A new version of Louisville\u2019s zoning ordinances approved Jan. 13 will increase clarity for developers, according to city staff. The new document collects amendments to its outdated predecessor and consolidates the regulatory framework to streamline permitting and reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business owners, Louisville Building and Codes Official Barry Otinger said, can now expect \u201cclarification of what the current ordinance is in one location, easily accessible and understandable.\u201d That can mean fewer surprises, less ambiguity for plan review and less hunting for which document is current. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new document is marked with changes, additions and removals in red. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Louisville last updated its zoning ordinance in 2017. Since then, the town\u2019s Board of Mayor and Aldermen has made numerous changes to either bring the codes into compliance with state requirements or reflect residents\u2019 desires. Otinger said the compiled ordinance reflects earlier policy changes, including raising minimum lot sizes \u2014 from 20,000 square feet in some planned developments to a current baseline of 30,000 square feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moves like that, he said, were made by the BMA to discourage high-density development such as apartment complexes and townhomes, specifically to protect the town\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur roads can only handle so much,\u201d Otinger said. \u201cBy controlling the density somewhat, you control the amount of traffic, but we\u2019re not super restrictive.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Louisville also has no sewer \u2013 a fact that can naturally limit density. In a given year, Otinger said Louisville oversees 23-25 new home permits and about five commercial permits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The town\u2019s zoning map naturally shapes commercial development around the state highways like Louisville Road and Topside Road, and those commercial permits builders seek often include work like cell tower modifications and building additions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n