Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update

Printed February 2014

Oldham County - Crestwood - LaGrange - Pewee Valley

This Page Intentionally Blank

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update

INTRODUCTION

On February 26, 2002, Outlook 2020: The Oldham County Comprehensive Plan was adopted to

serve as the blueprint for guiding the community’s growth and development in the new

century. The eighty-eight goals and objectives which were included as part of Outlook 2020

provided guidance to meet the vision statement which reads:

“Oldham County is a highly desirable place to live in the year 2020. Our county

contains all the facilities and public services necessary to maintain a vibrant

community today and in the future. The county’s excellent infrastructure, parks,

community facilities, and well-run government services are optimized for citizens,

schools, services, business, and light industry. Our leadership respects and

adheres to the values of the community, and has the political will to implement

these values.

The people of Oldham County are connected through the preservation and

promotion of historic areas along safe transportation corridors. Oldham County

preserved its rural character and natural environment by maintaining vistas and

green spaces. Needed commercial or industrial development has been located in

commercial corridors, business parks, and area of least impact to residences and

the environment.”

So how is Oldham County doing in regards to meeting this vision statement which was adopted

in 2002? Well, in the ten plus years since its adoption:

• Adoption of capacity standards to ensure there is adequate water supply,

wastewater disposal, public schools and roads available at the time new

developments are occupied.

• Creation of the Oldham County Geographic Information Consortium (OGIC),

whose mission is to provide County officials, departments,

consortium members, other agencies, and the public with

accurate and reliable geographic information through responsive

and innovative GIS services (2002).

• Creation of the Technical Review Committee to help oversee development

within the community (2003).

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update

• The Oldham County Major Thoroughfare Plan (2003) and Update (2009) provide

a transportation plan for the implementation of recommended improvements

and include recommendations for highway improvements, funding

opportunities, transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, facility design standards

and access management guidelines.

• Overhaul of the Oldham County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and

Subdivision Regulations (2007), including the inclusion of landscape regulations

and site plan review procedures.

• Adoption of the Access Management regulations, improved sign regulations and

creation of the Planned Unit Development District (PUD) which has been applied

to the Buckner Crossings, Norton Commons and Oldham Reserve projects.

• Completion of the Oldham County Parks and Open Space Master Plan (2008).

• Development of the Oldham County Bike, Pedestrian, and Greenway Trails

Master Plan (2008) to serve as a guide to link parks, schools, neighborhoods and

commercial areas throughout the county by reducing the public’s dependency

on automobiles, encourage healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life in

Oldham County.

• Adoption of the Brownsboro Master Plan, which was created to provide

guidance and direction for future growth in the Brownsboro planning area

(2009). The Brownsboro Master Plan and all of its goals, objectives and

recommendations are hereby incorporated into this Comprehensive Plan

Update.

• The Curry’s Fork Watershed Plan (2011) and Darby Creek Watershed Plan (2010)

identify existing and potential water quality issues and establish guidelines to

help improve and protect water quality, promote a safe, healthy and accessible

watershed, utilize programs and practices to decrease potential flooding impacts

and develop and implement a cost-effective watershed plan that economically

utilizes funds.

As Oldham County stands on the brink of 2020, it is important to evaluate where the county has

come from, where it stands, and reevaluate its course to not only achieve this vision statement

for 2020, but also look beyond that date which once seemed so distant.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update

iii

Work began on the Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update in May 2011. Over the course

of the next 32 months, Oldham County Planning & Development Services staff attended over 50

public meetings/hearing and worked with the Study Review Committee, nearly 40 public and

private agencies, numerous local officials and many concerned citizens to craft the language

contained within these two documents, the Goals & Objectives and the Plan Elements, which

comprise the Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update. The resulting document shall serve

as a guide for public and private actions and decisions to assure the development and

preservation of public and private property in the most appropriate manner for the next five

years and beyond.

Oldham County Planning & Development Services Staff:

Jim P. Urban, Director

Brian Davis, AICP, Assistant Director

Amy Alvey, Community Planner

Oldham County Planning & Zoning Commission:

Kevin Jeffries, Chairman* Greg King, Vice Chairman* Joyce Albertsen

Robert Arvin Laura Bohne Denia Crosby*

John Falvey Sam Finney Tom Henrion

Jan Horton* Bob Klingenfus* Joe McWilliams

Kevin Mesker Mary Ann Smith* Rob Zimlich

* Study Review Committee members

Study Review Committee Non-Voting Member:

Harry Hoffer

Local Officials:

David Voegele, Oldham County Judge Executive

Dennis Deibel, Mayor, City of Crestwood

Bill Lammlein, Mayor, City of LaGrange

Bob Rogers, Mayor, City of Pewee Valley

This Page Intentionally Blank

Oldham County

Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

On October 22, 2013, the Oldham County Planning & Zoning Commission approved a motion to

recommend adoption of the Oldham County Comprehensive Plan: Goals & Objectives by a

unanimous vote (Docket Number PZ-13-018).

On December 3, 2013, the Oldham County Fiscal Court approved an ordinance to adopt the

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan: Goals & Objectives by a unanimous vote (KOC 13-120-

399).

On January 6, 2014, the LaGrange City Council approved an ordinance to adopt the Oldham

County Comprehensive Plan: Goals & Objectives by a unanimous vote (Ordinance 25-2013).

On January 6, 2014, the Pewee Valley City Council approved an ordinance to adopt the Oldham

County Comprehensive Plan: Goals & Objectives by a unanimous vote (Ordinance 8, Series

2013).

On January 8, 2014, the Crestwood City Council approved an ordinance to adopt the Oldham

County Comprehensive Plan: Goals & Objectives by a unanimous vote (Ordinance No. 3 Series

2013).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Land Use .............................................................................................................................1

Transportation ....................................................................................................................7

Community Facilities and Services ..................................................................................... 13

Environment ..................................................................................................................... 17

Government ...................................................................................................................... 21

Business and Industry ........................................................................................................ 22

Brownsboro Master Plan ................................................................................................... 24

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Land Use

GOAL LU-1

To provide for planned and orderly growth in order to protect land from premature or

unsuitable development.

Objective LU-1-1: Utilize the development review process to ensure that future land uses are

compatible with surrounding land uses and to include review of existing or planned community

facilities and services such as sanitary sewer, potable water, fire protection, schools and

transportation.

1. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations should be designed to implement the

principles of the Comprehensive Plan and include provisions for:

• Environmental review and protection;

• Consideration of compatibility issues and site design;

• The capacity of community facilities and services;

• Oldham County’s rural character through open space development standards; and

• Conservation standards.

Commentary: Regulations for open space development standards should address design guidelines and

opportunities for alternative lot sizes and lot configurations. Compatibility standards address how site

design affects the existing character of an area such as the scale of buildings, the placement of

sidewalks, setbacks and landscaping, etc. Conservation standards address environmental features

such as stream buffers, tree protection, and development or unstable soil, etc.

2. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations should reflect level of service standards

developed in conjunction with agencies that have jurisdiction over those services.

3. New development should meet the level of service standards or mitigate deficiencies.

4. Ensure that the most recent and relevant planning and zoning techniques are used to

implement the Comprehensive Plan.

5. Allow cities or small areas to prepare master plans for consideration and adoption as

amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. These master plans should be consistent with

the Comprehensive Plan and any other plans that address countywide services and issues

and include public participation during the development of the master plan.

Objective LU-1-2: Manage development in areas of environmental concern or limited

development potential associated with soil and slope conditions.

1. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations should include standards for open space

and conservation development. The standards should be based on applicable principles

of the Comprehensive Plan.

2. The ownership and management of open space created through the development process

should be set forth in a management plan which will be reviewed and approved with each

development application.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Commentary: Examples of ownership and management techniques that can be used to ensure

continued care and maintenance of open space include:

• Leasing of the land on a long-term basis to a nearby farmer;

• Selling the open space with development restrictions to a farmer, nursery operation, or other

agricultural use;

• Designing low maintenance open space that requires lower homeowner dues;

• Requiring automatic membership by all property owners in a homeowners’ association in the

zoning regulations. Many successful homeowners’ associations have legal authority to place

a lien on the property of any member who fails to pay their dues.

3. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations should include guidelines and standards

that can be used to consider individual development site limitations and features.

Commentary: Each development site may have different features that merit preservation. Locating

structures out of flood hazard areas is an example of a feature that may be addressed.

Objective LU-1-3: Establish development priority areas and provide incentives for compatible

development proposals within these areas.

1. Encourage development to locate in areas with existing infrastructure and services before

moving into less developed areas of the county.

Commentary: Development priority areas are intended to facilitate the efficient use of financial and

environmental resources. Development priority areas provide an effective means to use vacant,

bypassed and underutilized lands, ranging in size from single lots to many acres, provided there is

adequate infrastructure and no environmental constraints.

2. Oldham County Planning & Development will work with the Legislative Bodies to

designate development priority areas consistent with municipal plans and the

Comprehensive Plan.

3. Encourage development priority areas as reflected in the Future Land Use Map.

4. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations should address the following aspects of

developments in development priority areas:

• The impact on older/existing neighborhoods;

• Development that is compatible with the surrounding residential density, housing

type, affordability or use characteristics; and

• Compatibility with historic properties and historic districts.

Objective LU-1-4: Encourage the continued use of land for agriculture, farming, dairying,

pasturage, horticulture, wildlife conservation, wildlife habitat, etc. by providing flexibility in

zoning, subdivision and site plan review regulations that enable such activities to coexist with

development, thus assisting in the preservation of Oldham County’s rural character.

GOAL LU-2

To encourage the preservation and development of a range of housing opportunities.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Objective LU-2-1: Establish neighborhood development guidelines that promote connectivity

between neighborhoods, encourage integration of community and civic facilities, and address

issues of neighborhood identity and compatibility with adjacent development and assure that

adjacent development is sensitive in both design and environmental impact of historic sites,

neighborhoods and districts.

1. Encourage new mixed-use development in addition to existing mixed-use centers and

planned unit developments.

2. Oldham County should work with affordable housing advocates to propose modifications

to the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations that will encourage development of

affordable housing.

Commentary: Affordable housing is described by a sales price or rent within the means of a low- or

moderate-income household within a specific region or geographic area.

3. Oldham County should partner with other government entities to address the issue of

regional affordable housing.

4. Housing in Oldham County should include efforts to provide an appropriate mix of

housing types and opportunities to meet the needs of all people.

Objective LU-2-2: Protect the character of historic or culturally important structures and

neighborhoods through the use of historic districts that utilize site and architectural design

standards.

1. Develop design guidelines to insure future development is compatible with existing

community character of historic and cultural activity centers. The design guidelines

should address:

• Landscaping and street trees;

• Signage;

• Site design;

• Historic patterns of development;

• Historic architecture; and

• Spatial relationships between buildings and the street.

Commentary: The design guidelines will also serve as voluntary architectural guidelines that are

intended to help residents and businesses make improvements that enhance the overall character of

their area.

2. Areas with unique or sensitive features may merit individual attention. The Legislative

Bodies of Oldham County may, by ordinance following review and recommendation by

the Planning & Zoning Commission, designate these and other areas as appropriate for

additional regulations such as overlay districts.

Commentary: Overlay districts encompass underlying zoning districts and requirements in addition to

those required by the underlying district. Overlay district requirements are limited in scope to protect

only those special features that are not dealt with in the underlying zoning districts. Unique and

sensitive features may include, but are not limited, to historic districts, streams, unstable soils or

floodplains.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

3. Work with entities such as the Kentucky Heritage Council, Oldham County Historical

Society, Oldham Ahead, local legislative bodies and other public or private entities to

identify and inventory cultural and historic resources as a means to help the community

better understand, protect and market the historic resources of Oldham County.

Objective LU-2-3: Support housing and neighborhood affordability by allowing the

conservation of existing housing stock as a source of affordable housing and by efficient

planning of capital investments for community facilities and services that minimizes the cost to

the homeowner.

1. Oldham County should take advantage of and promote federal and state programs for

rehabilitating substandard housing units for low and moderate income families, as well as

encouraging private sector rehabilitation projects.

Commentary: The reuse of existing structures not only offer opportunities for a variety of housing but

also strengthens and revitalizes existing communities through the maintenance of structures and

elimination of blight.

2. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations should provide incentives to encourage

private sector investment in the development of a variety of housing types.

3. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations should define the appropriate

conditions under which accessory dwelling units may be approved.

4. Encourage the development of alternative housing options for senior citizens within

towns and designated infill areas. These options include congregate care housing,

sheltered housing, and institutional care facilities.

Objective LU-2-4: Address affordable housing opportunities within all areas of Oldham County,

including programs, policies or incentives within the Land Use Element to ensure that Oldham

County has appropriate tools to guide the provision of a range of housing opportunities.

1. Encourage the development and preservation of properties for low and moderate income

households.

2. Encourage higher density housing to be located near transit services and/or major

employment centers.

3. Develop a zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations that allow for development of

affordable housing. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations should support the

use of innovative development methods such as mixed use developments.

4. Promote infill development of affordable housing in order to take advantage of existing

infrastructure.

GOAL LU-3

To plan for economic development that provides for increased tax revenues with a wide

variety of employment opportunities that support the maintenance of a high level of

community facilities and services and provide job opportunities for future Oldham Countians.

Objective LU-3-1: Support existing business retention and growth compatible with adjacent

land uses and the availability of community facilities and services.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

1. Ensure that the permitted and conditional land uses for each zoning district are current to

avoid unnecessary delays in the approval process of projects that support the economic

development goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.

2. Establish a process evaluating new or unanticipated land uses to ensure that they are

categorized in the appropriate zoning district.

3. Develop performance standards that address the expansion or redevelopment of existing

businesses and industries located within existing centers.

Objective LU-3-2: Focus new commercial and workplace development in designated existing

centers when compatible with the scale and character of the center.

1. Encourage mixed-use developments where buildings and structures accommodate a

variety of complementary and integrated uses in one area.

Commentary: Mixed-use developments help reduce traffic generation by locating homes, retail and

jobs within easy commuting distance.

2. Expansion and redevelopment of existing designated centers, or the creation of new

centers should be evaluated for:

• Compatibility with surrounding areas;

• Consistency with Economic Development Goals; and

• Adequate Infrastructure.

GOAL LU-4

To maintain a consistent and understandable development review process that encourages

and accommodates citizen involvement in decisions affecting and implementing this

Comprehensive Plan.

Objective LU-4-1: Development review procedures should be reviewed on a regular basis to

ensure that citizens and property owners affected by development proposals can receive

adequate information and meeting/hearing notices for a proposal at the earliest possible stage

of the review process.

1. Oldham County Planning & Development should post details of all hearings and meetings,

summaries of new applications, ordinances and regulations on Oldham County’s website.

2. Develop a multi-tier notice system based on size and intensity of proposed development.

Objective LU-4-2: Periodically evaluate development review procedures to determine whether

application review and processing schedules are appropriate and adequate for citizens,

applicants and reviewing agencies.

Commentary: It is important to facilitate and encourage public participation in the development

review process. Public participation helps assure that decision makers have a full understanding of the

issues, interrelationships and impacts of a particular development proposal. In addition, the public

planning process may provide useful ideas and perspectives from concerned citizens and interest

groups.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

1. Hold hearings and meetings that are:

• Publicized broadly and well in advance;

• Well organized;

• Informational and educational about proposals; and

• Structured to gather feedback and input from the public regarding the proposal.

2. Seek out new public participation techniques that are as creative and fresh as possible to

attract public interest in community planning and development.

Objective LU-4-3: The Oldham County Planning Commission should establish a procedure to

notify adjacent Planning Commissions and Legislative Bodies in order to provide opportunities

for input on development applications for sites in close proximity to county boundaries.

1. Utilize the geographic information system to identify development proposals that affect

adjacent counties.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Transportation

GOAL T-1

To provide the citizens of Oldham County with a well-planned and coordinated system of

major thoroughfares and collectors that are safe, cost effective and responsive to planned

growth and development.

Objective T-1-1: Protect investments in the major thoroughfare system by managing access

within guidelines established by the Planning Commission.

1. Develop and assign access classifications for roadway segments based upon the current

condition of the roadway and any planned improvements. Standards should address

driveway and curb cut spacing, median spacing and signal spacing.

2. Develop corner clearance, joint and cross access easement, connection and median

opening, driveway design and unified access and circulation standards.

3. Limit residential access on arterial roadways to prevent safety hazards.

Commentary: Access Management is a process that provides access to land development while

simultaneously maintaining an efficient movement of people and goods.

Access Management recognizes that while the land owner has a right to reasonable access, the

primary function of arterial roadways is to move traffic. Two key benefits of access management are

improved safety and preservation of capacity.

Objective T-1-2: Develop and maintain a major thoroughfare plan that depicts existing and

proposed thoroughfares and provides minimum right-of-way and typical cross-section

standards. Utilize standards to determine right-of-way dedication requirements for all

development proposals.

1. Prepare and adopt a major thoroughfare plan to guide decisions regarding transportation

improvements. The major thoroughfare plan should include appropriate level of service

standards for arterials and major collectors.

2. Conform with the major thoroughfare plan through reservation, dedication or transitional

setback prior to the granting of any permit or approval.

Commentary: Many roadways in Oldham County were originally designed for much lower traffic

volumes than they are now expected to accommodate. Improvements to these roadways are often

limited due to lack of right-of-way or development which lines the roadway.

The lack of adequate right-of-way escalates costs and significantly delays improvement projects. One

way to minimize these problems is through a cooperative effort to preserve or increase right-of-way.

3. The Oldham County Planning Commission shall conduct, update or review studies to

ensure that current and future transportation-related problems and needs in LaGrange,

Crestwood, Pewee Valley and Goshen areas are identified and addressed.

4. Consider phasing developments when road improvements are necessary to accommodate

proposed project impacts.

5. Develop a traffic shed transportation network analysis as a planning tool to determine the

current planning capacity on rural residential roads.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Commentary: The traffic shed planning approach provides a simple and clear understanding about the

relationship between planning, zoning and road capacity. In addition, the process of analyzing traffic

sheds can inform capital improvement or planning debates as to the nature of the problem and

possible solutions.

Objective T-1-3: Prioritize improvements to existing transportation facilities that optimize the

flow of traffic and reduce accidents at locations where the free flow of travel is hindered while

preserving aesthetic qualities where possible.

1. Review and update the Oldham County functional road classification system and map for

existing and projected roads during the development of the major thoroughfare plan. The

functional classification map should be designed to:

• Depict all existing and planned roadways, the respective functional classification for

each facility and rights-of-way requirements for each described facility; and

• Address incomplete and deficient segments of the transportation network that have

been identified.

Commentary: A functional classification map depicts when and where right-of way should be reserved

for future transportation needs. This type of map is typically used in the development review process.

2. Review and revise, as necessary, the road standards for new development, including

private road standards and policies.

Objective T-1-4: Establish minimum right-of-way and design and construction standards for

collectors and local roads to accommodate safe emergency vehicle access, respond to

environmental constraints and ensure compatibility with the character of proposed

development.

1. Address the need for internal connections and alternative access between adjacent land

uses, such as residential subdivisions or commercial developments.

Commentary: Secondary entrances improve access for emergency services and minimize local

traffic on major roads.

2. Develop roadway design standards for new roads that are safe, efficient, in order to

minimize the adverse impacts upon the community. Standards should address:

• Connectivity of streets within and between new and existing developments;

• Appropriate right-of-way widths;

• Tree preservation and enhancement;

• Landscaping and street furniture;

• Bicycle and pedestrian facilities;

• Transit operations;

• Encouragement of on-street parking in appropriate areas to buffer pedestrians from

traffic; and

• Traffic calming techniques.

Commentary: Well designed streets encourage more of a sense of community.

Objective T-1-5: Coordinate improvements to the transportation system with land use

decisions to ensure maintenance of an adequate level of service.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Commentary: Coordinated land use and transportation decisions solve a variety of problems

including air pollution, congestion and the decay of older centers.

1. Review all proposed road improvement projects for consistency with the Comprehensive

Plan.

2. Road improvement projects and other transportation recommendations that are found to

be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan should be included as an update to the

Comprehensive Plan.

Objective T-1-6: Utilize traffic impact analyses to project, describe and suggest ways of off-

setting the traffic effects and effects of development when appropriate.

Commentary: Traffic Impact Analysis is used to determine whether the roadway network in the area of

a proposed major development will be able to handle the existing through traffic plus the additional

traffic that the development will generate. The purpose of the analysis is to protect the substantial

public investment in the existing street system.

1. Require traffic impact analysis for all developments that will generate 100 or more new

inbound or outbound trips during the peak hours. Proposals should be transmitted for

review and comment in a timely manner prior to Planning Commission decision or

recommendation to allow adequate time for review.

Commentary: 100 or more inbound or outbound trips during the peak hours would be expected from

developments containing approximately 150 single-family homes, 220 multi-family units, 60,000

square feet of general office space, or 10,000 square feet of retail space.

2. Although the development may generate less than the above defined threshold of new

trips, it may still be necessary to require an analysis of site access for reasons such as the

following:

• High traffic volumes on the adjacent roadway that may affect movement into or out

of the site;

• Lack of existing left-turn lane(s) on the adjacent roadway at the proposed access

drive(s);

• Inadequate horizontal or vertical sight distance at access points;

• The proximity of the proposed access points to other existing drives or intersections;

• The proposed use is a special or conditional use zoning classification or involves a

drive-through operation.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

3. Include a traffic impact analysis ordinance in the update of the zoning regulations that:

• Provides a standard set of analytic tools and format for preparing traffic impact

studies;

• Outlines information needed and evaluation procedures to be used;

• Ensures safe and reasonable traffic operating conditions on streets and intersections

after development of the proposed use;

• Reduces the negative traffic impacts created by individual developments;

• Employs a comprehensive approach to the overall impacts of various developments

along a corridor or within part of a community rather than a piecemeal approach;

and

• Alerts the community of improvements or modifications needed to roadway access

or site design;

Objective T-1-7: Utilize traffic calming techniques for collector and local roads in order to

produce safer and more livable streets for motorists and pedestrians.

