Floyds Fork DRO

Following a request by Metro Council, the Office of Planning and Design Services (PDS) is currently reviewing the Floyds Fork Development Overlay District (DRO) provisions in the Land Development Code. The DRO is an overlay shown on the zoning district maps. It constitutes a second level of development standards in addition to those specified by the underlying zoning district. The purpose of the district is to protect the quality of the natural environment and it achieves these purposes by promoting compatible development of land and structures.

Metro Council Resolution Concerning DRO Update

The recommendations provided on this webpage are preliminary and subject to change upon review of additional public input. To be effective, any changes must be approved by Metro Council. In summary, the recommendations:

• Change the guidelines which required a committee review to regulations that are reviewed by staff of Planning and Design Services. These regulations strengthen the protection of the Floyds Fork Waterway and its tributaries.
• Create an overlay waiver process for those regulations that are not met. This waiver has its own standards of review.
• Create an environmental assessment requirement for waivers that directly impact the Floyds Fork Waterway. This assessment would be conducted by a third-party consultant for Louisville Metro but paid for by the applicant of the waiver request.
• Delete guidelines that cannot be changes to regulations.
• Delete guidelines that are obsolete because other regulations control these issues, such as erosion prevention and tree preservation standards.

Full DRO Recommendations as of 6/30/23 (Showing Revisions to Ordinance)

Community Engagement

There was a presentation on the project at an online meeting on September 21, 2022, with a discussion on the related Conservation Form District following.

• Recording of the 9/21/22 Meeting
• DRO Staff Presentation for the 9/21/22 Meeting

There was second public meeting concerning initial recommendations to the regulations on May 24, 2023. Attendees were updated on the effort and a survey concerning the initial recommendations was distributed.

• DRO Staff Presentation for the 5/24/23 Meeting
• DRO Recommendation Survey Results

We want to hear from you!

If you have any questions about the regulations or the process, please contact Joe Haberman at (502)574-6230. Staff will be accepting written comments for the official record until the day before the Planning Commission's Public Hearing (To be scheduled/determined).