Richmond Plan and Zone Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission met on July 15, 2026, to consider two zone map amendments, a final plat approval, and discuss enforcement issues related to illegal multi-family rentals and manufactured housing regulations. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the June 17, 2026 meeting (motion by Commissioner Miller, second by Commissioner Perkins; unanimous 7-0).

Discussion Items

• Zone Map Amendment – 217 Pleasure Drive: Applicant requested changing the zone from UC-1 to R1-C to allow a single-family residence and tie into city sewer. The applicant stated the property is an odd parcel within the city and county, and they are willing to pay tie-in fees. The commission approved the request unanimously.
• Zone Map Amendment – 223 Pleasure Drive and 611 Benjamin Drive: Two properties owned by the same individuals, also requesting a zone change from UC-1 to R1-C to access city sewer. The same arguments were presented. The commission approved unanimously.
• Final Plat – Carriage Pines Phase Three: Jay Webb, representing the developer, presented the final plat for 138 lots. All infrastructure is complete. Staff confirmed all revisions were met, with two remaining items (construction guarantee quantities and letter of credit) to be handled administratively. The commission approved the plat subject to staff approval, with the director’s signature last.
• Other Business – Rental Housing Safety: Commissioner Miller raised concerns about unsafe multi-family rentals in R1 zones, referencing recent flood injuries and fire risks. He questioned the city’s ability to inspect properties. The city attorney explained legal limitations under the Fourth Amendment and Kentucky Constitution, noting that the city lacks probable cause to enter without a warrant. Commissioner Miller suggested using evidence like multiple cars as probable cause. The attorney disagreed, stating that state law preempts local authority. The discussion highlighted the difficulty of enforcement without a building permit triggering an inspection.
• Other Business – Manufactured Housing: The director reported that the state mandates a minimum 900 square feet for manufactured homes, preventing the city from requiring a higher minimum. The commission discussed options such as deed restrictions in subdivisions to exclude manufactured homes. The attorney cautioned against using HOA covenants as a governmental stalking horse. The director stated that an ordinance with allowable minimum requirements (roof pitch, skirting, foundation) will be presented at the next meeting. Commissioner Short expressed concern about devaluation of neighboring properties.
• Director’s Report: The director announced a new timekeeping system (Paycom) for commissioners, with training available the next day from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the upstairs training room. Commissioners were advised to update their direct deposit and tax information. Tablets were distributed after adjournment.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from June 17, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved zone map amendment for 217 Pleasure Drive (unanimous 7-0).
• Approved zone map amendment for 223 Pleasure Drive and 611 Benjamin Drive (unanimous 7-0).
• Approved final plat for Carriage Pines Phase Three subject to staff approval (unanimous 7-0).
• No formal action taken on rental housing safety; discussion noted for future consideration.
• Manufactured housing ordinance to be presented at the next meeting with minimum requirements as allowed by state law.
• Meeting adjourned unanimously (motion by Commissioner Short, second by Commissioner De Grant).