Commentary: According to the Institute of Transportation Engineers, “Traffic Calming is the

combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter

driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users” and “Traffic Calming involved

changes in street alignment, installation of barriers, and other physical measures to reduce traffic

speeds and cut-through volumes and streetscaping in the interest of street safety, livability and other

purposes.”

1. Street design standards should include technical drawings that address pedestrian safety

and traffic flow and volumes in neighborhoods and other areas where livability is affected

by motor vehicle traffic.

Commentary: Traffic calming techniques are primarily used in residential areas or areas where there is

a high concentration of pedestrian traffic that conflicts with motor vehicle traffic. In addition, traffic

calming techniques can be used to reduce speeds in high accident locations.

GOAL T-2

To coordinate the Major Thoroughfare Plan with other modes of travel, including bus transit,

rail, pedestrian and bicycle, to comprehensively address mobility issues and needs within

Oldham County.

Objective T-2-1: Work with the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency

(KIPDA) to modify the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan to incorporate existing and planned

bicycle and pedestrian routes within Oldham County.

1. Develop long-term, countywide bicycle and pedestrian recommendations in the Major

Thoroughfare Plan and Master Plans.

2. Require the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facility connections between nearby

developments and community facilities or workplaces.

3. Require pedestrian and bicycle pathways as part of the subdivision and site plan approval

process.

Objective T-2-2: Work with the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) to provide an appropriate

level of bus transportation service to cities, employment centers and concentrations of

neighborhoods within Oldham County.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Commentary: The coordination of land use and transportation policies can strengthen the

effectiveness of public transportation and increase road capacity.

1. Develop long-term public transportation and land use plans in order to relieve traffic

problems.

2. Evaluate the potential for expansion and enhancement of bus service in the major

thoroughfare plan.

Objective T-2-3: Enhance opportunities for transit use by working with major employers and

retail centers to provide park and ride facilities or to participate in ride-sharing programs

designed to reduce the number of single occupant vehicular trips.

1. Address road facilities, public transportation, ride sharing programs, bicycle and

pedestrian facilities in the public participation process.

Objective T-2-4: Coordinate pedestrian and bicycle facility planning with multi-objective

greenway strategies by taking advantage of Oldham County’s rich heritage of natural resources

and scenic vistas.

1. Address pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the Greenways Master Plan.

GOAL T-3

To protect and preserve scenic or culturally important transportation corridors and resources.

Commentary: Community character is largely based on what can be seen from an automobile, bicycle

or on foot. Protecting and preserving scenic or culturally important corridors enhances aesthetic

qualities and ultimately benefits property values.

Objective T-3-1: Identify and designate scenic and culturally important transportation corridors

and resources using a process as specified in Goal G-2.

1. Preserve historic and scenic resources along transportation corridors within Oldham

County using local, state and federal guidelines. Oldham County will work with residents

to define and designate scenic corridors to protect and preserve the character of the

County’s rural roads.

Commentary: Scenic Corridors designations should include flexible guidelines rather than rigid

regulations to account for the individual characteristics of development sites. Acceptable aesthetic

guidelines for developments abutting designated scenic corridors should be defined and imposed with

caution.

2. The design of developments, including signs, abutting designating scenic corridors are to

be in keeping with the aesthetic character of the corridor.

Commentary: Development and redevelopment should be managed to maintain, complement and

enhance scenic values within designated scenic corridors.

3. Guidelines for Scenic Corridors should address:

• Regulating nonconforming billboards;

• Coordinating directional signage throughout Oldham County and with adjacent

counties;

• Establishing an acceptable design review procedure for development and

redevelopment which includes site-layout flexibility; and

• Respecting the individuality of development sites and the rights of property owners.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

4. Oldham County will work proactively with residents to identify potential Scenic Byways for

designation by the Commonwealth.

5. The preservation of the scenic qualities or environmental character of streets and

highways shall be consideration in the design of any street improvements or

modifications.

Objective T-3-2: Develop and implement facility design, lighting, access management and land

use guidelines specific to individual scenic corridors and resources.

1. Evaluate use of corridor review overlay districts, special zoning districts or other

techniques as methods for implementation of guidelines.

2. Oldham County will work proactively to communicate scenic corridor planning objectives

before landowners begin to contemplate site-layout scenarios for their property.

3. Oldham County will work to coordinate the various agencies that regulate different

aspects of designated scenic corridors to achieve consistency.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Community Facilities and Services

GOAL CF-1

To provide for needed community facilities and services (where infrastructure can support it),

through the wise, planned and equitable use of the community’s monetary, physical and

human resources.

Objective CF-1-1: Maintain and use existing community facilities when appropriate. When new

facilities are required consider the use of private or semi-public facilities to accommodate a

public need and encouraging planning for multi-purpose facilities.

1. Encourage departments and agencies to prepare facility plans that include the following:

• Inventory of facilities;

• Evaluation of conditions;

• Desirable levels of service;

• Repair/replacement schedule; and

• Need for new (or substantially expanded) facilities.

Objective CF-1-2: Development priority areas should be given consideration for expansion or

new construction of community facilities and services as an incentive for development to locate

within these areas.

1. Identify and map development priority areas.

2. Review community facility and service plans to ensure that development priority areas are

consistent with community facility and service plans and each area can stand on its own in

terms of circulation, utilities and other critical facilities and services.

3. Specific recommendations for each of the development priority areas may need to

address the timing of development with respect to the provision of critical community

facilities and services.

Commentary: Development priority areas should have some or most infrastructure required for

development already in place. If a development priority area lacks all major facilities and services, the

deficiency should be addressed immediately.

4. Ensure that the development priority areas, zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations

are consistent with the Future Land Use Map.

Objective CF-1-3: Inform the community and provide special notice to all interested parties

early in the process when developing or expanding community facilities.

1. Continue the formal community facility review process that determines agreement with

the Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes.

2. Planning Commission review of community facilities should be in the form of a public

hearing with public notification.

GOAL CF-2

To plan, establish guidelines, and coordinate efforts for appropriate levels of sewage

disposal, potable water, schools, fire protection and solid waste collection and disposal

services to urban and rural areas within Oldham County in conjunction with the agencies that

have jurisdiction of these services.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Objective CF-2-1: Maintain and update sanitary sewer, potable water and solid waste facilities

improvement plans as a basis for development review and approval.

1. Establish intergovernmental agreements to facilitate coordination of land use planning,

development review and the provision of sewers, water and solid waste between Oldham

County and agencies that have jurisdiction of these services.

Objective CF-2-2: Sanitary sewer collection and disposal facilities or approved on-site septic

systems should be adequate or proposed prior to plan approval or issuance of building permits

for any development to be served by said facilities.

1. Use geographic information systems (GIS) to develop a database of previously approved

projects to ensure that all service providers will have adequate capacity at the time it is

needed.

Commentary: Not all approved developments are built. Tracking approved and not built projects helps

determine how much critical service capacity is encumbered by approved projects.

Objective CF-2-3: When approving sanitary sewer and solid waste facilities, priority should be

given to those that do not pollute community waters, are compatible with and appropriately

buffered from surrounding uses, and do not present an unreasonable risk to public health and

safety.

1. For new development, where public sewer service is available or planned, public sewers

or easements should be the requirement for all types and levels of development.

GOAL CF-3

Increase efforts to minimize the effects of stormwater runoff by encouraging more creative

site design measures and promoting green infrastructure.

Objective CF-3-1: Assess the development of a program to decrease the amount of impervious

surfaces that impact watershed systems.

Objective CF-3-2: Identify green infrastructure best practices which are best suited for the area

and launch an incentive program aimed to encourage the use of such practices.

GOAL CF-4

Maintain Oldham County’s high level of educational and enrichment opportunities through

continued investment in the human and physical resources necessary to meet educational,

informational and diverse recreational needs of a growing population.

Objective CF-4-1: Work with Oldham County Public Schools and other entities to coordinate

population projections and long range facility plans with the development review process.

1. Establish an intergovernmental procedure to facilitate coordination of land use planning,

development review and the provision of new school facilities between Oldham County

and the Oldham County School District.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Commentary: The intergovernmental agreement should address:

• Information sharing practices;

• Appropriate levels of service;

• Appropriate facility types; and

• The timing of school facilities.

Objective CF-4-2: Encourage the public school system to give priority to facility investments

where appropriate infrastructure exists or is planned.

1. Coordinate land use planning and the site design of new school facilities and school facility

expansions.

Objective CF-4-3: Coordinate school site acquisition programs with the parks and open space

master plan and bicycle, pedestrian and Greenway Trails Master Plan in order to identify

opportunities for co-location of schools, libraries and parks.

1. Consider the Oldham County Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Oldham County Bike,

Pedestrian and Greenway Trails Master Plan during the community facility review process

for all new education facilities.

Objective CF-4-4: Utilize public school sites as focal points for the development of

neighborhoods and associated pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

1. Ensure that the zoning ordinance addresses site design goals for school facilities and

developments adjacent to school sites.

Commentary: Providing roadway, bikeway and pedestrian connections between school facilities and

adjacent neighborhoods helps reduce congestion on major roadways when students can safely walk,

ride their bicycles or drive to school on internally connected facilities.

Objective CF-4-5: Expand county-wide learning opportunities for all ages by developing

public/private partnerships to support cooperative financial and human resource sharing in

order to maintain or crate the infrastructure necessary to promote these life-long learning

opportunities.

1. Support continuing education and training for employment opportunities and personal

growth.

2. Increase involvement of university and college resources within the community.

3. Encourage the development of advanced communications and technology to enhance

educational opportunities among businesses, government, schools, libraries and the

public.

GOAL CF-5

To provide a system of public parks, diverse recreation facilities, open spaces and greenways

that support the preservation of the county’s natural and scenic resources, wildlife habitats

and serves neighborhoods and communities.

Objective CF-5-1: Maintain and update a master plan for acquisition and use of existing and

future community and neighborhood parks and open spaces.

1. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan every five years.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Objective CF-5-2: Support voluntary public and private efforts to preserve lands for future use

or protection through conservation easements, fee simple dedication programs or deed

restrictions.

Commentary: Government agencies can help provide options for private landowners who wish to

voluntarily conserve important land resources through:

• Helping individuals meet federal tax code requirements for charitable donations; and

• Structuring land donations to allow land owners to continue to live on their land and receive

income.

1. Encourage community organizations to establish partnerships with Oldham County to

assist in the implementation of a voluntary land protection program and to act when

necessary as a land trust to receive and manage donated lands.

Objective CF-5-3: Incorporate equine related activities in the Parks and Open Space Master

Plan.

Objective CF-5-4: New residential development should contribute to the implementation of

the Parks and Open Space Master Plan. The type and extent of the contribution should be

determined on the basis of the type of development.

Objective CF-5-5: Identify greenways and utilize volunteer conservation or resource protection

zoning techniques to protect such areas from adverse development.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Environment

GOAL E-1

To preserve and improve the quality of Oldham County’s natural resources, including water,

air and soil, while protecting the health, safety and welfare of its citizens through a

watershed-based approach to environmental planning and stormwater management.

Objective E-1-1: Best management practices should be used on individual development sites to

control soil erosion into lakes and streams, prevent hazardous materials from degrading surface

or groundwater resources and protect water resources from other types of environmental

threats.

1. Review and update the Soil and Erosion Control Ordinance periodically to ensure that the

most current Best Management Practices are being employed in the ordinance.

2. Require secondary containment, treatment and emergency response plans for activities

that propose pollution sources such as storing and dispensing of petroleum products,

chemical storage and sale or transfer of potential contaminants.

Objective E-1-2: Work toward implementation of fully developed watershed master plans.

1. Oldham County Planning & Development may assist in the preparation of multi-

jurisdictional watershed planning and watershed management within and adjacent to the

County.

Commentary: Planning for watersheds should focus both public and private efforts on problems and

areas of protection within each watershed. Watershed master plans should include:

• Identification of the basic need and direction of the watershed management program,

including the collection of preliminary data and the identification and assembly of all

interested parties;

• Detailed water quality data collection and analysis of the development carrying capacity of

each watershed;

• Identification of specific goals and objectives for the watershed management program;

• Development of detailed strategies and procedures for implementing watershed management

goals and improving water quality; and

• Implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the watershed management program.

Objective E-1-3: On individual development sites, blue-line streams should be retained in their

natural locations and conditions and those already disturbed should be preserved from further

degradation.

1. Protect blue-line streams from channelization, stripping, relocation, erosion or other

alteration.

Commentary: Blue-line streams generally flow year round. These streams are identified on USGS

maps.

2. Establish minimum vegetative buffers for the banks of blue-line streams for all

development proposals to protect the functional integrity of the channel.

Commentary: Minimum vegetative buffers should be consistent with the most recent

recommendations established by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Objective E-1-4: On individual development sites, limit the use of septic tanks in designated

conservation zones and floodplains and encourage their use in areas with appropriate soil and

groundwater conditions based upon the recommendations of the appropriate agencies.

1. Refer to state standards for on-site septic systems in the zoning ordinance.

GOAL E-2

To allow site development that does not adversely impact environmental features and

resources or air quality, and minimizes noise and lighting impacts to or from adjacent and

nearby uses.

Objective E-2-1: Areas with sensitive slopes should be used only in cases where sufficient long-

term safeguards can be implemented to minimize erosion and eliminate the potential for

slippage of structural elements.

1. Develop guidelines to identify areas where testing and engineering studies should be

required prior to consideration of a development approval. Guidelines for requiring

analysis and engineering studies should be based upon the limitations of certain soil

associations as outlined in the Oldham County Soil Survey.

Commentary: In order to protect natural resources, reduce public hazards, protect adjoining property

owners and maintain water quality, it is important for development to preserve and enhance slope

areas. Oldham County will work closely with the Oldham County Conservation District to develop those

standards.

2. Encourage the use of planning, design and development practices that:

• Take advantage of the best use of the natural terrain for building sites and roads; and

• Employ advanced and up-to-date Best Management Practices.

Objective E-2-2: Encourage the preservation of natural topographic contours in site

development and restrict site grading to the minimum necessary to effectively manage

stormwater.

Objective E-2-3: Encourage the use of innovative subdivision design techniques including open

space and conservation subdivision designs, landscaping and buffer techniques, to increase the

urban and suburban tree canopy, green infrastructure practices, and preserve scenic resources

including on-site woodlands, wetlands, riparian and other natural areas.

1. Encourage open space subdivision design in the land development regulations.

2. Develop incentive programs to encourage developers to submit more conservation

subdivision designs.

3. Oldham County should provide an informational development guidebook that considers

local conditions and issues for property owners and developers to review and consider

prior to the design of development.

Objective E-2-4: Outdoor advertising should be regulated through conditional use permits to

preserve scenic resources.

1. Develop specific limitations on outdoor advertising such as where they may be located,

how close they can be to other permitted signs, how large they can be and how they must

be maintained.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Commentary: Outdoor advertising (billboards) cannot be prohibited; however, certain limitations and

restrictions may be placed on them.

2. Limit outdoor advertising to areas that are commercially and industrially zoned.

Objective E-2-5: Regulate the adverse impacts of residential, commercial or industrial site

lighting, noise, pollutants, dust, odor and smoke by establishing standards.

1. Include a new section in the zoning ordinance that addresses countywide lighting, noise,

dust, odor and smoke control performance standards.

Objective E-2-6: Continue to improve the existing landscape guidelines to guide the

preservation of on-site woodlands, provide appropriate buffers from adjacent uses, increase

the urban and suburban tree canopy, provide a vegetative buffer to riparian corridors, mitigate

the effect of flooding and stormwater run-off, and improve the visual appearance of structures,

stormwater and parking facilities.

1. Conduct an audit of the landscape regulations to gauge their effectiveness and ensure the

most current practices in landscape architecture are permitted and continue to allow

flexibility in landscape materials and design to encourage innovative designs that improve

the appearance of an area.

2. Require plans that promote tree preservation and increase the urban and suburban tree

canopy as part of the development review process. Tree preservation plans should

address areas to be permanently preserved from clear-cutting, as well as areas to be left

undisturbed during the subdivision infrastructure construction phase.

3. Strongly encourage underground utilities. Locate large utility installations so that they

have access to roads adjacent to the development.

4. Design and locate utility easements to provide access for maintenance and repair to

minimize impacts to existing tree roots and vegetation and to minimize negative visual

impacts.

5. New telecommunications towers should be located and designed to minimize impacts to

existing trees and vegetation as well as visual and land use impacts. Permit new

telecommunications towers and utility substations provided that:

• A more suitable site is not available;

• Co-location is not feasible;

• The proposed facility is sited to minimize the visual impact on adjacent areas; and

• Vegetative screening, fencing, berming and other measures are provided to minimize

the view of the facility from adjoining roads and properties.

GOAL E-3

To protect and enhance the Ohio River Corridor, and its tributaries, as a valuable county

natural resource.

Objective E-3-1: Develop strategies and programs designed to focus community attention on

the preservation and use of the Ohio River Corridor. Coordinate these strategies and programs

with the Parks and Open Space Master Plan.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

1. Develop an Ohio River Corridor Master Plan for the Ohio River and its tributaries that

addresses parks, recreation, riparian corridor vegetative buffering, agricultural

preservation and land development planning and zoning strategies.

2. Encourage public and private entities to acquire land along the riverfront for public access

and protection of natural areas.

3. Provide incentives for the development of land uses that are complimentary to river

access points such as restaurants, tackle shops and venues for community events and

festivals. Make sure these developments respect and protect sensitive riparian corridor

habitat and soils.

4. Ensure that the Ohio River Corridor Master Plan is consistent with the Oldham County

Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Oldham County Bicycle, Pedestrian, and

Greenway Trails Master Plan.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Government

GOAL G-1

To participate with local jurisdictions, neighboring and regional counties, cities, governmental

agencies, transportation agencies, utilities, planning commissions, stakeholders, landowners

and business development groups in developing solutions for common issues or

opportunities.

Objective G-1-1: Participate with regional and local agencies to identify common issues and

develop methods for addressing each issue.

1. Oldham County shall continue to participate, through representation, information sharing

and or coordination of regional planning efforts and events.

Objective G-1-2: A public hearing or hearings shall be held on all elements of the

Comprehensive Plan prior to their enactment.

Objective G-1-3: All plans, regulations and specific standards used to implement this

Comprehensive Plan shall be developed in coordination and cooperation with, but not limited

to, legislative bodies, appropriate public agencies, utilities, community groups, property

owners, residents and businesses.

GOAL G-2

To provide a high level of police, fire and emergency medical services to all areas of the

County.

Objective G-2-1: Service agencies should establish and report minimum standards of service

and planned improvements so that the Oldham County Planning Commission can consider the

impact of development proposals to the delivery of these essential services.

Objective G-2-2: Maintain an adequate street naming and addressing system to ensure that

police, fire and emergency medical services can easily and quickly locate sites for the delivery of

services.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Business and Industry

GOAL BI-1

Promote business and industrial development that is compatible with Oldham County’s vision

statement to provide an increased and balanced property tax base and more jobs in Oldham

County with higher average wages.

Commentary: Ensuring that the Comprehensive Plan is consistent with Oldham County’s economic

health and development strategy strengthens our community’s ability to support continued economic

growth.

Objective BI-1-1: Develop a long-term strategy to attract specific types of environmentally

friendly businesses and industries to Oldham County, which provide stable and high-paying

employment opportunities.

1. Encourage development and adoption of master plans for all business and industrial parks

and other significant lands well suited for commercial and industrial development or

redevelopment. Ensure that master plans that are consistent with the goals and

objectives of the Comprehensive Plan are adopted into it.

2. Identify target industries for Oldham County and implement strategies to attract them.

Objective BI-1-2: Support existing business and industry to thrive and grow in Oldham County.

1. Encourage the highest and best use of existing industrial and commercial land through

flexible land development regulations.

2. Encourage emergency preparedness plans to reduce economic loss in addition to

protecting residents.

3. Encourage infrastructure priorities and improvements that support the economic viability

of existing businesses and industries.

4. Cooperate in regional strategies for avoiding air-quality non-attainment status.

5. Revise the existing sign regulations to be more consistent with current business needs and

address new and innovative sign technology.

Objective BI-1-3: Encourage businesses and industries employing practices and technologies to

achieve environmental quality of life goals.

1. Support target industries through the development review process.

Objective BI-1-4: Oldham County will facilitate broadband infrastructure and

telecommunication availability for residential, governmental and business segments of the

county.

GOAL BI-2

To maintain the county’s incorporated cities as attractive centers for public and private

business activity.

Objective BI-2-1: Undertake or support planning for cities that helps to define local design,

transportation and land use issues that should be addressed in the development review

process.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

1. Facilitate and contribute to the revitalization of cities in the land development

regulations.

Objective BI-2-2: Protect and enhance the historic character of the cities.

1. Develop and adopt plans with preservation and revitalization strategies for all cities and

historically significant sites. Ensure plans and strategies are consistent with the goals and

objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.

Objective BI-2-3: Improve the physical appearance of the cities.

1. Develop design guidelines for development and redevelopment in cities that address

appropriate setbacks, signage, landscaping, street trees, enhancement of urban and

suburban tree canopy, sidewalks, lighting, utilities, street furnishings, building facades,

awnings and maintenance standards.

GOAL BI-3

To support and encourage agriculture for the purpose of recognizing the cultural heritage of

the community and the agricultural contribution to the economic base.

Objective BI-3-1: Work with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Bureau and

other agencies to identify prime agricultural land and active farms. Develop strategies to

support agriculture.

1. Reduce land use burdens on agricultural land and encourage the use of development

types that preserve large useable agricultural areas.

Commentary: Open space or conservation development allow landowners to develop a portion of their

property while maintaining all or some of the land for agricultural use.

2. Support land development options that retain agriculture opportunities, preserve farms,

forests and open space.

3. Develop planning and zoning standards that reduce potential conflicts arising from the

proximity of adjacent residential development.

