profit Organizations To Designate Public Art Easements On New Development.

Placemaking Policy 11: Update The Adaptive Reuse Ordinance.

Placemaking Policy 12: Analyze Underutilized Commercial Property Through Corridor Land Use & Transportation Studies.

Placemaking Policy 13: Update The Downtown Master Plan.

Placemaking Policy 14: Develop A New Citywide Festival To Entice Visitors & Provide Additional Draw During The Tourism Off-season.

Placemaking Policy 15: Reduce / Discourage Vehicle-oriented Development Patterns, Such As Drive Through Business And Gas Stations, Within Neighborhoods And The Urban Core.

THEME D: IMPROVING A DESIRABLE COMMUNITY

PILLAR 3: SUPPORT

Support Policy 1: Ensure School Sites Are Designed To Integrate Well Into The Surrounding Neighborhood

Support Policy 2: Incorporate Natural Components Into School Site Design To Further The Goals Of Theme B (Protecting The Environment), But Also To Provide Calming Elements That Reduce Student Stress & Anxiety

Support Policy 3: Support The Maintenance & Expansion Of A Robust Wireless Communications Network Creating Reliable Service Throughout Lexington’s Urban & Rural Areas.

Support Policy 4: Provide Equitable Healthcare Opportunities Throughout Lexington To Allow For The Wide Range Of Medical Needs Of Everyone.

Support Policy 5: Provide Equity In Social Services By Ensuring Those In Need Are Served By Social Service Community Facilities That Address Homelessness, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, & Other Significant Issues.

Support Policy 6: Ensure All Social Service & Community Facilities Are Safely Accessible Via Mass Transit, Bicycle, & Pedestrian Transportation Modes.

Support Policy 7: Protect And Promote Social Services And Take Active Measures To Reduce Homelessness

Support Policy 8: Build Upon The Success Of The Senior Citizens’ Center To Provide Improved Quality Of Life Opportunities For The Largest Growing Population Demographic.

Support Policy 9: Implement Additional Creative Co-housing Opportunities That Are Both Accessible & Affordable For Seniors & People With Disabilities.

Support Policy 10: Incorporate Street Trees As Essential Infrastructure.

Support Policy 11: Develop A Climate Adaptation Plan.

Support Policy 12: Support Programs That Protect The Rights Of Tenants During The Eviction Process

THEME E: URBAN AND RURAL BALANCE

PILLAR 1: ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability Policy 1: Complete The New Process For Determining Longterm Land Use Decisions Involving The Urban Service Area And Rural Activity Centers.

Accountability Policy 2: Develop Growth Benchmarks And Determine Best Measurable Methods To Monitor Them And Report Progress On A Regular Basis

Accountability Policy 3: Implement The Placebuilder To Ensure Development Compliance With The Goals, Objectives, And Policies Of The Comprehensive Plan

Accountability Policy 4: Modernize The Zoning Ordinance To Reflect The Direction Of The 2045 Comprehensive Plan.

Accountability Policy 5: Redesign And Retrofit The Lexington Roadway Network To Safely And Comfortably Accommodate All Users So As To Encourage Walking, Bicycling And Transit Usage.

Accountability Policy 6: Partner With Other Agencies And Organizations To Create Public Education And Outreach Opportunities.

Accountability Policy 7: Establish A Coordinating Office To Advance Climate Action And Sustainability Planning Efforts

Accountability Policy 8: Establish A Coordinating Office To Implement Recommendations Of The Mayor’s Commission For Racial Justice And Equality.

Accountability Policy 9: Enhance Diversity In Lexington's Boards And Commissions.

THEME E: URBAN AND RURAL BALANCE

PILLAR 2: STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Policy 1: Uphold And Modernize The Urban Service Area Concept.

Stewardship Policy 2: Capitalize On The Diverse Economic Development, Housing, And Tourism Opportunities Throughout The Bluegrass Region And Engage In Discussions To Further Connect Regional Economic Hubs

Stewardship Policy 3: Increase Regional Transportation Cooperation And Pursue Multi-modal Transportation Options To Facilitate Intercounty Connectivity.

Stewardship Policy 4: Coordinate With Surrounding Counties To Capitalize On The Inherent Tourism Draws Of The Bluegrass Region.

Stewardship Policy 5: Fully Realize The Development Potential Within Lexington’s Rural Activity Centers While Avoiding Negative Impacts To Surrounding Agriculture, Rural Settlements, And Scenic Resources.

Stewardship Policy 6: Identify New Compatible Rural Land Uses That Would Enhance Lexington’s Economy And Provide Additional Income-generating Possibilities For Local Farmers

Stewardship Policy 7: Enhance Regional Collaboration For Coordinated Planning Efforts.

Stewardship Policy 8: Ensure Future Development Is Economically, Environmentally, And Socially Sustainable.

Stewardship Policy 9: Follow And Implement The Recommendations Of The 2007 Study Of Fayette County’s Small Rural Communities And The 2017 Rural Land Management Plan To Protect And Preserve Lexington’s Rural Settlements

THEME E: URBAN AND RURAL BALANCE

PILLAR 3: GROWTH

Growth Policy 1: Modernize Regulations That Support Infill And Redevelopment.

Growth Policy 2: Identify And Enhance Opportunities For Infill And Redevelopment In Downtown Areas.

Growth Policy 3: Implement The Recommendations Of The 2018 Your Parks, Our Future Master Plan.

Growth Policy 4: Promote The Adaptive Reuse Of Existing Structures

Growth Policy 5: Identify And Preserve Lexington’s Historic Assets, While Minimizing Unsubstantiated Calls For Preservation That Can Hinder The City’s Future Growth.

Growth Policy 6: Address New Development Context Along The Boundaries Of Existing Historic Districts While Encouraging Infill And Redevelopment.

Growth Policy 7: Ensure Stormwater And Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Is Placed In The Most Efficient And Effective Location To Serve Its Intended Purpose.

Growth Policy 8: Identify Catalytic Redevelopment Opportunities To Proactively Rezone Properties, Clear Regulatory Hurdles, And Expedite Redevelopment

Growth Policy 9: Support Missing Middle Housing Types Throughout Lexington

Growth Policy 10: Establish Transit Oriented Development (TOD) For New Development And Infill Along Major Corridors

Growth Policy 11: Imagine Lexington 2045 Anticipates A Variety Of Land Use Changes Will Occur Throughout The Urban Service Area And Recommends Those That Are In Agreement With The Goals, Objectives, And Policies Within This Comprehensive Plan. Land Use Changes Alone In An Area Are Not Sufficient To Constitute Major Changes Of An Economic, Physical, Or Social Nature As Provided In State Statute For The Approval Of A Zone Map Amendment

Growth Policy 12: Adopt A Master Plan For The Expansion Of The Urban Service Area That Addresses Lexington’s Growth Needs Through Sustainable And Equitable Development.

Growth Policy 13: Establish Minimum Residential Densities And Commercial Intensities For New Growth Areas So That Development Covers The Cost Of The Provision Of Infrastructure, Community Services, And Facilities.