Land Development Code Reform

The Land Development Code (LDC) provides the zoning regulations for Louisville Metro. Planning & Design Services (PDS) is reviewing the LDC to find ways to modernize development regulations and ensure that they are equitable and improve the quality of life of all Louisville Metro citizens.

To view a detailed recommendation chart, please click here.

You can submit your feedback and ask questions by calling (502) 574-6230 or emailing [email protected].

Click here to read the latest press release about Louisville Metro's full-scale equity review.

Click here to read the press release concerning Louisville Metro's intent to conduct a full-scale equity review of the LDC.

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Media and Industry Coverage

Courier Journal - Zoning regulations helped segregate Louisville. Here's how the city wants to change them

American Planning Association - 6 Ways to Help Bridge the Racial Wealth Gap

Louisville Builder - Recommend and Reform: Following the Land Development Code Reform

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy - Race and rezoning - Louisville designs a more equitable future by confronting the past

Planetizen - Story Mapping the Racism in Planning History

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Land Development Code Reform Workshop Sessions

Planning & Design Services host four workshops in December focusing on Housing, Environmental Justice, and Processes and Education following feedback from the October 2020 Listening Sessions.

Housing Workshop #1

Housing Workshop #2

Environmental Justice Workshop

Education and Process

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Land Development Code Reform Listening Sessions

Planning & Design Services hosted three listening sessions in October 2020. Watch a replay of all three on Develop Louisville's Facebook page.

Session #1

Session #2

Session #3

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Land Development Code Diagnosis

Prepared by Opticos Design, a Berkley-based consultant group, this report provides a diagnosis of the current LDC. Opticos Design specializes in creating strategic solutions to address the most challenging housing and community issues of our time, including attainable housing and equitable development practices. Many elements within the LDC have not been revised since the early 1960s and no longer support current city needs. The findings of the evaluation conducted by Opticos Design revealed several components of the LDC that restrict inclusive development styles and limit the types of housing that can be built within Louisville Metro. Some of these discrepancies include parking requirements, minimum lot sizes, floor area ratios, excessive single-family zoning, and deficient density allotments.

Please click the picture or here to review the full report.

 

 

 

 

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Advancing Equity

It is crucial in planning for an equitable future that Louisville Metro attains a greater understanding of its past and grows from both its intentional and unintentional missteps in policy decisions. This report was a collaborative effort of Develop Louisville completed in the spring of 2019. It identifies development policies and practices that exacerbate inequity and place barriers on the attainment of wealth. In addition, it explores topics of exclusionary zoning, parking, economy, accessibility, and contracts in current and historic policy and practice. Plan 2040, a review of planning best practices, and empirical evidence guide recommendations to advance equitable development through land use policy changes.

Please click the picture or here to review the full report.

 

 

 

Land Development Code Reform Resolution

Metro Council Resolution - A resolution by Metro Council requesting the Planning Commission review the LDC and develop recommendations for more equitable and inclusive development. Adopted by Metro Council on August 20, 2020 and approved by Mayor Fischer on August 26, 2020.

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Questions?

If you have questions or would like to submit additional feedback, please call (502) 574-6230.