Commentary: Development standards should address vegetative buffers and traffic patterns.

4. Develop planning and zoning standards that permit diversity and flexibility and provide for

low intensity rural land uses.

5. Develop alternative planning and zoning standards for housing farm laborers.

6. Develop planning and zoning standards that support the continuation, operation and

expansion of the equestrian industry.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

Brownsboro Master Plan

Community Character 1 (CC-1)

Strengthen the sense of community of the Brownsboro Planning Area.

a. Encourage collaboration between stakeholders.

b. Investigate the need for community facilities to service the Brownsboro Area.

c. Identify and promote community landmarks that strengthen residents’ sense of place.

d. Create a signature Brownsboro Village entrance to identify Brownsboro as a village.

Community Character 2 (CC-2)

Preserve the historic and rural identity of the Brownsboro Planning Area.

a. Recognize and protect existing historic sites and community landmarks.

b. Identify, recognize and protect historic sites and community landmarks.

c. Capitalize on Brownsboro’s historic and rural qualities to promote economic vitality.

Community Character 3 (CC-3)

Maintain and enhance the built natural environment by strengthening visual identity.

a. Strengthen the visual identity of the Brownsboro village.

b. Enchance and maintain Brownsboro’s rural identity through a quality set of land

development guildelines.

c. Protect scenic corridors by developing scenic corridor guidelines.

d. Develop Brownsboro-specific design guidelines and recommendations for community

facilities.

Environmental 1 (E-1)

Recognize and protect natural resources, farmland, and the Harrods Creek watershed within

the Brownsboro Planning Area when considering land use and development.

Natural Resources

a. Limit development in floodplains specifically near Harrods Creek.

b. Encourage low impact development techniques to protect identified natural land

resources and physical features.

Farmland

a. Encourage the use of conservation easements, agricultural districts, and Oldham County’s

bonding authority for open space.

b. Encourage the protection of the Brownsboro/Oldham County farmers by promoting the

use of local goods.

Harrods Creek

a. Limit pollution, storm water, and erosion caused by development along Harrods Creek

with the creation of buffer areas.

b. Create buffer standards to protect steep slopes, the watershed and scenic viewsheds and

corridors.

c. Market Harrods Creek as a natural resource and physical feature in the Brownsboro

community.

Environmental 2 (E-2)

Preserve and enhance Brownsboro’s scenic corridor and viewsheds.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

a. Encourage, through the use of incentives, the protection of viewsheds which encompass

identified natural physical features.

Environmental 3 (E-3)

Identify and encourage the creation of connected greenways and wildlife corridors in the

Brownsboro Planning Area.

a. Include the Brownsboro study area in the Greenways Master Plan and in the Oldham

County Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update.

b. Utilize contiguous greenways as a strategy for the protection of identified natural land

resources.

c. Create public access to identified and protected natural land resources and physical

features (greenways) and wildlife corridors.

Transportation 1 (T-1)

Create a safe transportation network for all modes of transportation including public

transportation, bikes and pedestrians.

a. Include Brownsboro pedestrian, hiking, equestrian and bicycling needs in the county

Parks and Recreation/Greenways of Oldham County master plans, and county and state

transportation projects.

b. Ensure planned transportation facilities are constructed at the development stage.

c. Promote connected trails between the villages of Brownsboro and Norton Commons

and neighboring subdivisions and areas.

d. Facilitate coordination between Oldham County and TARC for public transportation to

service the population centers of the Brownsboro area.

Transportation 2 (T-2)

Develop design guidelines for Brownsboro that facilitate the village concept while promoting

safety.

a. Ensure that future county and state transportation projects include context sensitive

design input from Brownsboro residents and the OCP&D staff and commission.

b. Develop specific street design standards for Brownsboro village(s) in the Oldham County

street construction standards and land development regulations.

Transportation 3 (T-3)

Create a safe, scenic and rural roadway system in a historical and natural setting.

a. Facilitate coordination between the county, Greenways of Oldham County, the Louisville

Bicycle Club and other non-profit groups to influence the future design to Brownsboro

roadway improvements.

b. Develop specific context sensitive design guidelines for inclusion in future state and

county road improvement plans including recommended cross-sections for specific

roads.

Transportation 4 (T-4)

Develop community based I-71 interchange alternatives that improve traffic efficiency while

preserving the character of Brownsboro.

a. Encourage service roads to increase the road network alternatives adjacent to I-71 that

addresses future road connections and I-71 closures and rerouting alternatives.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update:

Goals & Objectives

b. Ensure that the Brownsboro Master Plan recommendations are reflected in the county’s

input to I-71 interchange alternatives.

Land Use 1 (LU-1)

Direct compatible mixed-use developments in designated village centers where existing or

planned infrastructure is available.

a. Develop overlay zoning to encourage the creation of village centers.

b. Develop a village concept master plan for the Brownsboro Village Center.

c. Encourage the extension of the existing infrastructure to support the village center.

Land Use 2 (LU-2)

Enhance the rural and historic characters of the Brownsboro Planning Area.

a. Develop policies that require future land uses to be compatible in scale, character and

form with existing development.

b. Develop land use guidelines to enhance the Highway 329 into the Brownsboro Village

Center.

Land Use 3 (LU-3)

Encourage and create conservation/open space residential developments.

a. Develop conservation residential development guidelines.

b. Provide incentives for conservation residential development.

Land Use 4 (LU-4)

Perpetuate farming, equine and other uses compatible with the rural nature of the

Brownsboro Planning Area.

a. Increase promotion efforts of equine industry and supporting uses.

b. Encourage the creation of agricultural districts and easements.

This Page Intentionally Blank

OLDHAM COUNTY

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE:

PLAN ELEMENTS

On January 28, 2014, the Oldham County Planning & Zoning Commission approved a resolution

to adopt the Oldham County Comprehensive Plan: Plan Elements by a unanimous vote (Docket

Number PZ-14-001).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Future Land Use ..................................................................................................................1

Figure 1.1 Recommended Development Plan Map, September 1982 ................................. 1

Figure 1.2 Buckner Test Future Land Use Map ..................................................................... 3

Figure 1.3 Oldham County Future Land Use Map ................................................................ 5

Table 1.1 Ag/Rural Future Land Use Category .................................................................. 10

Table 1.2 Ag/Single Family Future Land Use Category ...................................................... 11

Table 1.3 Attached/Multi-Family Future Land Use Category ............................................ 12

Table 1.4 Commercial Future Land Use Category ............................................................. 13

Table 1.5 Commercial/Industrial Future Land Use Category ............................................ 14

Table 1.6 Conservation Future Land Use Category ........................................................... 15

Table 1.7 Industrial Future Land Use Category ................................................................. 16

Table 1.8 Future Land Use Category .................................................................................. 17

Table 1.9 Planned Unit Development Future Land Use Category ..................................... 18

Table 1.10 Recreation/Open Space Future Land Use Category .......................................... 19

Table 1.11 Single Family – City Future Land Use Category ................................................. 20

Table 1.12 Single Family – Future Subdivision Future Land Use Category.......................... 21

Table 1.13 Single Family – Subdivision Future Land Use Category ..................................... 21

Population ........................................................................................................................ 22

Table 2.1 Oldham County Population: 1830 to 2010 ........................................................ 22

Table 2.2 Population Growth 2000 to 2010 Top Fie Kentucky Counties........................... 23

Table 2.3 Oldham County Incorporated Cites Populations: 1960 to 2010........................ 23

Table 2.4 Oldham County Population Characteristics: 1970 to 2010 ............................... 24

Figure 2.1 Populations Pyramid Comparisons: Oldham County vs. Kentucky ................... 25

Table 2.5 Oldham County Housing Characteristics: 1980 to 2010 ................................... 26

Figure 2.2 Oldham County Populations Projections: 2015 to 2050 .................................. 27

Business & Industry ........................................................................................................... 28

Table 3.1 Comparison of Per Capita Income: 2000 to 2010 ............................................. 28

Table 3.2 Median Household Income and Poverty Level Data for Oldham County,

Louisville MSA and Kentucky: 2006 to 2010 Period .......................................... 30

Table 3.3 Total Full- and Part-Time Employment by NAICS Industry: 2001 to 2010 ........ 30

Table 3.4 Oldham County Earnings by Place of Work in Thousands of Dollars:

2001 to 2010 ...................................................................................................... 32

Figure 3.1 Annual Unemployment Rates: 2000 to 2013 .................................................... 33

Table 3.5 Oldham County Commuting Information .......................................................... 34

Environment ..................................................................................................................... 37

Table 4.1 Oldham County Soil Type Limitations for Septic Tank Absorption Fields ......... 38

Figure 4.1 Oldham County Slopes Grater than 30 Percent ................................................ 41

Figure 4.2 Karst Potential Areas in Kentucky ...................................................................... 42

Table 4.2 Oldham County Flood Prone Areas.................................................................... 44

Figure 4.3 Oldham County Flood Hazard Areas .................................................................. 45

Community Facilities ......................................................................................................... 55

Figure 5.1 Oldham County Fire Districts Map ..................................................................... 55

Table 5.1 Oldham County Fire Districts Information ......................................................... 56

Figure 5.2 Existing Park Locations Map from Oldham County Parks and Recreation

Master Plan (2008) ............................................................................................. 61

Table 5.2 School Enrollment Projection Numbers ............................................................ 64

Table 5.3 2014 Elementary School Redistricting Plan ....................................................... 65

Table 5.4 Oldham County Recyclables Accepted – 2010 .................................................. 67

Figure 5.3 Map of the Oldham County Environmental Authority Wastewater

Treatment Plant and Lift Stations ...................................................................... 72

Table 5.5 Oldham County Environmental Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant

and Design Capacity ........................................................................................... 73

Figure 5.4 Oldham County Water Provider Service Areas .................................................. 75

Transportation .................................................................................................................. 77

Table 6.1 Oldham County Transportation Projects Included in the Kentucky

Transportation Cabinet Six Year Highway Plan FY 2012 to FY 2018 .................. 78

Figure 6.1 Oldham County Transportation Projects Kentucky Transportation

Cabinet Six-Year Highway Plan: FY 2012 to FY 2018.......................................... 80

Table 6.2 TARC Route 67 Ridership Numbers January 2011 to December 2012 .............. 83

Future Considerations ....................................................................................................... 86

Table 7.1 Projected Oldham County Senior Population: 2010 to 2050 ............................ 90

Table 7.2 Oldham County Foreclosure Cases .................................................................... 95

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 1

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

FUTURE LAND USE

The Future Land Use Map is intended to be a planning tool that can be used by local officials,

citizens, developers and other interested parties to help guide development in Oldham County.

A future land use map is not a new concept to the Oldham County Comprehensive Plan; in fact,

every comprehensive plan prior to the adoption of Outlook 2020 included a future land use

component.

Figure 1.1

Recommended Development Plan Map, September 1982

Previous future land use maps contained very general categories of proposed use over general

areas of the county without much detail. These categories were placed on maps using both

manmade and natural features as boundaries which sometimes overlooked how tracts may

have been developing on the ground. This lack of detail at the tract level sometimes led to

misinterpretation of or even misuse of these future land use maps.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 2

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Thanks to today’s geographic information system (GIS) technology, planners are able to take a

much closer look at areas of the county to make much more efficient maps for predicting future

land use patterns. Accurate stream and floodplain information, topography, parcel boundaries,

aerial photos and other information help to provide a much more complete snapshot of what is

happening and how different areas could be developed. This technology, along with shared

information with various local agencies regarding future utility expansion and availability, has

paved the way for the most detailed future land use map ever created for Oldham County.

Development of the Future Land Use Map

The development of the Future Land Use Map began with a review of similar future land use

maps that are being used by other jurisdictions from around the state. Staff looked at a

number of examples, all of which varied in the types and number of categories used, the

amount of detail given to the boundaries between areas, and how the map would be used in

the decision making process. At the end of the review, staff and the Study Review Committee

decided to use the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission’s Land Use Plan Map as an

example of a format which could be easy to use and implement in Oldham County.

The next step was for staff to create a draft Future Land Use Map of a test area within Oldham

County to help develop potential future land use categories and show how such a map could be

implemented in the review process. Staff chose the Buckner area as a suitable test case for the

following reasons; 1.) there are a number of different types of uses within a compact area, 2.)

the Buckner area is a dynamic area in that there is potential for change based on infrastructure

and utility availability, and 3.) it was a “neutral area” because it is not an officially incorporated

city.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 3

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Figure 1.2

Buckner Test Future Land Use Map

The Buckner Test Future Land Use Map was created by staff and presented to the Study Review

Committee for review in December 2011. After the Study Review Committee approved the

concept, the Buckner Test Future Land Use Map was then presented at a public meeting held

on January 11, 2012 and to the members of the Technical Review Committee on February 15,

2012.

Once staff received feedback on the Buckner Test Future Land Use Map, the concept was

expanded to every parcel of land in Oldham County. The countywide Future Land Use Map was

distributed to members of the Study Review Committee for review as well as representatives

from each of the legislative bodies with zoning authority. Input was also sought out from the

members of the Technical Review Committee in regards to infrastructure expansion plans,

capacity availability and other information to help with the assignment of Future Land Use

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 4

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Categories. Recommendations and suggestions were welcomed and amendments were made

to the Draft Future Land Use Map, which was made public in August 2012.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 5

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 6

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Future Land Use Categories

The following Future Land Use Categories have been created to help classify the predicted use

for every parcel of land in Oldham County.

Ag/Rural – Large tracts which are currently undeveloped, agriculturally used land, and/or tracts

with very limited infrastructure which limits development to no more than one dwelling unit

per acre (Objective LU-1-2).

Ag/Single Family – Large tracts which are currently undeveloped or agriculturally used land with

limited infrastructure but are zoned for development greater than one dwelling unit per acre.

An example of an area that is designated Ag/Single Family is the cluster of large tracts located

on the south side of US Highway 42 near its intersection with Organ Creek Road at the

Oldham/Henry county line. These parcels are currently undeveloped and do not have access to

sanitary sewers, but they are zoned a classification (R-2 Residential) which would allow

development of tracts smaller than one acre IF sanitary sewers were accessible.

Attached/Multi-Family – Residential purposes including duplexes, triplexes, townhomes,

apartment buildings and condominiums (Objective LU-2-4).

Commercial – Areas of commercial, office, professional and/or service uses (Objectives LU-1-3,

LU-3-1 and LU-3-2).

Commercial/Industrial – Areas of mixed commercial and industrial uses not normally creating a

nuisance discernible beyond its property. An example of an area designed

Commercial/Industrial is the Oldham Reserve development located off New Moody Lane in

LaGrange (Objectives LU-1-3, LU-3-1, and LU-3-2).

Conservation – Parcels of land with environmentally sensitive features such as creeks, streams

and waterways which require protection before development as well as properties that have

been voluntarily placed in conservation easements (Objective LU-1-2).

Industrial – Properties located within/adjacent to existing industrial centers with immediate

access to transportation facilities and utilities and include uses which may have create a

discernible nuisance such as noise, odor, vibrations, etc (Objectives LU-1-3, LU-3-1, and LU-3-2).

Institutional – Properties owned/used by governmental entities, religious institutions, public

utilities, etc (Objectives CF-1-1, CF-1-2).

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 7

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Planned Unit Development – An area to be developed as a single entity according to a plan for

residential and non-residential uses. Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) usually include

provisions for the clustering of buildings, a mixture of land uses and building types,

preservation of natural resources and promotion of common open space to encourage and

allow more creative and imaginative design of land developments.

Recreation/Open Space – Areas currently used/planned for active and passive recreational use.

This category includes both publicly owned and operated areas as well as open space and

conservation areas within platted subdivisions (Goal CF-4).

Single Family – City – Single family residential uses located within/near incorporated areas and

census designated places. This category does offer some flexibility to allow some multi-family

and even light commercial uses provided they meet specific criteria. Census designated places

(CDPs) are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated

places. CDPs are delineated to provide data for settled concentrations of population that are

identifiable by name but are not legally incorporated under the laws of the state in which they

are located. There were two CDPs in Oldham County in the 2010 Census: Buckner and

Westport (Objectives LU-1-3, LU-2-2, LU-2-3 and LU-2-4).

Single Family – Future Subdivision – Tracts of land located adjacent to recorded subdivisions

and/or within areas where access to sewers allow for subdivision into lots less than one acre. A

cluster of properties located between Zale Smith Road and Blakemore Lane are designated

Single Family – Future Subdivision because they are relatively large, flat parcels that are located

within the LaGrange Utilities Commission’s expansion area (Objective LU-1-3).

Single Family – Subdivision – Parcels of land located within approved subdivisions which may be

subject to conditions of approval/binding elements per Planning Commission approval as well

as deed restrictions and/or covenants, conditions and restrictions enforced by the developer

and/or homeowners association. Use shall be strictly single family residential except for

conditional uses and home occupations which should be reviewed on a case by case basis.

A number of factors were used to assign Future Land Use categories to parcels, including but

not limited to existing use and zoning, past development patterns, current and proposed utility

availability, existing road capacity, and known future road improvements.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 8

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Potential Land Uses

Each Future Land Use Category has a variety of potential land uses to give land owners different

options should they choose to develop a piece of property. This variety offers flexibility and

allows potential development to change as development patterns and demands within the

community change. The potential uses that may be allowed in the Future Land Use Categories

are as follows:

Agricultural/Conservation – uses which support and encourage agriculture for the purpose of

recognizing the cultural heritage of the community and agricultural contribution to the

economic base or which promote and protect natural resources, water quality, steep slopes,

floodplains, etc.

Single Family Residential – detached single-family units and neighborhoods.

Two-Family Residential – residential use consisting of a structure containing two living units

with a common wall.

Multi-Family Residential – higher density residential uses containing multiple attached units

either on the same tract or on separate tracts with property lines going through a common

wall.

Office – low to medium intensity professional offices in relative proximity to residential uses,

which may serve as a reasonable transition between commercial and residential areas.

Neighborhood Commercial – less intense commercial uses located in urban areas or where a

mixture of commercial and residential use is prevalent.

Local Business – retail shopping and personal service uses to be developed either as a unit or in

individual parcels to serve the needs of nearby residential neighborhoods.

Community Business – retail shopping and personal service uses, shopping goods and

household services for a population considerably larger than that served by local business

districts.

General Business – a wide variety of business, commercial, mass merchant and miscellaneous

service activities, but does not include land uses characterized by extensive warehousing or

frequent heavy trucking activity.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 9

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Highway Service – general commercial and businesses that require heavy infrastructure.

Light Industrial – Any operation which does not create a noticeable amount of noise, dust, odor,

smoke, glare or vibration outside of the building in which the activity takes place, which does

not require outside storage of goods or materials.

Heavy Industrial – Any operation which by its nature might be considered a nuisance because of

noise, dust, odor, smoke, glare or vibration outside the building and which might require

outside storage of raw material or finished products.

Industrial Park – A mixture of compatible industrial, commercial and office operations within a

planned industrial park.

Solid Waste Facility – any use where solid waste or domestic septage is managed, processed or

disposed including but not limited to recycling facilities, transfer facilities, commercial

composting, vehicle wrecking and salvage operations and landfills.

Appropriateness Levels

Sometimes a proposed land use may only be appropriate when certain conditions exist or

certain criteria are met. Because of this, each potential land use within a Future Land Use

Category is assigned an appropriateness level. These appropriateness levels are in place to help

guide future land use and protect adjoining property owners from activities or uses that may

only be appropriate in certain situations. For example, a proposed Heavy Industrial use is

appropriate in the Industrial Future Land Use Category because it is amongst similar uses and is

in keeping with the character of the area. However, that same Heavy Industrial use may not be

appropriate in the Commercial/Industrial Future Land Use area, which are areas designated for

more of a mix of commercial and light industrial uses, if the proposed Heavy Industrial use has

outdoor storage or be considered a nuisance because of odor, smoke, noise, etc.

The appropriateness levels are General, Limited and Restricted. Proposed land uses that are

assigned the General appropriateness level are generally allowed without any additional

requirements or conditions. Limited uses may be appropriate under certain circumstances or

provided they meet specific conditions so as not to interfere with other surrounding uses. And

finally, Restricted uses should only be allowed in special circumstances, meet specific conditions

for approval, and are most likely more appropriate in other Future Land Use Areas.

Regardless of whether a use is deemed General, Limited or Restricted, all proposed uses are

required to meet all of the capacity standards. The Capacity Standards System was established

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 10

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

to ensure that adequate water supply, wastewater disposal, public schools and roads are

available at the time developments are occupied. The capacity standards which are currently a

part of the zoning ordinance are Road Capacity, School Capacity, Fire Protection, and

Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The following tables contain the allowed land uses, appropriateness levels and specific criteria

for each of the twelve Future Land Use Categories.

Table 1.1

Ag/Rural

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Ag/Rural Large tracts which are currently undeveloped,

agriculturally used land, and/or tracts with very

limited infrastructure which limits development to no

more than one dwelling unit per acre.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Single Family Residential General

Office Limited 1

1. In-home offices and/or Conditional Use Permits for Home Occupations only.

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 11

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.2

Ag/Single Family

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Ag/Single Family Large tracts which are currently undeveloped or

agriculturally used land with limited infrastructure

but are zoned for development greater than one

dwelling unit per acre.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Single Family Residential General

Office Limited 1

1. In-home offices and/or Conditional Use Permits for Home Occupations only.

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 12

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.3

Attached/Multi-Family

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Attached/Multi-Family Residential purposes including duplexes, triplexes,

townhomes, apartment buildings and

condominiums.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Single Family Residential General

Multi-Family Residential General

Two-Family Residential General

Office General

Neighborhood Commercial Limited 1

Local Business Limited 1,

Community Business Limited 1, 2

1. Existing uses may expand onto contiguous land that abuts the same street.

2. Community Business uses in Attached/Multi-Family Future Land Use Areas shall only be

located on arterial level roadways.

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 13

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.4

Commercial

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Commercial Areas of commercial, office, professional and/or

service uses.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Office General

Neighborhood Commercial General

Local Business General

Community Business Limited 1

General Business Limited 1

Highway Service Limited 1, 2

Single Family Residential Restricted 1, 3, 4

Two-Family Residential Restricted 1, 3, 4

Multi-Family Residential Restricted 1, 3, 5

Light Industrial Restricted 1, 6, 7

1. Existing uses may expand onto contiguous land that abuts the same street.

2. New uses and/or expansion of existing uses should not overburden the capacity of

roadways and other necessary urban services that are available in the areas.

3. Residential uses in the Commercial Area shall only be allowed on properties which abut

existing residentially used/zoned property.

4. Single Family Residential and Two-Family Residential developments within the

Commercial Future Land Use Area shall provide buffering from adjacent commercial

properties equal to the requirements for buffering a commercial development from a

residentially zoned parcel as required in Chart No. 1 in Section 300 of the Zoning

Regulations (for example, a Single Family Residential shall provide a 20-foot wide High

Opacity Buffer if adjoining a C-2 zoned parcel).

5. Multi-family residential uses may be located in the same building containing

nonresidential uses.

6. Light Industrial uses in the Commercial Future Land Use Area shall not abut residentially

zoned/used parcels.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 14

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

7. Light Industrial uses in the Commercial Future Land Use Area shall not have any outdoor

storage.

________________________________________________________________________

Table 1.5

Commercial/Industrial

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Commercial/Industrial Areas of mixed commercial and industrial uses not

normally creating a nuisance discernible beyond its

property.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Office General

Neighborhood Commercial General

Local Business General

Community Business General

General Business General

Highway Service General

Light Industrial General

Industrial Park General 1

Heavy Industrial Restricted 2, 3

1. Industrial Park developments must be in compliance with all the requirements of

Division 210 of the Zoning Ordinance.

2. Heavy Industrial uses in the Commercial/Industrial Future Land Use Area shall not abut

residentially zoned/used parcels.

3. Heavy Industrial uses in the Commercial/Industrial Future Land Use Area shall not have

any outdoor storage.

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 15

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.6

Conservation

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Conservation Parcels of land with environmentally sensitive

features such as creeks, streams and waterways

which require protection before development as well

as properties that have been voluntarily placed in

conservation easements.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Single Family Residential General

Office Limited 1

1. In-home offices and/or Conditional Use Permits for Home Occupations only.

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 16

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.7

Industrial

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Industrial Properties located within/adjacent to existing

industrial centers with immediate access to

transportation facilities and utilities and include uses

which may have create a discernible nuisance such as

noise, odor, vibrations, etc.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Light Industrial General

Heavy Industrial General

Industrial Park General 1

Office

Limited

2, 3

Neighborhood Commercial

Limited

2, 3, 4

Local Business

Limited 2, 3, 4

Community Business

Limited 2, 3, 4

General Business

Limited 2, 3, 4

Highway Service

Limited 2, 3, 4

Solid Waste Facility Restricted 3, 5, 6

1. Industrial Park developments must be in compliance with all the requirements of

Division 210 of the Zoning Ordinance.

2. Existing uses may expand onto contiguous land that abuts the same street.

3. New uses and/or expansion of existing uses should not overburden the capacity of

roadways and other necessary urban services that are available in the areas.

4. Neighborhood Commercial, Local Business, Community Business, General Business and

Highway Service uses in the Industrial Area shall be limited to parcels abutting or within

1,000 feet of arterial level roadways.

5. Solid Waste Facility uses in the Industrial Area shall not abut residentially zoned/used

parcels.

6. Solid Waste Facility uses must be in compliance with all the requirements of Division

220 of the Zoning Ordinance.

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 17

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.8

Institutional

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Institutional Properties owned/used by governmental entities,

religious institutions, public utilities, etc.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Single Family Residential General

Two-Family Residential

Limited

Office

Limited

Neighborhood Commercial

Limited

Local Business

Limited

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 18

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.9

Planned Unit Development

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Planned Unit

Development

An area developed as a single entity according to a

plan for residential and non-residential uses with

design measures intended to encourage more

creative and imaginative design of land

developments.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General 1, 2

Single Family Residential General 1, 2

Two-Family Residential

General

1, 2

Multi-Family Residential

General

1, 2

Office

General

1, 2

Neighborhood Commercial

General

1, 2

Local Business

General

1, 2

Community Business

General

1, 2

General Business

General

1, 2

Highway Service

General

1, 2

Light Industrial

General

1, 2

1. All Planned Unit Developments must be done in compliance with Division 230 of the

Oldham County Zoning Ordinance.

2. Section 230-030 of the Oldham County Zoning Ordinance contains uses which are

prohibited in the PUD either as a single use or as part of a mixed use.

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 19

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.10

Recreation/Open Space

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Recreation/Open Space Areas currently used/planned for active and passive

recreational use.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 20

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.11

Single Family - City

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Single Family – City Single family residential uses located within/near

incorporated areas and census designated places*

(ex. Buckner and Westport).

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Single Family Residential General

Two-Family Residential

General

Office

Limited

Neighborhood Commercial

Limited

Local Business

Restricted

1, 2, 3

Multi-Family Residential

Restricted

1, 2, 3, 4

* Census designated places (CDPs) are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical

counterparts of incorporated places. CDPs are delineated to provide data for settled concentrations of

population that are identifiable by name but are not legally incorporated under the laws of the state in

which they are located.

1. Connection to wastewater treatment facility or an approved on-site septic system

required.

2. Existing uses may expand onto contiguous land that abuts the same street.

3. New uses and/or expansion of existing uses should not overburden the capacity of

roadways and other necessary urban services that are available in the areas.

4. Multi-Family Residential uses with more than four units shall only be allowed on

collector and arterial level roadways.

________________________________________________________________________

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 21

Plan Elements

FUTURE

LAND USE

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 1.12

Single Family – Future Subdivision

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Single Family – Future

Subdivision

Tracts of land located adjacent to recorded

subdivisions and/or within areas where access to

sewers allow for subdivision into lots less than one

acre.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Agricultural/Conservation General

Single Family Residential General

Office

Restricted

Neighborhood Commercial

Restricted

1. Office and Neighborhood Commercial uses shall only be allowed when incorporated into

mixed use development plans.

________________________________________________________________________

Table 1.13

Single Family - Subdivision

Future Land Use Category

Map Color Category Description

Single Family –

Subdivision

Parcels of land located within approved subdivisions

which may be subject to conditions of

approval/binding elements per Planning Commission

approval as well as deed restrictions and/or

covenants, conditions and restrictions enforced by

the developer and/or homeowners association.

Land Use Appropriateness Level Specific Criteria

Single Family Residential General

Office Limited 1

1. In-home offices and/or Conditional Use Permits for Home Occupations only.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 22

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

POPULATION

Business &

Industry

Environment

Commu

nity

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

POPULATION

Population and employment are important factors underlying the comprehensive

planning process. Knowing how many people and jobs to expect and their potential

location within a community is knowledge that can have a tremendous impact upon

future housing demands, level of transportation service, quality of life, the public

education of our children and the character of neighborhoods.

From its formation in 1823 and lasting some 150 years, Oldham County was a rural and

agricultural community. The population base was stable and exhibited slow growth.

However, this trend changed in the mid-1970’s as people fled the Jefferson County

Public School system’s busing policy, and Oldham County’s identity shifted from a rural

community to a residential suburban community.

Table 2.1

Oldham County Population: 1830 to 2010

YEAR POPULATION YEAR POPULATION

1830 9,588 1930 7,402

1840 7,380 1940 10,716

1850 7,629 1950 11,018

1860 7,283 1960 13,388

1870 9,027 1970 14,687

1880 7,667 1980 27,787

1890 6,754 1990 33,263

1900 7,078 2000 46,178

1910 7,248 2010 60,316

1920 7,689 - -

Source: United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

Oldham County continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in Kentucky.

Oldham’s population increase between the 2000 and 2010 Census (14,138) was the fifth

largest increase in total number of new residents amongst Kentucky counties. This

increase of 30.6 percent ranked fourth in regards to the percent change.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 23

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

POPULATION

Business &

Industry

Environment

Commu

nity

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 2.2

Population Growth 2000 to 2010

Top Five Kentucky Counties

TOTAL NUMBER PERCENT CHANGE

Jefferson 47,492 Spencer 45.0

Fayette 35,291 Scott 42.7

Boone 32,820 Boone 38.2

Warren 21,270 Oldham 30.6

Oldham 14,138 Shelby 26.2

Source: University of Louisville, Kentucky State Data Center

LaGrange, Oldham County’s seat, remained the county’s largest city with an increase from

5,676 to 8,082 residents, an increase of 42.3 percent. The title of fastest growing city in

Oldham County belongs to the city of Crestwood. Crestwood’s population increased by 126.6

percent, going from 1,999 residents in 2000 to 4,531 residents in 2010. This dramatic increase

is due to a number of annexations and tremendous residential growth associated with

Crestwood’s convenient location to Louisville Metro as well as greater density because of

access to sewers.

Table 2.3

Oldham County Incorporated Cities Populations: 1960 to 2010

CITY 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 % CHANGE

Crestwood * * 531 1,601 1,999 4,531 126.6%

Goshen * * * 860 907 909 0.0%

LaGrange 2,168 1,713 2,871 4,010 5,676 8,082 42.3%

Orchard Grass Hills * * 1,047 1,054 1,031 1,595 54.7%

Park Lake * * * 263 537 ** N/A

Pewee Valley 881 950 982 1,363 1,436 1,456 0.0%

River Bluff * * * 448 402 403 0.0%

Balance of Oldham

County

10,339

12,024

22,356

23,664

34,190

43,340

26.8%

Oldham County Total 13,388

14,687

27,787

33,263

46,178

60,316

30.6%

* Not incorporated at time of census

** Park Lake was annexed by Crestwood in May 2006.

Source: United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 24

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

POPULATION

Business &

Industry

Environment

Commu

nity

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Upon first glance one particular aspect of Oldham County’s population is striking. The number

of males in the county (31,737) outnumbers the number of females (28,579), which is not

typical in most counties in the United States. Most locals can quickly identify the reason for the

abnormality and a closer examination of the census information points out that the

institutionalized population of Oldham County in 2010 was 4,511, of which 4,285 are males

located on the Kentucky State Reformatory property in Buckner.

Table 2.4

Oldham County Population Characteristics: 1970 to 2010

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Total Population 14,687 27,787 33,263 46,178 60,316

Male 8,070 14,960 17,320 24,595 31,737

Female 6,617 12,835 15,943 21,583 28,579

Population Median Age 26.9 28.2 33.0 36.7 39.0

Percent Population Under 18 33.3% 35.5% 28.6% 26.9% 27.8%

Percent Population Over 65 8.2% 5.7% 6.8% 6.8% 9.2%

Racial Origin

White 91.1% 94.5% 95.7% 93.6% 91.0%

Black 8.7% 5.0% 3.6% 4.2% 4.3%

American Indian or Eskimo * 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% 0.4%

Asian or Pacific Islander * 0.1% 0.4% 0.4% 1.3%

Other 0.2% 0.3% 0.1% * *

Hispanic * * * 1.3% 3.5%

Institutionalized Population 1,882 2,497 1,994 3,789 4,511

Source: Unites States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

Another interesting characteristic of the Oldham County population is the age of the county’s

residents. In 2010, Oldham County’s percent of the population over 65 was 9.2 percent, which

was an increase from the 2000 Census (6.8 percent) but still considerably below the state

percentage (13.3 percent). However, even with a smaller percentage of residents currently

over 65 the median age of Oldham County was greater than that of Kentucky, 39.0 for Oldham

County compared to 38.1 for Kentucky. This statistic shows that Oldham County will soon see a

significant increase in the number of residents over the age of 65 and will likely catch or

possibly surpass the state median age.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 25

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

POPULATION

Business &

Industry

Environment

Commu

nity

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Figure 2.1

Population Pyramid Comparisons: Oldham County vs. Kentucky

Source: University of Louisville, Kentucky State Data Center

Oldham County’s percentage of owner occupied housing was approximately 85.6 percent in

2010. This number is higher than the state average (approximately 69.9 percent) and is

amongst the top five counties in the state.

Oldham County’s median housing unit value in 2010 was $239,558. This value is over double

the state average ($116,800) and over $50,000 higher than the second highest ranked Kentucky

county.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 26

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

POPULATION

Business &

Industry

Environment

Commu

nity

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 2.5

Oldham County Housing Characteristics: 1980 to 2010

1980 1990 2000 2010

Total Housing Units 8,694 11,202 14,856 20,688

Owner Occupied 83.2% 83.1% 86.9% 85.6%

Renter Occupied 16.8% 16.9% 13.1% 14.4%

Housing Unit Type

Single Unit 88.4% 86.8 90.3% 89.5%

2 to 9 Units 5.5% 5.1% 4.5% 5.2%

Over 10 Units 1.2% 1.9% 1.7% 2.3%

Mobile Home or Other 4.9% 6.2% 3.5% 3.1%

Median Housing Unit Value $54,600*

($144,489**)

$86,500*

($144,314**)

$158,600*

($200,834**)

$239,558

* Not in Constant Dollars.

** CPI Inflation Adjusted Value for 2010 Dollars

Source: United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

The Kentucky State Data Center has county projections through 2050 for all 120 Kentucky

counties. Oldham County is projected to continue to experience steady growth through the

year 2050, with the county population projected to surpass 100,000 between 2035 and 2040.

The projected growth is a reflection of Oldham County’s standing as a bedroom community for

Louisville Metro with a flourishing school system. The areas most likely to experience the

continued growth will likely be Crestwood and the Brownsboro community which are located

closest to Louisville Metro as well as Buckner, where there is direct access to I-71 and is primed

for commercial, mixed use and industrial development.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 27

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

POPULATION

Business &

Industry

Environment

Commu

nity

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Figure 2.2

Oldham County Population Projections: 2015 to 2050

* 2010 Census population, not an estimate.

Source: University of Louisville, Kentucky State Data Center

One very important piece of information that is not available to us at this time is a breakdown

of population and employment forecasts by Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ). According to the U.S.

Census, a Traffic Analysis Zone is a special area delineated by state and/or local transportation

officials for tabulating traffic-related data, especially journey-to-work and place-of-work

statistics. The size and shape of these TAZs are updated after every decennial census. This

information was supposed to have been ready in late 2011/early 2012; however, the

Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency is still working with the US Census on

the new TAZs (based off the 2010 Census) and are not expected to be finalized until early 2013.

Once this information is available a supplement to this Comprehensive Plan will be prepared.

60,136

67,412

74,990

82,306

89,639

96,668

103,223

109,294

115,096

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

2010* 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050

Projected Population

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 28

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Per Capita Income is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as “the mean money income received

in a given year computed for every man, woman, and child in a geographic area. It is derived by

dividing the total income of all people 15 years old and over in a geographic area by the total

population in that area. Note -- income is not collected for people under 15 years old even

though those people are included in the denominator of per capita income. This measure is

rounded to the nearest whole dollar.” Per Capita Income is often used as a way to measure an

area’s income level or economic output.

Table 3.1 below shows the annual per capita income for Oldham County, the Louisville

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the state of Kentucky. Oldham County’s per capita

income has historically been amongst the top in the state, and was even the highest in the state

from 2008 to 2010. In 2010, the per capita income was approximately $5,000 higher than the

Louisville MSA and $9,500 than the overall Kentucky per capita income value.

Table 3.1

Comparison of Per Capita Income: 2000 to 2010

YEAR

OLDHAM COUNTY

(STATE RANK)

LOUISVILLE, KY-IN

MSA

KENTUCKY

2000 32,671 (2) 29,676 24,785

2001 32,415 (3) 30,669 25,363

2002 32,292 (4) 31,277 25,856

2003 32,427 (5) 31,673 26,347

2004 34,921 (3) 32,923 27,492

2005 36,459 (3) 33,820 28,486

2006 38,901 (3) 35,954 30,034

2007 40,906 (3) 37,095 31,175

2008 42,048 (1) 38,066 32,525

2009 41,816 (1) 36,576 31,957

2010 41,756 (1) 36,992 32,316

Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

Another commonly used indicator of an area’s economic status is the Median Household

Income value. Some economists prefer to use Median Household Income because when the

median income of a group is calculated, it compensates for extreme values that are at the

furthest ends of the income distribution. By doing this, data calculated based on Median

Household Income is able to yield a more accurate representation of the area being surveyed.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 29

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

The U.S. Census Bureau defines Median Household Income as:

“Income of Households - This includes the income of the householder and all

other individuals 15 years old and over in the household, whether they are

related to the householder or not.

The median divides the income distribution into two equal parts: one-half of the

cases falling below the median income and one-half above the median. For

households and families, the median income is based on the distribution of the

total number of households and families including those with no income. The

median income for individuals is based on individuals 15 years old and over with

income. Median income for households, families, and individuals is computed

on the basis of a standard distribution.”

For the 2006 to 2010 reporting period, the Median Household Income for Oldham County was

$79,417, the highest such value for any county in Kentucky. For comparison, the Louisville

MSA’s Median Household Income was $47,580 and Kentucky’s Median Household Income for

the same reporting period was $41,576.

The final household statistic to be evaluated will be the percentage of population living below

the poverty level. Poverty status is determined by comparing annual income to a set of dollar

values called poverty thresholds that vary by family size, number of children and age of

householder. If a family's before tax money income is less than the dollar value of their

threshold, then that family and every individual in it are considered to be in poverty. For

people not living in families, poverty status is determined by comparing the individual's income

to his or her poverty threshold.

From 2006 to 2010, the percentage of Oldham County residents living below poverty level was

7.4 percent, the lowest of any county in Kentucky (for comparison, the Kentucky county with

the highest percentage of residents living below poverty level is Owsley County with 40.1

percent). This number is considerably lower than the percentage of Kentuckians living below

the poverty level, which is approximately 17.7 percent as well as the Louisville MSA value of

15.3 percent.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 30

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 3.2

Median Household Income and Poverty Level Data for

Oldham County, Louisville MSA and Kentucky: 2006 to 2010 Period

Oldham County Louisville, KY-IN MSA

Kentucky

Median Household Income $79,417

$47,580

$41,576

Percent Below Poverty Level 7.4%

15.3%

17.7%

Source: United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

The following table contains information about the total number of employees (both full and

part-time) employed in different types of industry in Oldham County between 2001 and 2010.

One interesting item to note from this table is the continued decrease in the number of people

participating in the farm industry. Over the past decade that number has decreased from 778

employees to 501, a decrease of 35.6 percent.

One industry that saw a marked increase is the Health Care and Social Assistance industry.

There was an increase from 1,495 total employees in this sector to 2,259 total employees. This

is an increase of 51 percent from 2001 to 2010.

Table 3.3

Total Full- and Part-Time Employment by NAICS Industry: 2001 to 2010

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Total Employment 18,034 18,374 18,674 19,204 19,512 19,824 20,983 21,576 21,382 21,179

By Type

Wage and Salary

Employment

13,297 13,299 13,531 13,891 14,028 14,083 14,897 15,140 14,863 14,607

Proprietors

Employment

4,737 5,075 5,143 5,313 5,484 5,741 6,086 6,436 6,519 6,572

Farm Proprietors 444 412 397 375 366 355 354 352 351 353

Nonfarm Proprietors 4,293 4,663 4,746 4,938 5,118 5,386 5,732 6,084 6,168 6,219

By Industry

Farm 778 758 792 718 604 560 522 515 496 501

Nonfarm 17,256 17,616 17,882 18,486 18,908 19,264 20,461 21,061 20,886 20,678

Private Nonfarm 13,911 14,220 14,462 15,092 15,238 15,524 16,645 17,191 16,932 16,751

Construction 1,864 1,883 1,890 1,932 1,992 1,950 1,933 1,780 1,567 1,452

Manufacturing 1,145 1,055 971 1,049 904 889 962 979 1,006 922

Wholesale trade 582 497 507 576 607 607 594 612 607 649

Retail trade 1,828 1,924 2,026 2,053 2,032 2,046 2,064 2,155 2,075 2,020

Information 292 286 317 319 306 318 256 259 261 266

Finance and

insurance

599 648 670 668 653 669 1,188 1,326 1,442 1,527

Real estate and

rental and leasing

769 872 916 905 993 1,025 1,108 1,208 1,234 1,224

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 31

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Professional,

scientific, and

technical services

(D) (D) (D) 1,163 1,171 1,174 1,340 1,376 1,294 1,280

Management of

companies and

enterprises

(D) (D) (D) (D) (D) 52 49 119 109 123

Administrative and

waste management

services

825 888 (D) (D) (D) 921 1,024 1,023 1,050 1,057

Educational services 325 324 335 344 357 314 315 354 358 360

Health care and

social assistance

1,495 1,593 1,661 1,765 1,818 1,913 2,112 2,285 2,235 2,259

Arts, entertainment,

and recreation

492 564 573 606 621 696 698 613 579 577

Accommodation and

food services

1,039 966 961 1,046 1,186 1,135 1,161 1,244 1,285 1,231

Other services,

except public

administration

1,232 1,290 1,308 1,383 1,357 1,414 1,414 1,448 1,444 1,427

Government and

government

enterprises

3,345 3,396 3,420 3,394 3,670 3,740 3,816 3,870 3,954 3,927

Federal, civilian 76 74 75 74 77 79 80 76 74 82

Military 157 162 164 160 164 171 178 189 189 198

State and local 3,112 3,160 3,181 3,160 3,429 3,490 3,558 3,605 3,691 3,647

State government 1,512 1,494 1,468 1,379 1,572 1,538 1,551 1,505 1,507 1,485

Local government 1,600 1,666 1,713 1,781 1,857 1,952 2,007 2,100 2,184 2,162

(D) Not shown to avoid disclosure of confidential information, but the estimates for this item are included in the totals. Listed

categories with no listed data include “Forestry, fishing and related activities,” “Mining,” “Utilities,” and “Transportation and

warehousing.”

Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

The following table contains total earnings by place of work for various industries between

2001 and 2010. Please note that these numbers are in thousands of dollars. For example, the

value in the 2001 column for Forestry and logging is 63. To understand the real value, you

would simply add “,000” to the end to know the true value of 63,000. This should be done for

each entry in the table.

As shown in the previous table, there has been a significant decrease in the number of people

employed in the farm industry (35.6 percent). As could be expected, with fewer people

employed in the farm industry the total earnings of those employed has decreased as well. This

value decreased from $4,658,000 in 2001 to $1,356,000 in 2010, a decrease of 70.1 percent.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 32

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 3.4

Oldham County Earnings by Place of Work

in Thousands of Dollars: 2001 to 2010

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

By Industry

Farm earnings 4,658 6,556 5,293 5,597 5,043 5,566 4,721 4,071 3,005 1,356

Nonfarm earnings 494,882 506,027 531,095 570,651 601,555 630,050 693,416 725,710 717,351 719,940

Private nonfarm

earnings

371,872 377,802 395,270 432,201 442,940 464,153 520,579 545,372 531,264 532,309

Forestry and

logging

63 199 191 183 194 187 182 178 163 148

Construction 57,355 63,779 66,081 72,976 74,049 76,472 74,343 72,895 62,185 59,542

Manufacturing 47,343 44,998 43,215 47,925 44,211 41,405 46,238 48,917 47,702 33,419

Wholesale trade 31,184 29,757 31,312 38,831 43,272 44,408 45,617 47,923 48,823 54,137

Retail trade 37,359 40,111 47,656 52,494 53,720 55,931 56,793 54,114 50,769 50,839

Information 8738 10,391 10,064 10,918 13,141 14,425 10,305 10,097 11,861 12,185

Finance and

insurance

20,560 21,418 23,004 23,952 23,509 24,673 57,987 59,259 58,654 60,988

Real estate and

rental and leasing

10,085 11,838 13,547 10,923 11,611 9,411 7,506 9,321 7,953 9,126

Professional,

scientific, and

technical services

(D) (D) (D) 33,220 36,611 38,339 45,116 51,336 49,082 51,682

Management of

companies and

enterprises

(D) (D) (D) (D) (D) -686 109 2,498 2,815 2,803

Administrative and

waste

management

services

14,822 14,166 (D) (D) (D) 17,227 19,579 20,778 20,798 21,937

Educational

services

5,064 5,333 5,830 6,229 6,523 5,247 5,241 5,073 5,110 5,280

Health care and

social assistance

40,287 44,316 46,822 53,765 59,691 63,813 77,585 87,366 90,486 94,559

Arts,

entertainment, and

recreation

8,628 8,909 10,299 10,803 10,497 11,923 11,228 9,373 8,400 7,859

Accommodation

and food services

14,700 13,835 15,097 16,329 19,215 19,789 20,728 21,934 22,634 23,350

Other services,

except public

administration

25,735 26,346 26,663 28,888 30,187 31,915 31,257 33,860 34,996 36,974

Government and

government

enterprises

123,010 128,225 135,825 138,450 158615 165,897 172,837 180,338 186,087 187,631

(D) Not shown to avoid disclosure of confidential information, but the estimates for this item are included in the totals.

Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 33

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

The last decade has seen a significant climb in the unemployment rate across the nation, and

Oldham County has not been immune to this increase. In 2000 the unemployment rate in

Oldham County was only 2.2 percent. The rate began to climb after the events of September

11, 2001 and the ensuing dip in the economy that followed, more than doubling to 4.6 percent

in 2002. The unemployment rate stayed in that general area until growing to 5.4 percent in

2006, which saw the beginning of the burst in the real estate bubble, and then jumping

significantly to a high of 9.9 percent in 2010. The number has come back down to

approximately 6.9 percent in 2013.

Figure 3.1

Annual Unemployment Rates: 2000 to 2013

Source: Kentucky Workforce Cabinet

The large number of resident workers in Oldham County commuting to neighboring Jefferson

County is a reflection of Oldham County’s strong economic interrelationship to the Louisville

Metropolitan area and cements its status as a bedroom community. The percentage of Oldham

County resident workers who commute to other communities only increased by 0.3 percent

between 2000 and 2010, this compared to the 3.1 percent increase between 1990 and 2000.

2.2

3.5

4.6

4.9

4.5

4.8

5.4

5.6

5.8

9.2

9.9

9.1

7.1

6.9

4.8

5.3

6.7

6.8

6.6

6.3

6.7

6.5

6.2

10.2

11.9

11.4

8.6

8.9

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Oldham County

Kentucky

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 34

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 3.5

Oldham County Commuting Information

1990 2000 2010

Oldham County Resident Workers

Working and Residing in County 5,693 (36.3%)

7,207 (33.2%)

5,205 (19.6%)

Commuting to Jefferson County 8,936 (57.0%)

12,684 (58.4%)

15,658 (58.9%)

Commuting to Other Counties 1,049 (6.7%)

1,825 (8.4%)

5,712 (21.5%)

Total Resident Workers 15,678

21,716

26,575

Oldham County Employees

Working and Residing in County 5,693 (60.8%)

7,207 (54.4%)

5,205 (38.1%)

Commuting Into County 3,669 (39.2%)

6,050 (45.6%)

8,443 (61.9%)

Total Employees Working in County 9,362

13,257

13,648

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census

Industrial Outlook – Buckner

The potential for industrial growth is concentrated in two areas of Oldham County. The first of

these areas is in Buckner, an unincorporated area of Oldham County. Buckner has immediate

access to two interstate interchanges (Exits 17 and 18) as well as frontage on the CSX railroad.

Scheduled improvements like the KY 393 project, Commerce Parkway expansion to Mattingly

Road, and better access to wastewater treatment will likely spur on development in this area.

Carriage House Industries (a division of Ralcorp Inc.), located on Quality Drive in Buckner,

manufactures syrups and salsas, and will soon be adding a production lines for peanut butter.

Carriage House has initiated two 90,000 square foot expansions to their current operation and

will occupy a 550,000 square foot regional distribution center on an adjoining property (located

at the intersection of Cedar Point Road and KY 146) which is being constructed by Industrial

Developments International, Inc.

There is also approximately 260 acres of undeveloped land that is already industrially zoned

(either I-2 Heavy Industrial or IPD Industrial Park) as well as the yet-to-be-developed Buckner

Crossing project, a mixed-use development comprised of 80 acres of commercial/office

development and a combined 450 single and multi-family residential units located at the

Commerce Parkway/KY 393 intersection.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 35

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Industrial Outlook – LaGrange

Another area of expected light industrial and commercial growth is in the Oldham Reserve

Business Park on New Moody Lane in LaGrange. Oldham Reserve is a joint economic

development effort between the City of LaGrange and Oldham County Fiscal Court. According

to The Potential Economic Impacts of the Oldham Reserve Office Campus Development (2008),

the objectives of the business campus development include (a) increased employment

opportunities for county residents (b) increased personal income of residents (c) increased tax

revenue for city and county government, (d) diversify the county tax base to make it less

dependent on residential property, and (e) generally ensure that the development contributes

to the overall quality of life in the area.

The Rawlings Group Headquarters in Oldham Reserve, LaGrange

Oldham Reserve consists of nearly 1,000 acres and is currently home to The Rawlings Group, a

national health insurance data mining and claims recovery company. The Rawlings Group

occupies a 154,000 square foot building and employees nearly 700 people, making it Oldham

County’s largest private sector employer. The economic challenge now is to develop the rest of

the campus in a complementary way, adding organizations and activities that fit the office

campus model, and generating synergies with Rawlings that lead to mutually reinforcing

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 36

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

BUSINESS &

INDUSTRY

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

business success. Likely candidates are other office operations, high tech manufacturing, a

conference hotel, restaurants, a print and mail shop, fitness center, educational programming,

and childcare.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 37

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

ENVIRONMENT

Environmental characteristics can significantly influence the development and redevelopment

of Oldham County and can be described as physical and social in character. The physical

characteristics are composed of naturally-occurring features that present unique and

interesting development and conservation opportunities. The social characteristics are

composed of features that affect the county’s visual and perceptual quality of life. Future

development and redevelopment in Oldham County should provide a balance between the

physical and social environments and the demands that inevitable growth places on the

county’s environment.

This chapter outlines Oldham County’s physical and social environments separately.

Recognition must be given to the fact that many of these tangible social characteristics are a

direct product of the manner in which the physical environment is treated. Therefore, the

outline of the county’s physical environmental characteristics often times overlaps into the less

tangible social characteristics.

Physical Environment

The physical environment is composed of naturally occurring features (i.e. soils, watersheds

and topography) found throughout Oldham County. These naturally occurring features can be

outlined separately, however they are interrelated and should be considered cumulatively in

addressing the physical environment. The identification of potential physical constraints can

assist in outlining general guidelines that lessen the impacts development creates on the

physical environment. Addressing the physical environment through thoughtful design and

sound planning principles can significantly contribute to the creation of a well-balanced social

environment.

Soils

One of Oldham County’s most important natural resources is land. A primary component of the

land’s suitability for wildlife, agricultural, residential, or nonresidential uses is the soil. The

characteristics of the soil greatly influence the economic and ecological suitability of different

land uses. The soils in Oldham County have been classified and mapped by the United States

Soil Conservation Service (SCS). The Soil Conservation Service has published a book, Soil Survey

of Oldham County, which details the natural characteristics of the numerous types of soils in

the county. Soil Survey of Oldham County is an initial assessment tool that can be used to

determine what type of studies may be necessary prior to the review and approval of a

development. When used with an on-site evaluation, this survey is an invaluable tool in

determining the impact that soil type may have on the development and redevelopment of

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 38

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Oldham County. The soil’s suitability for supporting development has a potentially tremendous

economic impact on public and private fiscal situations.

The most significant consideration in evaluation of a soil’s characteristics for development is its

ability to support the necessary service infrastructure and building improvements. Service

infrastructure and building improvements affected by soil type are roads, sanitary sewers,

utility transmission lines, foundations, and basements. They are affected by the soil’s

errodibility, permeability, corrosivity, shrink-swell potential, available water capacity, shear

strength, compressibility, slope stability, and similar factors. The soil’s characteristics should be

completely evaluated and strongly considered in the planning and engineering of these

improvements. A majority of the residential and nonresidential uses in Oldham County rely

upon on-site sewage disposal systems. These on-site systems include septic tank absorption

fields, septic lagoons and wetlands, septic spray systems and septic holding tanks.

Table 4.1

Oldham County Soil Type Limitations

for Septic Tank Absorption Fields

Percent of Total Land Area

Soil Types with Slight Limitations

Crider Silt Loam, 0 to 2 Percent Slope 0.3

Crider Silt Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 14.2

Elk Silt Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 0.5

Wheeling Silt Loam, 0 to 2 Percent Slope 0.2

Wheeling Silt Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 0.6

TOTAL 15.8

Soil Types with Moderate Limitations

Crider Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 5.5

Hagerstown Silt Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 0.3

Hagerstown Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 3.0

Hagerstown Silty Clay Loam, 6 to 10 Percent Slope 0.3

Wheeling Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 0.3

TOTAL 9.4

Soil Types with Severe Limitations

Beasley Silt Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 1.9

Beasley Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 14.4

Beasley Silt Loam, 12 to 20 Percent Slope 1.6

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 39

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Percent of Total Land Area

Beasley Silty Clay Loam, Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 4.6

Beasley Silty Clay Loam, Silt Loam, 12 to 20 Percent Slope 3.2

Beasley-Caneyville Rocky Silt Loam, 30 to 60 Percent Slope 4.3

Boonesboro Silt Loam 0.7

Brassfield-Beasley Silt Loam, 20 to 30 Percent Slope 3.5

Caneyville Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 0.2

Caneyville-Beasley Rocky Silt Loam, 12 to 30 Percent Slope 4.3

Cynthiana-Faywood-Beasley Complex, 30 to 60 Percent Slope 6.2

Faywood Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 0.2

Faywood Silt Loam, 12 to 30 Percent Slope 0.5

Faywood SIlty Clay Loam, 12 to 30 Percent Slope 1.0

Huntington Silt Loam 0.7

Lawrence Silt Loam 0.9

Lindside Silt Loam 1.7

Lowell Silt Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 2.1

Lowell Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 3.4

Lowell Silty Clay Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 0.4

Newark Silt Loam 0.6

Nicholson Silt Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 11.6

Nicholson Silt Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 1.5

Nolin Silt Loam 2.3

Otwell Silt Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 0.9

Pits 0.2

Weinbach Silt Loam 0.5

Wheeling Soils, 12 to 30 Percent Slope 0.3

Woolper Silty Clay Loam, 2 to 6 Percent Slope 0.2

Woolper Silty Clay Loam, 6 to 12 Percent Slope 0.2

Water 0.2

TOTAL 74.8

Source: United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service

1977 Soil Survey of Oldham County, Kentucky

The septic tank absorption field is the most widely utilized on-site sewage disposal system in

Oldham County. The feasibility of a septic tank absorption field is dependent upon the soil’s

permeability, depth to seasonal high water table, depth to bedrock or fragipan, degree of slope,

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 40

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

and susceptibility to flooding. Approximately 75 percent of the land area in Oldham County is

comprised of soils that have severe limitations in adequately supporting septic tank absorption

fields.

Areas where sewers are not available and soil is inadequate for supporting septic tank

absorption fields create a limiting affect on development opportunities. When development is

proposed in areas with soil limitations, guidelines that address those limitations should be

considered. Implementation strategies to help overcome the soil limitations for septic tank

absorption fields may include:

Encourage alternative on-site sewage disposal systems.

Share or multi-lot absorption fields should be encouraged when practical. These

fields take advantage of a small, localized occurrence of soil type that is

conducive to septic tank absorption fields. Alternative sewage disposal systems

would include on-site and off-site systems, septic lagoons, septic spray systems,

septic holding tanks and sewage treatment plants.

Continue the development of county-wide wastewater treatment plants.

The Oldham County Environmental Authority (OCEA) was created to oversee the

creation, operation and maintenance of regional sewage treatment plants.

OCSD places a priority on wastewater treatment plants as the primary means of

wastewater disposal.

These implementation strategies should be encouraged only where approved by the Oldham

County Health Department. They are intended to reduce the long-term economic and

ecological cost of development in Oldham County.

Topography

Another significant component of the land’s suitability for supporting Oldham County’s

development is the topography. Oldham County’s topographic characteristics vary greatly. The

primary topographic characteristic that determines the economic and ecological suitability of

development is the degree of slope. Degree of slope should be considered when reviewing

proposed development.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 41

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Figure 4.1

Oldham County Slopes Greater than 30 Percent

Source: United States Geological Survey

Map Disclaimer: This map is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for, or be

suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Users of this information should review or consult

the primary data and information sources to ascertain the usability of the information.

The degree of slope is a significant consideration in making decisions concerning an appropriate

land use for an area. Additionally, the design and engineering of service infrastructure and

building improvements are greatly impacted by the degree of slope. Poor development design

in areas with steep slopes and hillsides can potentially create a tremendous negative impact.

Karst is a special type of landscape that is technically defined by the U.S. Geological Society as

“a terrain, generally underlain by limestone or dolomite, in which the topography is chiefly

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 42

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

formed by dissolving of rock and which may be characterized by sinkholes, sinking streams,

closed depressions, subterranean drainage and caves.” Kentucky is famous for the prevalence

of karst landscape and known internationally for being the home of Mammoth Cave, the

world’s largest cave system, and the International Center for Cave and Karst Studies at Western

Kentucky University.

Figure 4.2

Karst Potential Areas in Kentucky

Source: Kentucky Geological Survey

Map Disclaimer: This map is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for, or be

suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Users of this information should review or consult

the primary data and information sources to ascertain the usability of the information.

Although not as high as some other Kentucky counties, Oldham County does have the potential

for karst features and the potential risks associated with them. These risks include but are not

limited to structural damage caused by building too close to an unstable feature, flood damage

(flooding around karst features do not show up on FEMA flood maps) and groundwater

contamination.

Implementation strategies that address development design for areas with steep slopes,

hillsides and karst features may include:

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 43

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Follow the natural topography.

The road network and utility service lines should follow the natural topography

to minimize the disturbance to slopes, hillsides and karst features. Encourage

the placement of the service infrastructure to minimize unnecessary cutting,

filling and grading. The minimization of earthwork reduces the economic cost of

development and the impact on the physical environment. Additional public

economic benefits are realized by lessened expenditures for maintenance of the

infrastructure.

Retain the natural topographic features.

Natural topographic features such as slopes, drainage swales, streams, and rock

outcroppings should be retained where possible. The retention of these natural

topographic features reduces the economic costs of development and the

impact on the physical environment. The terracing of steep slopes and hillsides

and capping of sinkholes should be strongly discouraged due to the severe

impact on the physical environment and potential future economic implications

associated with erosion and slippage.

Cluster the development sites.

The clustering of development sites should be encouraged as an alternative to

the typical practices of development. Clustering development sites reduces the

economic cost of development and the impact on the physical environment.

Public economic benefits are realized by lessened expenditures for the

maintenance of the service infrastructure. The benefits of clustering can be fully

realized by the formulation of detailed and effective arrangements that address

the preservation, maintenance, and control of open and recreational space

created through clustering.

The enactment of the above and similar implementation strategies should be encouraged.

Topographic characteristics should be completely evaluated and strongly considered in the

planning and engineering of service infrastructure and building improvements.

Flood Prone Areas

Another significant component of the land’s suitability for supporting development in Oldham

County is the flood probability. The probability of an area experiencing significant flooding is

primarily a function of its location and topography. The probability of extensive flooding

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 44

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

primarily occurs in areas adjacent to the Ohio River and major internal creeks. Significant

flooding has a potentially tremendous economic impact on public and private fiscal situations.

The flood prone areas in Oldham County have been classified and mapped by the Federal

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Federal Emergency Management Agency has

published a book, Flood Insurance Study of Oldham County that details the probability of

extensive flooding in the county. The Flood Insurance Study includes a series of maps that

identify areas that could experience significant flooding. The Flood Insurance Study is an

invaluable tool for identifying these areas.

Table 4.2

Oldham County Flood Prone Areas

Severe Flood Potential

Ohio River

Moderate Flood Potential

Ash Run Ashers Run

Brush Creek Caney Fork

Cedar Creek Currys Fork

Darby Creek East Fork Floyds Fork

Eighteen Mile Creek Floyds Fork

Garret Branch Harrods Creek

Hite Creek North Fork Cedar Creek

North Fork Currys Fork North Fork Floyds Fork

Organ Creek Pattons Creek

Pond Creek Sinking Fork

South Fork Currys Fork South Fork Darby Creek

South Fork Harrods Creek Sycamore Run

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

2006 Flood Insurance Study of Oldham County, Kentucky

The identified area of extensive flooding is referred to as the one hundred (100) year flood

plain. Development in flood plain areas can potentially create a tremendous negative impact

on public and private fiscal situations. When development is proposed in these areas

guidelines that address the potential flood hazard should be considered.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 45

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Figure 4.3

Oldham County Flood Hazard Areas

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Map Disclaimer: This map is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for, or be

suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Users of this information should review or consult

the primary data and information sources to ascertain the usability of the information.

Implementation strategies that address the flood hazard are listed below:

Regulate development in the floodplain.

Permit development in the floodplain only when it can be demonstrated that

stormwater capacity will not be adversely affected or that compensatory storage

is provided outside the existing floodplain.

Discourage the importation of fill material.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 46

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

The placement of additional fill material in the floodplain should be discouraged.

The importation of fill reduces the floodplain’s water carrying capacity and

increases the heights and velocities of floodwaters. The importation of fill not

only increases the flood hazard of the immediate area but also of the watershed.

Construct livable areas above the determined flood elevation.

When development occurs in the floodplain, all construction should be placed

above or outside of the determined flood elevation. Development is likely to

occur in floodplain areas due to the positive aspects of close proximity to

waterways. When structures are constructed in the floodplain, all livable areas

should be placed 2418 inches above the determined flood elevation in order to

minimize economic loss in the event of a flood. Additionally, the construction of

fences, berms, walls, or any other impediment to the floodwaters should be

discouraged unless approved by The Kentucky Division of Water.

Cluster the development sites.

The clustering of developmental sites along the periphery of the floodplain

should be encouraged as an alternative to the typical practices of development.

Examples of these types of developments are open space or conservation

developments. Clustering buildings and built surfaces significantly decreases the

flood hazard and allows developments to enjoy the positive aspects of close

proximity to waterways. The benefits of clustering can be fully realized by the

formulation of detailed and effective arrangements that address the

preservation, maintenance, and control of open and recreational space created

through clustering.

These implementation strategies should be encouraged only where approved by The Kentucky

Division of Water. Development in flood prone areas should seek to balance the economic gain

from development against the resulting increase in flood hazard.

Wetlands

Wetlands function as a primary recharge/discharge area for groundwater, as a retention area

for stormwater flow, and as a valuable wildlife habitat. The viability of wetlands can impact

public and private economic situations due to degradations in the level and quality of

groundwater, and the potential for flooding.

Wetlands in Oldham County may be identified by utilizing the Federal Manual for Identifying

and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands published by the United States Army Corps of

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 47

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Engineers. The criteria used to identify wetlands are the presence of hydrophytic plants, hydric

soils, and wetland hydrologic patterns. The criteria outlined in the federal manual are effective

tools to designate wetlands in Oldham County.When development is proposed in areas that

contain designated wetlands, federal law requires the developer must first try and avoid impact

to a wetland, then minimize it, and as a last resort, compensate for wetland damage through

mitigation. Implementation strategies that address the negative impacts on wetlands are listed

below:

Discourage dredging and filling.

The dredging and filling of wetlands eliminate the wetland’s functioning as a

recharge/discharge area for groundwater, a stormwater retention area, and a

wildlife habitat. Additionally, the potential long-term economic costs for the

maintenance of service infrastructure and building improvements may be

substantially increased in dredged or filled wetlands.

Minimize changes in the natural water flow.

This is particularly applicable during the construction of the service

infrastructure and building improvements. Grading and denuding of land within

the wetland’s watershed should be kept at a minimum, and effective erosion

control measures should be fully utilized. Increased sediment flow and siltation

associated with graded land diminishes the long-term viability of the wetland.

The natural drainage patterns of the wetlands should not be substantially

altered. The long-term ecological viability of the wetlands should be addressed

in order to minimize the negative impacts of development on wetlands.

Cluster the development sites.

Clustering developments significantly decreases the negative impact on wetlands

and allows those developments to enjoy the aesthetics of proximity to wetlands.

The enactment of the above and similar general implementation strategies should be

encouraged. Development in areas containing wetlands should seek to minimize the

development’s impact on the viability of the wetlands.

Wildlife Habitat

A less tangible component of the land’s suitability for supporting Oldham County’s

development is the impact on wildlife habitats. Future development is inevitable and is

anticipated to exert further pressures on the viability of wildlife habitats.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 48

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

The ecological viability of wildlife habitats has been significantly altered due to development

pressures. When development is proposed in areas that support wildlife habitats, guidelines

that minimize the negative impacts should be observed. Implementation strategies that

minimize the negative impacts on wildlife habitats are listed below:

Retain the natural features.

Natural features such as mature stands of trees, steep slopes, drainage swales,

and streams should be retained to the greatest extent possible in wildlife areas.

Extensive grading and denuding of the land should be discouraged. Retention of

natural features minimizes the impact of development on wildlife habitats.

Discourage perimeter fencing along waterways.

Perimeter fencing should be discouraged in areas adjacent to waterways.

Perimeter fencing poses a serious impediment to the viability of waterway areas

as a wildlife habitat and migratory route.

Clustering the development sites.

The clustering of development sites in wildlife areas significantly minimizes the

impact of development on wildlife habitats and allows developments to enjoy

the positive aspects of proximity to wildlife.

The enactment of the above and similar general implementation strategies should be

encouraged. Development in wildlife habitat areas should seek to minimize the development’s

impact on the viability of the wildlife habitat.

Social Environment

The social environment is composed of the features that affect Oldham County’s visual and

perceptual quality of life. The elements that comprise the social environment can be outlined

separately; however, these elements are interrelated and should be considered cumulatively in

addressing the social environment. The creation of a social environment through thoughtful

design and sound planning principles can significantly contribute to Oldham County’s quality of

life.

Rural Preservation

Oldham County’s conversion to a residential suburban community of metropolitan Louisville is

recent. From the county’s formation in 1823 until the 1960’s, Oldham County was a

predominantly rural and agricultural community. Several towns and communities functioned as

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 49

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

service centers for the agricultural populace. Those towns and communities are LaGrange,

Pewee Valley, Westport, Crestwood, Buckner, Brownsboro, Ballardsville, Goshen, Skylight,

Floydsburg, and Centerfield.

The 1960’s to the mid-1970’s witnessed Oldham County’s evolutionary change from a rural and

agricultural community to a residential suburban community. Even though Oldham County is

now a predominantly residential suburban community, vestiges of the county’s past rural,

agricultural, and historical character are clearly evident. These vestiges contribute to the

attractive nature of Oldham County as a residential suburban community.

Fence in Pewee Valley

Oldham County’s considerable subdivision growth experienced since the 1970’s has replaced

former forests and farms with development. Considerable acreage in the county is composed

of rural and agricultural uses that have future development potential. The character of the

remaining land’s rural and agricultural use contributes to the attractive nature of the county.

Oldham County’s rural and agricultural characteristics are particularly evident along some of

the county’s traffic corridors. Thoughtful design and sound planning principles can ensure that

future development contributes to the county’s maintenance of its rural and agricultural

character.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 50

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Guidelines that minimize the loss of rural and agricultural character should be considered.

Implementation strategies that minimize the loss of rural and agricultural character are listed

below:

Retain rural and agricultural features.

Features such as mature stands of trees, slopes, drainage swales, streams, fence

lines, farm dwellings, barns, and silos should be considered in a development’s

design. Extensive grading and denuding of the land should be disallowed except

in cases where the developer can prove there are no other options, and

landscaping provisions characteristic of the area and respectful of natural

features should be considered in the development’s design.

Maintain the appearance of scenic corridors.

The rural and agricultural appearance of traffic corridors should be maintained

where possible and consider designs that promote traffic calming and safe

bicycle/pedestrian access. The design of developments along traffic corridors

should consider measures that maintain the area’s rural and agricultural

character. The placement of roads and buildings behind features such as ridges,

mature stands of trees, or fence lines should be encouraged. Increased building

setbacks from the scenic corridor, shared driveway access points, controlled

signage, and underground utilities should be encouraged.

Cluster the development sites.

The clustering of development sites in rural and agricultural areas preserves the

area’s character, allows developments to enjoy the positive aspects of rural

living, and contributes to protecting watershed health.

Enhance the economic viability of agricultural uses.

The economic viability of agricultural uses should be enhanced through

incentives. The conversion of prime farmland to development is partially due to

the decreasing economic viability of farming. Conservation easements, tax

assessments based on agricultural value versus potential development value,

and clustering should be considered as measures to stem the loss of prime

agricultural lands.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 51

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

The enactment of the above and similar implementation strategies should be encouraged.

Development along scenic corridors and prime agricultural land should seek to minimize the

development’s impact on the rural and agricultural character of the area.

Historic Preservation

The construction of structures in Oldham County from 1823 to the 1960’s reflected its

functioning as a rural and agricultural community. A number of farm dwellings and structures

that reflect this former rural and agricultural character are scattered throughout the county,

including 45 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The greatest concentration of

historic structures in Oldham County are located in LaGrange, Pewee Valley, and other sites

along the former inter-urban rail line as well as in Westport, which was the county seat from

1823 to 1827 and 1828 to 1838 and has always been Oldham County’s primary point of

interaction with the Ohio River. Due to the finite supply of structures that reflect Oldham

County’s past, efforts should be undertaken to preserve the historic structures. Thoughtful

design and sound planning principles can ensure that future development and redevelopment

contributes to the preservation of the county’s historic character.

Implementation strategies that address the compatibility of development and redevelopment

in historical areas are listed below:

New construction should complement existing historical character.

New construction should be reminiscent of the older architectural style that

defines the historical significance of the area. Particular consideration should be

given to the new construction’s height, width, mass, proportion, setbacks, street

orientation, and exterior building materials. The exterior renovation of existing

historic structures should be compatible with the structures original character.

Discourage demolition.

Demolition of historic structures should be discouraged. Adaptive reuse of

existing structures should be encouraged in order to preserve and protect the

historical character of the area.

These implementation strategies should be encouraged. Development and redevelopment in

historic areas should seek to preserve and contribute to the historic character of the area.

Service Infrastructure

The availability of the service infrastructure is a primary determinant in the development of

Oldham County. The availability of this infrastructure significantly contributes to the economic

costs of development and significantly contributes to the county’s quality of life. The utility line

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 52

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

and transportation networks are the most influential components of the service infrastructure.

Thoughtful design and development patterns can contribute to the continued functionality and

improvement of the infrastructure network.

The need for a properly planed transportation network is discussed further in the

transportation chapter of this plan. Implementation strategies that address the availability and

functionality of the utility line and transportation network are listed below:

Improve existing utility lines and transportation networks.

Future development is dependent on the availability and functionality of the

county’s service infrastructure. In order to ensure adequate service

infrastructure for existing areas and to accommodate future areas, new

development should improve and complement the existing utility line and

transportation network to the greatest extent possible.

Encourage in-fill development.

In-fill development should be encouraged. In-fill development utilizes the

existing service infrastructure and lessens the economic cost of expanding utility

lines and transportation networks. The occurrence of “leapfrog development”

should be discouraged due to the added economic burden placed upon public

fiscal situations.

Encourage an integrated utility line network.

New development should integrate and incorporate utility line expansion with

the area’s existing utility line network to improve the level of service. This

integration should seek to improve the functionality of the utility line network

through utility line interconnections and loops.

Encourage a hierarchical transportation network.

A hierarchical transportation network should be encouraged and incorporated

into an area’s existing and future network in order to ensure its long-term

functionality. A hierarchical transportation network differentiates between

roads that function as through-traffic roads and access roads and establishes

different design criteria to match their function.

These implementation strategies should be encouraged. Development should seek to maintain

and improve the existing service infrastructure’s functionality and assist in the coordination of

its expansion.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 53

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Urban Site Design

The design and appearance of urban land uses in Oldham County significantly contributes to

the visual and perceptual quality of life. Even though Oldham County is predominantly

residential suburban and rural in character, numerous urban areas are located in the county.

Urban areas in the county are comprised of multi-family, commercial, and industrial land uses.

Urban land uses are significant contributors to the visual appearance of the county due to the

development intensity and proximity to traffic corridors.

When development or redevelopment is proposed for an urban use, guidelines that address the

site’s design should be considered. Implementation strategies that address site design for

urban uses are listed below:

Improve the appearance of commercial corridors.

Improved appearance of traffic corridors in commercial areas can be

accomplished through access management provisions, landscaping provisions,

buffering, and limitations on free standing signage and lighting. Improving the

appearance of traffic corridors decreases hazards associated with

distracted/confused motorists and eliminates negative community appearances.

Corridors should be designed at a pedestrian-scale with easy access to

businesses from sidewalks and bicycle lanes; the visual impact of parking should

be minimized by placing parking lots behind the businesses or through buffering.

Accommodation should be included for all complete street characteristics such

as sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and public transportation. Commercial corridors

should be located in areas where there is obvious and intelligent connectivity to

residential areas. Those connections should be made so that residents do not

have to get in a car to safely access the commercial corridors.

Improve parking areas and on-site traffic circulation.

The design of parking areas should consider the delineation of internal

circulation roadways, convenience of parking areas in relation to building

entrances, appearance of parking areas from the public right-of-way, landscaping

provisions, and access to loading areas and garbage dumpsters. Pedestrian

convenience and safety should be of primary consideration in the designing of

parking areas. Proper design of parking areas and on-site circulation decreases

traffic and pedestrian hazards.

Encourage buffering between different land uses.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 54

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

ENVIRONMENT

Community

Facilities

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Buffering lessens the negative impact that urban land uses may have on adjacent

land uses. Landscaping, earthen berms, fences, and increased building setbacks

are effective buffering provisions.

These implementation strategies should be encouraged. Development of urban uses should

seek to mitigate negative impacts associated with intense development through proper site

design.

The application of the implementation strategies outlined in the physical and social

environment sections will assist in achieving orderly growth. Future growth and development

is inevitable in Oldham County. This future growth should attempt to maintain and improve

upon the quality of life that has made the county an attractive residential suburban community.

A significant contributor to Oldham County’s quality of life is the respectful treatment of the

physical environment and the creation of a well-balanced social environment.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 55

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

The availability and improvement of community facilities has been an ongoing issue in Oldham

County. Maintaining and improving existing public facilities and services at cost-effective and

adequate levels of service is an important community need. When community facilities are

provided at the appropriate levels of service negative impacts resulting from new

developments are minimized. As a result, both existing and new residents can expect a

consistent level of service. The community facilities element describes existing conditions,

current trends and future considerations.

Fire Protection

Fire Protection services are provided by eight different municipal and rural fire departments.

Six of these districts are located entirely within Oldham County while two districts, Harrods

Creek and Worthington, are located in Louisville Metro but provide services to some areas of

Oldham County. In addition to fire protection services, these districts provide first response

emergency medical service to the citizens of Oldham County.

Figure 5.1

Oldham County Fire Districts Map

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 56

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Source: Oldham County Geographic Information Consortium

Map Disclaimer: This map is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for, or be

suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Users of this information should review or consult

the primary data and information sources to ascertain the usability of the information.

The fire districts are made up of both full and part-time paid employees as well as volunteers,

ranging in size from twelve (12) members (Westport Fire Department) to sixty-three (63)

members (North Oldham Fire Department).

Table 5.1

Oldham County Fire Districts Information

DISTRICT STATIONS

EMPLOYEES/

VOLUNTEERS

TOTAL RUNS:

2011

Ballardsville Fire & Rescue 4604 S. Highway 53 52 365

Harrods Creek Fire Dept. 8905 US Highway 42 34 1,118*

LaGrange Fire & Rescue

309 N. First Street

2716 W. Highway 146

2800 E. US Highway 42

49 804

North Oldham Fire Dept.

8615 W. US Highway 42

1660 Highway 1793

63 454

Pewee Valley Fire Dept. 312 Mt. Mercy Drive 32 252

South Oldham Fire Dept. 6310 Old LaGrange Road 51 800

Westport Fire Dept. 6301 Fourth Street 12 **

Worthington Fire Dept.

9514 Featherbell Boulevard

8412 Brownsboro Road

4700 Murphy Lane

63 82***

* Combined runs in Jefferson and Oldham counties.

** Data currently not available.

*** Oldham County runs only.

In October 2011, the Oldham County Fire Task Force was created with a mission “to review all

data necessary to determine the most efficient and effective delivery of fire services to the

citizens of Oldham County.” The task force was comprised of a number of local EMS

professionals, local officials and business leaders who looked at all facets of fire protection

services in Oldham County to determine whether the existing system was adequate or if

changes could be made to better improve these services. In November 2012 the “Task Force

Report: Fire Department Operations” was released and included recommendations for possible

mergers to not only improve fire protection services but to do so in a more organized and

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 57

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

fiscally efficient manner. The recommendations of this report are currently being further

studied and evaluated with no timeline for taking steps.

Health Department

The Oldham County Health Department is responsible for a wide variety of public health related

programs in the county.

The Health Department Clinic provides many services. Some examples are childhood and adult

immunizations, pregnancy tests, well-child exams, physical exams, family counseling, nutritional

counseling, and screenings for hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, HIV, cancer, sexually

transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, newborn metabolic and childhood lead. The clinic also

partners with programs such as WIC (parent/guardian assistance).

Some examples of the responsibilities handled by the Environmental Division are the inspection

of restaurants, retail food establishments, schools, public swimming pools, hotels, and the

permitting and inspection of on-site septic systems. The Environmental Division also responds

to complaints related to these establishments as well as other issues.

The Community Division of the Health Department handles programs and classes in smoking

cessation, health and wellness, HANDS (guidance for first-time parents), healthy start in child

care, school health, vital statistics, communicable disease monitoring and grief counseling

among others.

The Health Department is also a community emergency disaster responder, and special needs

shelter facilitator.

Law Enforcement

There are four law enforcement agencies which help protect the citizens of Oldham County:

Oldham County Sheriff’s Office, Oldham County Police Department, LaGrange Police

Department and Pewee Valley Police Department.

Oldham County Sheriff’s Office

The Oldham County Sheriff’s Office is comprised of 38 employees, 20 of which are full-time

deputies. The office provides 24 hour patrol service throughout the county as well as a number

of other functions including tax collection, court services, auto inspections, prison transports,

etc.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 58

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Oldham County Police Department

The Oldham County Police Department is dedicated to serving the residents and visitors of

Oldham County by providing professional law enforcement and community services. There are

currently 32 sworn officers and three citizen employees. The department provides a number of

services beyond the “usual” protective and law enforcement services, including but not limited

to a citizen’s academy, home watch program, assist with community events, provide education

opportunities for public groups, etc.

LaGrange Police Department

The La Grange Police Department, which was founded in 1840, provides law enforcement

within the city limits of LaGrange. They reach out to the community by providing block watch

programs, house watch programs, and hosting a citizen's police academy once a year. There

are thirteen sworn officers and two civilian employees, many of whom wear many hats within

the department and not only have the responsibility of day to day police service, but also are

dedicated to extra duties, such as K-9, Public Relations Officer, and assisting with an Explorer

unit through the Boy Scouts of America.

Pewee Valley Police

Pewee Valley Police provides public safety and law enforcement efforts within the city limits of

Pewee Valley. The efforts include house watches, traffic control and response to nuisances and

disturbances.

Libraries

The Library District’s goal is to provide well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and

easily accessible facilities that serve as community hubs. A major component of Oldham

County’s strong education system, The Oldham County Public Library District delivers high-

quality public education for all ages through a curriculum of self-directed education, research

assistance and instructive and enlightening experiences.

There are three libraries: the Main Library in LaGrange is a Leadership in Energy &

Environmental Design (LEED) Gold facility certified by the United States Green Building Council;

The South Oldham Library in Crestwood and The Prospect/Goshen Library are set for new

construction and/or renovation as part of the Library’s 10-year Comprehensive Plan. The

library district intends to achieve recognition within Oldham County by developing “buildings

with a conscience” regarding sustainability, environmental appropriateness and energy

efficiency.

Oldham County Dispatch

Oldham County Dispatch, or OCD as it is commonly referred to, is a centralized dispatch center

that consolidates communications and 911 for the Oldham County, LaGrange, and Pewee Valley

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 59

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Police Departments, Oldham County Sheriff’s Office, Oldham County EMS, and all Oldham

County Fire Departments. OCD is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In an emergency, the first notification is made to OCD by dialing 911. Dispatchers must quickly

but thoroughly obtain all pertinent information from the caller and then dispatch the

appropriate first responders. Dispatchers are responsible for obtaining, documenting,

disseminating and tracking the activities and information for all police, fire and EMS

departments in Oldham County.

Parks and Recreation

The 2008 Parks and Recreation Master Plan guides development of Oldham County’s parks

system. Many recommendations of that plan have been carried out, while other projects are

currently programmed for implementation. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan calls for

additional trails and playground upgrades, further development of the Morgan Conservation

Park, the planning of a new sports complex and additional aquatic facilities including a

sprayground and a natatorium. The plan also identifies the need for the acquisition of

additional land for parks and green space.

The Oldham County Parks and Recreation Department currently manages six parks ranging in

size from a two-acre park to a 217-acre park, with a total of 457 acres. In addition, the parks

department operates a community/convention center and an aquatic center. The parks

department also runs a variety of recreational programs that provide activities for all age

groups that include softball, basketball, tennis and volleyball leagues, instructional camps and

clinics, arts and crafts, preschool, and fitness programs. The department also offers a number of

special events throughout the year including: a July 4

celebration, father/daughter dance,

mini-triathlon, 5K run/walk series and live music events. In addition to the parks department,

other entities operate and maintain recreational facilities in Oldham County, including the city

of LaGrange; the Oldham County Board of Education; and the YMCA. The city of LaGrange

operates Walsh Park and Wilborn Park. Playgrounds, fields, and other facilities at schools

managed by the board of education are used by the parks department and provide additional

recreational opportunities for Oldham County residents. Below is a description of the park and

recreation facilities in Oldham County:

Public Facilities

Briar Hill Park, 7400 East Orchard Grass Boulevard, Crestwood (Neighborhood Park)

• 52 acres • Walking trail

• Picnic shelters with restroom facilities • Sand volleyball court

• Playground • Tennis courts

• Basketball court

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 60

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Morgan Conservation Park, 1200 East Highway 524, LaGrange – (Regional Park)

• 217 acres

• Hiking trails

• Shelter house

Peggy Baker Park, 6887 Abbott Lane, Crestwood (Community Park)

• 25 acres • Basketball court

• Picnic Shelter with restroom facilities • Playground

• Home of South Oldham Little League

Walsh Park, 606 N. Fourth Avenue, LaGrange (Community Park)

•

15 acres

•

4 baseball fields

•

Walking Trail

•

Picnic shelters

•

Home of North Oldham Little League

Wendell Moore Park, 1551 N. Hwy 393, LaGrange (Regional Park)

• 108 acres • 65 acre fishing lake

• Softball fields with concession stands • 1 mile running/walking fitness trail

• Picnic shelters with restrooms • 2 sand volleyball courts

• Lighted basketball courts • Football field with concession stand

• Site of the Oldham County

Community/Convention Center &

Aquatic Center

• Playground

Westport Park, 6617 Main Street, Westport (Special Use Park)

• 2 acres • Boat ramp on the Ohio River

• Picnic facilities with grills • Restroom facilities

54 Acre Multi-Use Park, Highway 146 & N. Highway 393, LaGrange (Community Park)

• Park in development with Oldham County Youth Soccer Association

Private and Semi-Public Facilities

Private Golf Courses

Eagle Creek Country Club (LaGrange)

Glen Oaks Golf Course (Oldham/Jefferson County Line)

Harmony Landing Country Club (Goshen)

Nevel Meade Golf Course (Prospect)

Oldham County Country Club (LaGrange)

Oldham County Golf Center (Crestwood)

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course (Prospect)

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 61

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Private Marinas

Harmony Landing Boat Club

Tartan’s Landing Marina

Creasey-Mahan Nature Preserve – 157 acres

•

Nature trails

•

Soccer fields

•

Wildlife exhibits

•

Field house

•

An old springhouse

•

Playground

•

Soccer fields

•

Picnic areas

Horner Wildlife Refuge - 200-acres (closed to the public)

Figure 5.2

Existing Park Locations Map from

Oldham County Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2008)

Source: Oldham County Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2008)

Greenways

Greenways are defined as linear open spaces established along natural corridors, such as a

riverfront, stream valley, or ridge line; along a railroad right-of-way converted to recreational

use, a canal, scenic road; or other route designed and managed for private or public use

including protection of wildlife habitat. A greenway is an open space connector linking parks,

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 62

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

nature preserves, cultural features, or historic sites with each other and with populated areas.

Some greenways are also recognized as viable alternative transportation facilities when they

offer connections to homes, workplaces, schools, parks, shopping centers and cultural

attractions.

Forming a connected network of open spaces and greenway corridors is a difficult task.

Community acceptance is an important factor for the success of greenway programs. Liability,

privacy, safety and security should be addressed in order to achieve long-term citizen

involvement in the implementation of a greenway system.

Successful greenway programs should address the following issues:

• Protection of significant habitat for wildlife and threatened, endangered, and special

concern species;

• Development of a long-term master plan with citizen involvement and public/private

partnerships for the management of the greenway system;

• Provision of additional recreational opportunities for citizens to maintain fit and healthy

lifestyles; and

• Ensuring that the greenway system provides a safe, secure environment for all persons

using greenways.

Commerce Parkway Bike & Pedestrian Trail

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 63

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Schools

On April 27, 2004 the Oldham County Planning Commission recommended approval of an

amendment to the zoning and subdivision regulations that included the creation of school

capacity standards. A major element of the school capacity ordinance was that school capacity

should be considered during the approval process of new developments and development

applications may be denied due to inadequate school capacity. The Oldham County Board of

Education was granted authority to calculate the number of students expected to be generated

by a proposed development and make a determination as to whether schools could adequately

accommodate those numbers. The ordinance allowed for mitigation such as land

donation/swapping, contributions to expansion projects, etc. to make up for inadequate

capacity. As a result of the construction of new schools and expansions of existing ones,

officials no longer have to worry about how to place additional children in classrooms and can

once again focus on improving the content of the curriculum.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 64

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 5.2

School Enrollment Projection Numbers

SCHOOL

2012-13

(ACTUAL)

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

Elementary Schools

Buckner 451 452 428 422 393 401

Camden 430 424 421 415 406 413

Centerfield 396 386 368 373 367 358

Crestwood 569 580 585 564 553 539

Goshen 686 673 639 627 604 594

Harmony 471 463 458 432 429 425

Kenwood 579 577 564 555 533 526

LaGrange 549 544 546 531 522 505

Liberty* 340 350 323 317 310 294

Locust Grove 636 642 609 598 580 573

Elementary Total 5,107 5,091 4,941 4,834 5,697 4,628

Middle Schools

East Oldham MS 574 607 633 618 615 606

North Oldham MS 835 801 777 770 768 761

Oldham County MS 850 842 786 750 739 728

South Oldham MS 697 699 712 703 694 685

Middle Total 2,956 2,949 2,908 2,841 2,816 2,780

High Schools

North Oldham HS 990 985 1,009 1,009 1,050 1,061

Oldham County HS 1,502 1,532 1,556 1,574 1,575 1,577

South Oldham HS 1,194 1,198 1,199 1,195 1,160 1,148

Buckner Alternative HS 53 55 50 59 57 46

High Total 3,739 3,770 3,814 3,837 3,842 3,832

TOTAL ENROLLMENT 11,802 11,810 11,663 11,512 11,355 11,240

* Liberty Elementary will close after the 2013-14 school year.

Source: Oldham County Public Schools

The school enrollment projection numbers above were produced in the spring of 2013. The

projections are based on the proposed closing of Liberty Elementary after the 2013-14 school

year due to the high cost of maintenance and improvements needed to update the aging

facility. The proposed Brownsboro Elementary school was originally slated to replace Liberty

Elementary in Fall 2014; however, in November 2012 the Oldham County Board of Education

voted to suspend the construction of Brownsboro Elementary indefinitely, citing a higher than

expected decline in the number of births in Oldham County. The projected decrease in the

number of students does not warrant construction of the new school at this time.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 65

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

In November 2013, the Oldham County Board of Education adopted a new redistricting plan

which is to be implemented at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. The new plan is

designed to accommodate for the closing of Liberty Elementary while also considering the

amount of time students spend on buses and school capacity.

Table 5.3

2014 Elementary School Redistricting Plan

Map Color School

Boundary

Enrollment

Capacity % Capacity

Buckner 527

525

100.38%

Camden Station 441

575

76.70%

Centerfield 443

600

73.83%

Crestwood 631

700

90.14%

Goshen 677

700

98.71%

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 66

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Harmony 603

600

100.50%

Kenwood Station 585

625

93.60%

LaGrange 606

610

99.34%

Locust Grove 686

700

98.00%

Source: Oldham County Public Schools

Map Disclaimer: This map is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for, or be

suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Users of this information should review or consult

the primary data and information sources to ascertain the usability of the information.

Solid Waste

The Oldham County Solid Waste Management Plan 5-Year Update was submitted to the

Kentucky Division of Waste Management in 2012. The update is a complete overview of solid

waste activities for Oldham County and includes information and evaluations of the county’s

collection and disposal systems, recycling/reduction programs, enforcement and public

participation and education activities.

On November 2, 2004, the Oldham County Fiscal Court passed an ordinance to establish a

franchise area which consists of the unincorporated areas of Oldham County and the City of

Crestwood. This franchise agreement includes both residential and commercial collection by

one waste hauler. Franchising creates lower rates for citizens and reduces the number of waste

hauling trucks on the roadways. Reducing the number of trucks on roadways is beneficial to

the county because it lessens road wear and damage, lessens air pollution, reduces fuel usage

and makes the roadways safer by simply not having as many large trucks making frequent

stops.

There are currently no landfills located in Oldham County. All solid waste that is collected is

taken to one of two locations outside of Oldham County: the Valley View Landfill in Sulphur,

Kentucky or the Waste Management of Kentucky – Outer Loop Landfill in Louisville, Kentucky.

Oldham County has made significant strides over the years in regards to encouraging recycling

throughout the community. Curbside recycling is offered to approximately 95 percent of all

households in Oldham County. The Oldham County Solid Waste and Recycling Department has

a centrally located drop-off site to collect not only household recyclables but electronics,

batteries and inkjet and toner cartridges and hosts events for collecting hazardous household

materials (cleaning materials, paint, etc.) and other items throughout the course of each year.

There are also currently efforts to establish a permanent drug take-back location at the Oldham

County Police Department. This initiative would provide county citizens with a proper means of

disposing of medications and assist in the prevention of drug abuse, medication

mismanagement and keep medications out of landfills where they can contaminate soil and

groundwater sources.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 67

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 5.4

Oldham County Recyclables Accepted – 2010

Item Accepted Amount Unit

Antifreeze/Ethyl Glycol 42.71 Gallons

Asphalt 50.00 Tons

Cardboard 235.46

Tons

Co-Mingled Recyclables 772.66

Tons

Compost/Yard Waste 258.22

Tons

Concrete 170.00

Tons

Construction/Demolition Debris 250.00

Tons

Electronic Scrap 72.23

Tons

Glass 42.01

Tons

Lead Acid Batteries 80 Units

Metals Ferrous 150.00

Tons

Metals Non-Ferrous 26.20

Tons

Mixed Residential Paper 97.87 Tons

Motor Oil 47.00 Gallons

Newsprint 179.12

Tons

Office Paper Mixed 2.30

Tons

Paint 1,063.65

Tons

Pesticide Containers 0.36

Tons

Plastic (2-liter bottles) 40.20

Tons

Plastic (milk jugs) 36.53

Tons

Plastic (Nonspecific) 19.31

Tons

Printer Toner Cartridges 535 Units

Steel Cans (tin cans) 18.27 Tons

Tires 31,857 Units

Used Beverage Cans 38.36 Tons

Source: Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Waste Management

Stormwater Management - Oldham County Environmental Authority

Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972. Enforcement of the Clean Water Act and the

subsequent amendments is the responsibility of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

at the national level and the Kentucky the Division of Water at the state level. Initial

enforcement, called "Phase I", was limited to urban areas with populations of 100,000 or more.

Nearly every urban community in the nation has some form of Stormwater Management.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 68

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

The Municipal Separate Sanitary Storm Sewer (MS4) permit program is the result of the 1987

amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA), commonly referred to as the Water Quality Act of

1987. In these amendments, Congress mandated the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

address non-point source pollution in stormwater runoff. EPA was then required to develop a

program to permit the discharge of the stormwater from the MS4, from specific industrial

activities that it considered to be significant sources of pollution, and from construction site

runoff. Oldham County Stormwater Management District (now OCEA) submitted the MS4

Permit reapplication to the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) in May 2010 on behalf of four

Co-Permittees and the City of LaGrange joined in October 2011:

• City of Crestwood

• City of Goshen

• City of LaGrange

• City of Orchard Grass Hills

• City of Riverbluff

As a Phase II community, Oldham County was required to apply for a 5-year permit under the

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements. The focus of these

requirements is Oldham County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. The MS4 is any

avenue that carries stormwater to a stream, tributary, river or lake. Our responsibilities under

the permit are dissemination of information and education to the public, identification of illicit

discharges in the MS4 including all discharge points, implementing best practices in a number

of areas, and local enforcement responsibilities. We have had to identify levels of each of these

and identify the permit year in which they are expected to be implemented.

The Permit reapplication was approved by the Kentucky DOW in March 2010 and is effective

from April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2015.

The MS4 Permit is classified into 6 minimum control measures by the Kentucky Division of

Water:

• Public Education and Outreach

• Public Participation and Involvement

• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

• Construction Site Runoff Control

• Post Construction Runoff Controls

• Good Housekeeping / Pollution Prevention

Oldham County Fiscal Court has followed the lead of other communities in developing a

Stormwater District with the authority to recommend an assessment fee to Fiscal Court, and a

number of additional authorities for communication and compliance with the enforcing

authorities. Our initiative is entirely devoted to controlling the quality of stormwater and to

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 69

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

protect our county streams from poor water quality. Oldham County is one of sixty-eight (68)

MS4 Programs in Kentucky.

The Oldham County Environmental Authority will assess the development of a “gray to green”

program to reduce impervious surface area which reduces stormwater runoff and increases the

amount of land available for habitat restoration, urban farming and trees. This will include

initiatives to minimize or reduce the amount of impervious pavement in construction projects

and promote the responsible and creative reuse and recycling of concrete and asphalt. The

Authority will research a pilot project to restore one mile of riparian vegetation along a local

waterway, the results of which will be shared in a best practices guide book.

Developed runoff can contain a number of pollutants such as suspended solids, trash and oils.

Filtration can be an effective means at removal of such pollutants. The Oldham County

Environmental Authority will investigate opportunities to collaborate with Oldham County

Planning and Development to develop and promote a green infrastructure program that

includes filtration designs such as rain gardens, sand filtration beds, grass buffer strips, to list a

few. The program would encourage the use of green infrastructure in both redevelopment and

new development areas. For example, establishing best practices and cost-neutral options to

build green infrastructure elements will help all developers better handle stormwater runoff. In

addition, the County and the Authority will use green infrastructure elements in all future

projects when feasible and based on the project resources.

Some local businesses are already making efforts to reduce their impact on stormwater runoff

through innovative building and site design measures. Pervious concrete is a special type of

concrete which contains little or no sand, making it highly permeable with voids that allow

water to flow through the material. The use of pervious concrete is among the Best

Management Practices (BMPs) recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for

the management of stormwater runoff on a regional and local basis. This pavement technology

creates more efficient land use by eliminating the need for retention ponds, swales, and other

stormwater management devices.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 70

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Pervious concrete at Citizens Union Bank, LaGrange

The Citizens Union Bank, which was constructed in 2009 at 2100 South Highway 53 in LaGrange,

incorporated a number of measures to help reduce the effects of stormwater runoff from the

property. Citizens Union Bank used pervious concrete on all their parking areas, which will

allow water to flow through the areas and seep into the ground. Rain gardens were also used

around the site to assist with the storage and elimination of runoff. The community could

certainly benefit from other businesses following Citizens Union Bank’s lead.

Wastewater Treatment

Three entities provide wastewater treatment services to the residents of Oldham County:

LaGrange Utility Commission, Metropolitan Sewer District and Oldham County Environmental

Authority.

LaGrange Utility Commission

The LaGrange Utility Company (LUC) provides water and wastewater services to approximately

2,700 customers within and adjacent to the LaGrange city limits. LUC operates one wastewater

treatment facility (located on New Moody Lane) with a capacity of 0.775 million gallons per

day. There are plans in place to increase the treatment plant’s capacity to 1.9 million gallons

per day, with an expected project completion date of December 2013.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 71

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Metropolitan Sewer District

The Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) provides wastewater services to residents in the

Crestwood area. MSD does not operate any treatment facilities in Oldham County, as all

collected wastewater is piped into Louisville Metro and treated at the Hite Creek Water Quality

Treatment Center (located on Hitt Lane near I-71 and the Jefferson-Oldham County line). The

Hite Creek Water Quality Treatment Center was constructed in 1970 and has a treatment

capacity of 6.0 million gallons per day.

Oldham County Environmental Authority

The Oldham County Environmental Authority (OCEA) provides wastewater services to over

6,000 Oldham County households that do not fall within the service areas of the previously

mentioned agencies. The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) put Oldham County on notice in

2008 for numerous overflows and violations at the packaged treatment plants. The sewer

utility was placed under new management in November 2008 by contracting with Veolia Water,

who jump started the regionalization plan, eliminated major chronic overflows and dramatically

reduced violations at the treatment plants.

The OCEA general service areas include Ash Avenue, Buckner, Country Village, Covered Bridge,

LaGrange Department of Corrections facilities, Lakewood Valley, Lockwood Estates,

Mockingbird Valley, Ohio River, Orchard Grass, and Willow Creek.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 72

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Figure 5.3

Map of the Oldham County Environmental Authority

Wastewater Treatment Plants and Lift Stations

Source: Oldham County Environmental Authority

Map Disclaimer: This map is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for, or be

suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Users of this information should review or consult

the primary data and information sources to ascertain the usability of the information.

The OCEA owned wastewater treatment plants have a total treatment capacity of 3.5 million

gallons per day (MGD).

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 73

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Table 5.5

Oldham County Environmental Authority

Wastewater Treatment Plants & Design Capacity

Treatment Plant

Design Capacity

(Millions of Gallons per Day)

Ash Avenue 0.300

Buckner Municipal 0.135

Buckner Industrial

0.135

Country Village

0.060

Covered Bridge 0.140

Kentucky State Reformatory (KSR) 0.650

Lakewood Valley

0.100

Lockwood

0.045

Mockingbird Valley 0.040

Ohio River 1.500

Orchard Grass 0.300

Willow Creek

0.140

Source: Oldham County Environmental Authority

The OCEA owns twelve wastewater treatments plants (WWTPs), ten of which are package

plants. A package plant refers to an above ground metal structure designed and permitted to

temporarily treat wastewater and should come off line when a connection to a permanent

sewer plant is available. A majority of the package plants in Oldham County were constructed

in the 1960’s and 1970’s and most are currently operating past their average life cycle. OCEA

and the Kentucky DOW are in negotiations to place elimination dates on each of the package

plants.

The OCEA has funded projects for system improvements that will lead to the elimination of the

Buckner Municipal and Buckner Industrial wastewater plants (being rerouted to the KSR facility)

within the year, and has a long range plan to regionalize and decommission all package plants.

Two other regionalization projects are underway: Orchard Grass/Willow Creek Phase 1, which is

the first step in preparation of decommissioning of both package plants and the Covered Bridge

WWTP elimination project.

A Facilities Plan Study was started in August 2012 for the Crestwood and South Floyd’s Fork

portion of our service area, to be completed by the end of October 2012. This study will lay out

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 74

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

a road map for future projects, to include regionalization projects like the decommissioning of

Ash Avenue and Orchard Grass wastewater treatment plants. The options chosen and

approved by the Kentucky Division of Water will have an impact on the timing and location of

sewers in the vicinities of the OCEA’s package plants and the areas that connect them to each

other. OCEA is in ongoing negotiations with the Kentucky DOW with regard to its capital plan.

When DOW approves the facilities plan, it will approve an agreed order that will stipulate

penalties if the facilities plan is not followed.

Water Treatment

Water is an important part of everyone’s life. Not only is it’s consumption a necessity for all

people to continue living, but it is also used for cleaning, fire protection, recreation, etc. The

availability of potable water is an important and often overlooked amenity in society.

Oldham County households receive their drinking water from one of four providers: LaGrange

Utilities Commission, Louisville Water Company, Henry County Water District #2 or the Oldham

County Water District. It is estimated that as much as 5 percent of Oldham County residents

still rely on private domestic water supplies (wells, cisterns, etc.).

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 75

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

Figure 5.4

Oldham County Water Provider

Service Areas

Source: Oldham County Water District

Map Disclaimer: This map is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for, or be

suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Users of this information should review or consult

the primary data and information sources to ascertain the usability of the information.

The Oldham County Water District (OCWD) is the only service provider that withdraws and

treats water within the county boundary. The Oldham County Water Treatment Plant

withdraws water from the Ohio River and is currently designed with a treatment capacity of

13.0 million gallons per day. The average daily production is approximately 3.54 million gallons

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 76

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

COMMUNITY

FACILITIES

Transportation

Future

Considerations

per day. After treatment the water is transported throughout the district to OCWD’s 7,700

customers as well as sold to the LaGrange Utilities Commission for distribution to their

customers.

Water service is not a development limitation for development since water lines usually follow

development instead of preceding it. Typically, the problems that potential developments

encounter are undersized water lines, inadequate water pressure rates, and flow rates that are

improper for consumption and fire protection. Improvements in the county’s water service

should be encouraged in order to ensure adequate water pressure, availability and quality. The

provision of water service should be routinely evaluated and improved to prevent obsolescence

of the water service system.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 77

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

Transportation

Oldham County’s transportation system is composed of a highway system, residential street

system, and a limited miscellaneous transit system. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet,

Oldham County Road Department or the LaGrange Public Works Department maintains the

majority of streets and sidewalks in the county system.

The relationship between the county’s transportation network and land use development is a

close one. A transportation improvement may be necessitated by increased growth, yet upon

its completion it may simultaneously stimulate additional growth. On the other hand,

uncoordinated transportation improvements or deterioration of roads may limit additional

growth. The functionality and appearance of the transportation network significantly

contributes to Oldham County’s development potential and its quality of life.

In May 2010 Oldham County Planning & Development created a document titled Road

Classification and Proposed Future Roads designed to classify all current roads in the Oldham

County transportation system. The classification system in the document only pertains to

Oldham County roads and is separate from the functional classification system maintained by

the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Roads were assigned one of the following designations:

Interstate (1), Arterial (8), Collector (59) or Local (all other roads).

The document also lists five road improvement projects which were identified in the Outlook

2020 Comprehensive Plan as well as four projects which were not included in the original

Outlook 2020 Comprehensive Plan which should be considered for inclusion in proposed

developments.

Since the development of the Road Classification and Proposed Future Roads plan the Kentucky

Transportation Cabinet has updated its Six Year Highway Plan for Fiscal Year 2012 to Fiscal Year

2018. Fourteen improvement projects are included in the new Six Year Highway Plan with an

estimated cost of $132,815,240. These projects are listed below along with each project’s

scheduled construction date and the estimated total amount of funds needed to complete each

project.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 78

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

Table 6.1

Oldham County Transportation Projects Included in

the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Six Year Highway Plan

FY 2012 to FY 2018

ITEM NO./

(PARENT NO.)*

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

SCHEDULED

CONSTRUCTION

TOTAL

AMOUNT

2000-05-234.00

(1996-05-230.00)

KY 393 Reconstruct from northern ramp of I-

71 to north of KY 146

FY 2012 $16,820,000

2004-05-304.10

(1996-05-230.00)

Reconstruct KY 22 from KY 329 to Abbott

Lane

FY 2013 $16,060,000

2004-05-304.15

(2004-05-304.10)

Reconstruct KY 22 from KY-329B to Abbott

Lane including the termini intersections of KY

22 at KY 329B and KY 22 at Abbott Lane

FY 2016 $10,200,000

2004-05-304.20

(1996-05-304.01)

Reconstruct KY 22 to five lanes from Abbott

Lane to Proposed KY 393 intersection and

continuing with three lanes to existing KY 393

FY 2015 $18,240,000

2010-05-367.20

(1996-05-367.00)

Extension of Old Henry Road east to Ash

Avenue

FY 2014 $19,050,000

2002-05-410.01

(2000-05-410.00)

Inter-urban greenway: construct a non-

motorized corridor from LaGrange to

Jefferson County Line

FY 2012 $440,000

2004-05-434.00

(2004-05-434.00)

Construct an uninterrupted rail underpass

west of LaGrange

FY 2014 $14,290,000

2004-05-440.10

(2004-05-440.01)

Construct sidewalks on KY 1793 from

Ridgeview Drive to Settlers Point Trail

FY 2012 $72,690

2004-05-441.01

(2004-05-441.00)

Reconstruct US 42 from the

Jefferson/Oldham County line to Ridgemoor

Drive

FY 2014 $7,630,000

2004-05-444.00

(2000-99-219.05)

Access management and intersection/signal

improvements to provide congestion relief on

KY 53 from downtown LaGrange to I-71

FY 2012 $1,120,000

2004-05-449.00

(2004-05-965.12)

Intersection improvement at KY 22 and KY

329 in Crestwood

FY 2013 $1,870,000

2010-05-468.00

(2002-99-219.08)

Construction of a park and ride facility

including a parking lot, shelter, bike lockers,

walkways and a 1000’ access road located on

Apple Patch Way off of KY 329 near I-71 Exit

14 in Crestwood

FY 2012 $702,551

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 79

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

ITEM NO./

(PARENT NO.)*

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

SCHEDULED

CONSTRUCTION

TOTAL

AMOUNT

2006-05-8201.01

(2004-05-8201.00)

Construct new I-71 overpass with approaches

from Commerce Parkway to Peak Road

FY 2013 $15,620,000

2012-05-8708.00

(2012-05-8708.00)

Provide a new four lane connector between

the new I-71 overpass and KY 53

FY 2014 $10,700,000

Total Number of Projects: 14 $132,815,240

* A project’s “Item Number” is the reference number for each individual project listed in the Kentucky

Transportation Cabinet’s Six Year Highway Plan. The Item Number is unique to a project. The “Parent

Number” references a larger scale project which may include a number of smaller projects.

Source: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 80

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 81

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

Complete Streets

When you think of a road or a road project, what exactly is it that you picture in your head? Do

you think of a stretch of asphalt with a lane for cars to travel each direction, possibly even with

turning lanes at busy intersections? Do you go so far as to picture crosswalks at these

intersections, or even a sidewalk along both sides of the road? Do you push the envelope even

further and imagine a designated bike lane as part of the road?

“Complete Streets” are streets that are designed with everyone in mind. Complete Streets

enable safe access for users of all ages and abilities to safely move along and across a street

whether they are motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists or public transportation users.

Complete Street Diagram within a 60’ Right-of-Way

One common misconception about Complete Streets is that they are only practical in large,

urban areas. According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, rural communities and

small towns tend to have higher concentrations of older adults and low-income citizens, two

populations that are less likely to own cars or drive. Limited access to pedestrian and bicycle

accommodations can leave these groups at risk of isolation from the community and the

economy. Creating safe walking and bicycling options in rural and small town areas helps build

a more livable, accessible community for people of all ages, abilities and income levels.

Complete Streets can look different in rural communities than they do in more urbanized areas.

For example, roads surrounded by agricultural uses may be “complete” just by simply providing

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 82

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

wide shoulders to allow safe bicycling and walking and providing connections to regional trail

and public transportation networks. Complete Streets are important in helping town centers

and Main Streets thrive by improving street connectivity and allowing everyone, whether on

foot, bike or public transportation, to reach community focal points.

Creating Complete Streets means transportation agencies must change their approach to

community roads. By adopting a Complete Streets policy, communities direct their

transportation planners and engineers to routinely design and operate the entire right of way

to enable safe access for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. This

means that every transportation project will make the street network better and safer for

drivers, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists – making your town a better place to live.

Mass Transportation

HDP Service Group Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose primary mission is to

facilitate and organize services that improve the health and well-being of the elderly, people

with disabilities and or those of low income. One of the services provided by HDP is the

Oldham County Public Bus (known as Opie). The Opie has one fixed route (a second route was

suspended in April 2012) which travels around LaGrange throughout the week (Monday

through Friday) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:44 p.m. Ridership is open to everyone and each bus is

handicap accessible and equipped with lifts to facilitate wheelchairs. The service sees

approximately 60 riders per day and approximately 15,000 passengers annually. The city of

LaGrange is currently working to take over the public bus service from HDP Service Group.

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) offers service between LaGrange and downtown

Louisville five days per week with the Oldham I-71 Express (Route 67). Route 67 picks up

passengers at one of three designated stops: the Oldham Plaza in LaGrange, the Buckner Park

& TARC lot on Commerce Parkway near Exit 18, and at KY 329 near Exit 14 in Crestwood. The

stop at KY 329 near Exit 14 will be relocated to the proposed Apple Patch Park & TARC lot once

it is completed. The Apple Patch Park & TARC will be a permanent park and ride facility

consisting of approximately 126 parking spaces on roughly 3.6 acres. The project will include

walkways, bike lockers and a shelter and utilize green building practices such as permeable

pavers, bioswales and native plantings, which will allow the project to serve as a model for

environmentally friendly development to the community. According to the Kentucky

Transportation Cabinet’s Six Year Plan, construction should start on the project in FY 2012.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 83

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

Table 6.2

TARC Route 67 Ridership Numbers

January 2011 to December 2012

MONTH

SERVICE

DAYS

AVG. WEEKDAY

BOARDINGS

MONTH

SERVICE

DAYS

AVG. WEEKDAY

BOARDINGS

January 2011 21 193 January 2012 21 210

February 2011 20 201 February 2012 21 196

March 2011 23 210 March 2012 22 159

April 2011 21 181 April 2012 21 147

May 2011 21 201 May 2012 22 161

June 2011 22 159 June 2012 21 135

July 2011 20 159 July 2012 21 125

August 2011 20 172 August 2012 23 144

September 2011 21 226 September 2012 19 135

October 2011 21 210 October 2012 23 134

November 2011 21 160 November 2012 21 119

December 2011 21 148 December 2012 20 108

2011 Total Ridership 46,668 2012 Total Ridership 34,189

Source: Transit Authority of River City

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 84

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

Bike & Pedestrian

In 2008, Oldham County Fiscal Court adopted The Oldham County Bike, Pedestrian and

Greenway Trails Master Plan to serve as a reflection of the community’s strong desire to

develop a series of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway trails throughout Oldham County. This

plan was developed with the following project goals in mind:

1. Link parks, schools, neighborhoods, and commercial areas throughout the County.

2. Reduce dependency on the automobile.

3. Encourage healthy lifestyles.

4. Improve the Oldham County quality of life.

5. Integrate the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with the recommendations of this plan.

6. Identify resources to assist in funding and implementation.

The Oldham County Bike, Pedestrian and Greenways Trails Master Plan includes a review of the

benefits of having trails and greenways, potential trail design standards, an action plan as well

as potential sources for funding such projects. The highlight of the document is Figure 7 –

County-wide Proposed Greenways Plan, which summarizes the overall recommendations for

trails, bike lanes, and greenways within the county. These recommended paths are divided into

three categories:

Shared-Use Paths – Designated routes where a paved trail or path, wide enough

to safely accommodate multiple uses, runs adjacent to the roadway, typically

separated from the roadway by a buffer strip. An example of a shared use path

is the Commerce Parkway Trail located along the north side of Commerce

Parkway from Parker Drive to KY 393.

Bike Lanes – Bike lanes are marked lanes on a roadway which are intended to

delineate the right of way assigned to bicyclists and to provide for more

predictable movements by bicyclists and motorists. There are currently no

demarcated bike lanes in Oldham County.

Shared Roadways – Shared roadways are roads which are specifically designated

for use by more experienced bike riders and there are no demarcated lanes

specifically for bicycle use. KY 1694 from KY 329 to US Hwy 42 is an example of a

designated shared roadway.

Rail

Rail transit in Oldham County is provided by the CSX railroad track that traverses the entire

length of the county. Rail service is a secondary component of the county’s transportation

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 85

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

TRANSPORTATION

uture

Considerations

network and is primarily limited to providing service to a few industrial land uses. This rail

service supplements the county’s transportation network and provides Oldham County with an

additional economic tie to the Louisville metropolitan area.

Train going down Main Street, LaGrange

The CSX railroad track creates a development constraint to numerous sites adjacent to the

track, and it creates an impediment to automobile traffic throughout the county (there are

approximately 30 trains per day on this line). There are currently two projects which include

plans to eliminate track crossings. The KY 393 realignment project includes plans to construct a

new rail bridge, lower the elevation of the roadway and allow cars to go under the railroad

tracks. There are similar plans being developed as part of the Allen Lane improvement project.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 86

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

Future Considerations

There are a number of ways the county, Planning & Development Services, and the processes

associated with this department can continue to improve and function. The following are

suggestions for additional studies and/or reviews that may be conducted to help keep Oldham

County operating efficiently and to keep up with the ever-changing world of planning and

development.

Sustainability Audit

No word is used more in planning circles today than “sustainability,” which has supplanted

terms like “New Urbanism” and “Smart Growth.” Of all the definitions and descriptions used

for sustainability the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may describe it best:

“Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our

survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural

environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which

humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the

social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.”

Many communities are currently conducting “sustainability audits” to help make their

regulations more “green” friendly. Oldham County should bring together interested parties to

conduct a review of existing zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations to identify antiquated

standards that could limit or prohibit sustainable practices in Oldham County. This audit should

be driven by objectives that encourage things like decreasing water consumption, reducing the

amount of impervious surface, increasing tree canopy and vegetation coverage and

biodiversity, and encouraging more energy-efficient practices in construction and

transportation. The final goal would not be to develop a new sustainability section of the zoning

ordinance, but to incorporate sustainable practices into all aspects of the zoning ordinance.

The best way to encourage such sustainable practices is to lead by example. The local

governments of Oldham County should look at ways of reducing energy in existing buildings

and incorporating green standards into new construction projects.

In the fall of 2012, the Kentucky Chapter of the US Green Building Council launched their

“Green Schools Initiative” to encourage school boards to consider using green construction

methods not only when constructing new schools but for school renovation projects as well.

The overall goal of the initiative is to have one green school in each Kentucky county within the

next twenty years. Introducing these types of methods to the youth of today can only benefit

our community as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 87

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

In 2009, the state of Kentucky adopted the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code by

reference in the updated 2007 Kentucky Building Code. The code went into effect on July 1,

2012 and beginning October 2012 all projects are required to comply with these standards.

Builders and developers should be encouraged to participate in voluntary programs which

promote environmentally-friendly and energy efficient construction methods. The following is

a partial list of such programs:

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) – ASHRAE

is a building technology society which focuses on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air

quality and sustainability within the industry. ASHRAE develops standards for the purpose of

establishing consensus for: 1) methods of test for use in commerce and 2) performance criteria

for use as facilitators with which to guide the industry. (www.ashrae.org)

Energy Star – Energy Star is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program

that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior

energy efficiency. The Energy Star program has boosted the adoption of energy efficient

products, practices, and services through valuable partnerships, objective measurement tools,

and consumer education. Energy Star has been instrumental in reducing energy use in order to

realize significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions - contributing to important health

and environmental benefits by addressing the challenges of climate change while strengthening

our economy. (www.energystar.gov)

Green Globes - The Green Globes system is a revolutionary building environmental design and

management tool operated by the Green Building Initiative (GBI). It delivers an online

assessment protocol, rating system and guidance for green building design, operation and

management. It is interactive, flexible and affordable, and provides market recognition of a

building’s environmental attributes through third-party verification. (www.greenglobes.com)

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based,

market-driven program that provides third-party verification of green buildings. From

individual buildings and homes, to entire neighborhoods and communities, LEED is

transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, and operated. LEED

provides building owners and operators the tools they need to immediately impact their

building’s performance and bottom line, while providing healthy indoor spaces for a building’s

occupants. (http://new.usgbc.org/leed)

There are currently three LEED certified buildings in Oldham County:

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 88

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

• Oldham County Public Library, 308 Yager Avenue, LaGrange (LEED Gold)

• Mason Lane Farms Operating Facility, N. Hwy 1694, Goshen (LEED Silver)

• DHB Office Building (Bluegrass Eye Center), 6400 Westwind Way, Crestwood (LEED

Silver)

National Green Building Standard - The foremost green rating system for residential

construction in the United States, the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard can be used for

rating new and remodeled single- and multifamily buildings as well as residential subdivisions. It

is the first and only such residential green rating system to have earned the approval of the

American National Standards Institute. The third-party verified certification program ensures

homes and apartments are built in compliance with the NGBS and focuses on three primary

attributes that are highly marketable to today’s consumers:

Healthy Homes

• Providing fresh air ventilation that improves indoor air quality

• Limiting pollutants and contaminants in the home

• Preventing moisture problems that can contribute to mold and attract pests

Lower Operating Costs

• Reducing utility costs through cost-effective energy and water efficiency practices

• Controlling maintenance costs through durable construction and product selection

• Providing technical and educational resources to ensure the home’s optimum

performance

Sustainable Lifestyle

• Promoting walkability

• Reducing home maintenance through enhanced durability

•

Preserving natural resources through responsible land development practices

Review of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations

The current version of the Oldham County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Subdivisions

Regulations went into effect on March 1, 2007. Since it took effect there have been a number

of slight revisions and additions:

• May 2007 – Changes to definitions of major and minor subdivisions

• October 2007 – Change to Section 270-070 Wastewater Treatment Facility Standards

• December 2008 – Various changes to Oldham County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance

• August 2009 – Amendment to include Scenic Corridor Design Guidelines for Pewee

Valley

• January 2010 – Revisions to the Subdivision Regulations: Performance Guarantees for

Soil and Erosion Control

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 89

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

• March 2010 – Amendments to Section 090-040 R-4A Residential District Property

Development Regulations

• May 2010 – Amend the text of Division 320 Access Management Standards

• October 2010 – Amendment to Section 3.3 of the Subdivision Regulations

• March 2011 – Amendment to Section 250-210 Special Provisions, Sidewalks

As time goes by a number of factors and events occur that necessitate a review of regulations

and bring them up-to-speed. Staff recommends reviewing the existing code to update the

listed uses in each zoning district to reflect the changes in the way businesses operate, address

new businesses which may not have been considered, and to codify administrative

interpretations of uses which have been made since the last revisions were made.

Also, there are a number of areas within the zoning ordinance which have been “reserved”

since this code was established in Spring 2007. These sections are:

Division 240 LaGrange Historic Districts

Section 250-090 Fences and Wall

Section 250-120 Lighting, Noise and Dust

Section 250-200 Scenic Corridors (Design Guidelines portion)

Section 260-090 Commercial Composting

Section 260-110 Community Residences

Section 260-130 Contractor’s Equipment Storage

Section 200-200 Freight Terminals/Similar Enterprises

Section 260-220 Grain/Feed Storage/Sales

Section 260-300 Nursing Homes

Section 260-310 Office Warehouses

Section 260-320 Private/Utility Buildings/Facilities

Section 260-370 Riding Academies/Stables

Section 260-420 Solid Waste Incinerators

Division 410 Environmental Performance Standards

These potential sections should be reviewed to determine whether they are still needed, and if

so, an effort should be made to draft regulations for consideration by the Planning Commission

and legislative bodies with zoning authority. Additional emphasis should be placed on

developing Section 250-120 Lighting, Noise and Dust and Division 410 Environmental

Performance Standards.

One particular trend that needs to be addressed is the growing demand for accessory dwelling

units (ADUs). Accessory dwelling units can be defined as “a residential dwelling unit located on

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 90

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

the same lot as a single-family dwelling unit, either within the same building as the single-family

dwelling unit or in a detached building.” These types of units are commonly referred to as in-

law suites, granny flats, shadow units, carriage house, etc. and are becoming a popular living

option for the elderly, disabled, empty nesters and young workers. This is very important

considering Oldham County’s senior population is expected to double by 2035.

Table 7.1

Projected Oldham County Senior Population

2010 to 2050

Year

Projected Senior

Population

Projected Percentage of

Total Population

2010 5,573 9.2

2015 7,688 11.4

2020 9,984 13.3

2025 12,722 15.4

2030 15,809 17.6

2035 18,705 19.3

2040 21,182 20.5

2045 22,774 20.8

2050 23,873 20.7

Source: University of Louisville, Kentucky State Data Center

According to “Accessory Dwelling Units: Case Study” by the U.S. Department of Housing and

Urban Development Office of Policy and Development Research (June 2008), the benefits of

allowing accessory dwelling units include:

• ADUs are an inexpensive way for communities to increase their housing supply while

also increasing their property tax base;

• ADUs provide practical housing options for the elderly, disabled, empty nesters, and

young adults just entering the workforce; and

• ADUs offer an alternative to major zoning changes that can significantly alter

neighborhoods.

Many communities across the country, Oldham County included, have zoning regulations which

restrict the establishment of accessory dwelling units. Having accessory dwelling units is

considered a violation in districts designated for single-family residential use; thus creating a

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 91

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

roadblock to the establishment of such units. Oldham County should develop a strategy to

gather public input on the matter, evaluate the existing zoning and subdivision regulations, and

look at ways other communities are regulating accessory dwelling units in order to determine

the best way to address the growing demand in our community. The following questions are a

sample of what needs to be asked if the issue is addressed:

• Are ADUs a permitted use, only allowed as a conditional use or not allowed at all?

• Should ADUs be detached, attached, or both?

• What does the building code say about the construction requirements for ADUs?

• Should there be a maximum size or ratio to the principal structure/area of the home?

• Is owner occupancy required?

Evaluate Existing Boards, Committees and Commissions

It is very important that all boards, committees and commissions periodically review their by-

laws, policies and procedures to assure compliance with the Kentucky Regulatory Statutes,

Robert’s Rules of Order and other common practices of conducting public meetings. Doing so

helps to maximize the results of such meetings and avoid arbitration.

Planning Commission

The Oldham County Planning and Zoning Commission is responsible for reviewing preliminary

subdivision plans and zoning map amendments on property throughout Oldham County as well

as waivers from the Oldham County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision

Regulations. The Commission is currently composed of fifteen members – two appointees each

from the city of LaGrange and city of Pewee Valley, one appointee from the city of Crestwood,

and ten appointees from Fiscal Court.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 92

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

Alternative Regulations for Zoning Map Amendment

One alternative that could be explored by the Planning Commission is to adopt the Alternative

Regulations for Zoning Map Amendment which is described in KRS 100.2111. These regulations

have been put in place to allow jurisdictions to minimize the amount of time it takes to get

approval for a zoning map amendment. There are currently only two communities who have

adopted these revised procedures: Hardin County and Owensboro/Daviess County.

Here is a hypothetical step-by-step overview of what a proposed zoning map amendment

would be required to do in 2012:

• Application is submitted for Technical Review Committee (June 27).

• Technical Review Committee meeting (July 18).

• Application is submitted for Planning Commission public hearing (July 25).

• Planning Commission public hearing (August 28).

• Planning Commission approves minutes; transmits minutes to legislative body

(September 25).

• First reading of ordinance by legislative body (October 1).

• Public hearing conducted by legislative body (November 5).

• Decision advertised by legislative body within two weeks of decision (November 15).

In this scenario the proposed zoning map amendment spent 142 days in review.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 93

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

Graphic Representation of

Zoning Map Amendment Timeframes

The Alternative Regulations for Zoning Map Amendment differs because there is a possibility

for proposals to become effective 21 days after the Planning Commission holds their public

hearing. The Planning Commission’s recommendation becomes final unless one of two actions

takes place:

1.) Any aggrieved person files a written request with the planning commission that the

final decision shall be made by the appropriate legislative body or fiscal court; or

2.) The appropriate legislative body or fiscal court files a notice with the planning

commission that the legislative body or fiscal court shall decide the map amendment.

This can be advantageous for cases where there is little to no opposition at the Planning

Commission public hearing and where near unanimous recommendations are made to the

legislative body. At the same time, the legislative body can still retain control of the proposals

future by petitioning the Planning Commission as described in Item 2 above.

Using the same application submittal date of June 27, a zoning map amendment reviewed

under the Alternative Regulations for Zoning Map Amendment could potentially be approved in

84 days, which is 57 days sooner than the conventional review method.

Board of Adjustments

Boards of Adjustments are regulated by KRS 100.217 through 271 and have the power to hear

and decide cases which involve the following:

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 94

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

• Interpretation and Administrative Review – where an applicant alleges that there is

error in any order, requirement, decision, grant or refusal made by an Administrative

Official in the enforcement of the regulations.

• Dimensional Variances – cases in which an existing lot of record is too small to allow

fulfillment of the minimum dimensional or yard requirement of the district in which the

property is located.

• Conditional Uses – cases to allow the proper integration into the community of uses

which are specifically named in the zoning regulations but which may be suitable only in

specific locations in the zone and only if certain conditions are met.

• Uses Not Specifically Permitted in Zoning Districts – The Board has the power to

determine which uses are of the same general character as uses specifically permitted in

zoning districts and thus allow uses in zoning districts which, although not specifically

permitted, will not be out of character with other uses in the district.

There are currently three different entities which review variance, conditional use permit and

appeal requests: LaGrange Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Oldham County Board of

Adjustments and Appeals and the Pewee Valley Board of Adjustments and Appeals (Crestwood

chooses to not have a separate board thus all cases within Crestwood city limits go to the

Oldham County Board). Each of these boards consists of five members which are appointed by

their respective legislative bodies.

Code Enforcement Board

The Oldham County Code Enforcement Board is responsible for reviewing complaints and

violations observed by the county enforcement officer. Matters enforced by the Code

Enforcement Board include those dealing with planning and zoning, solid waste, nuisance, soil

and erosion, residential and commercial alarms, and other regulations that specify a civil

penalty and Code Enforcement Board authority.

When a complaint is received, the property owner is sent a notice of violation to make them

aware of the issue. If the property owner does not take remedial action then a citation is

issued and the complaint may go before the Code Enforcement Board. The Code Enforcement

Board conducts a public hearing and may order remedial actions to eliminate the problem, levy

a fine or some other action.

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 95

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

Tables 7.2

Oldham County Foreclosure Cases

Year Number of Opened Cases

2010 286

2011 169

2012 295

Source: Oldham County Circuit Court

One recurring problem surrounding Code Enforcement Board cases is the failed maintenance of

properties involved in the foreclosure process. A number of properties have been vacated by

their previous owners but because of delays in the court system have not been completely

taken back by mortgage lenders. This hole in the system has led to properties that are not

being mowed, maintenance concerns on homes, and sometimes vandalism that goes without

being addressed. These un-kept properties are an eyesore to the community and can have

short-term effects on property values. Planning & Development Services should work with local

officials including the Oldham County Circuit Court Commissioner’s office to possibly inventory

properties that are in the foreclosure process and try to come up with ways to assist with small

property maintenance issues.

Technical Review Committee

The Oldham County Technical Review Committee (TRC) is a committee consisting of local

government agencies and private agencies that provide services such as water, sewer, electric,

transportation, fire, police, schools and Planning & Development.

The agencies which currently provide such services to Oldham County are as follows: Kentucky

Transportation Cabinet, LaGrange Public Works, Oldham County Engineer, Oldham County

Health Department, Natural Resources Conservation Services, AT&T, LG&E, Kentucky Utilities

Company, Shelby Energy Cooperative, Oldham County GIS, Oldham County Police Department,

LaGrange Utilities Commission, Louisville Water Company, Oldham County Water District,

Metropolitan Sewer District, Oldham County Environmental Authority, Ballardsville Fire

Department, Harrods Creek Fire Department, LaGrange Fire Department, North Oldham Fire

Department, South Oldham Fire Department, Pewee Valley Fire Department, Westport Fire

Department, Worthington Fire Department, Oldham County Board of Education and the

Oldham County Traffic Consultant.

The purpose of the Technical Review Committee is to review development proposals such as

zoning map amendments, development plans, and preliminary subdivision plans and provide

technical comments aimed at assuring compliance with the zoning and subdivision regulations

and infrastructure availability. The committee provides feedback to applicants to help resolve

Oldham County Comprehensive Plan Update: 96

Plan Elements

Future

Land Use

Population

Business &

Industry

Environment

Community

Facilities

Transportation

FUTURE

CONSIDERATIONS

potential issues before plans go to public hearings conducted by the Planning Commission

and/or legislative bodies.