We know a thing or two about farming here in Lexington. Our city is sprinkled with farms and horses — 682 to be exact. As we continue to dive into the implications of the Imagine 2045 comprehensive plan, we got to thinking: What does it mean to be an agricultural zone?
We began this series by defining different types of residential zones. And with that, we’d like to welcome to the next iteration of Decode the Code.
On a broad scale, zones determine how a piece of land is used, protected, and maintained. This is how agricultural zones are designated:
Agricultural Rural (A-R)
Agricultural Rural zones refer to a piece of land that is protected from urban development. For instance, the Kentucky Horse Park is in an A-R zone. But there are some exceptions including:
- Principal uses like farming, small wineries, or equine-related activities
- Single-family residence
- Tools needed in relation to farming, dairying, or stock raising
- Temporary stands selling agricultural products grown on-site
- Non-commercial accessories like biking or hiking trails
- Conditional uses (depending on approval from the Board of Adjustments), like horse tracks, plant nurseries, and commercial greenhouses
Agricultural Buffer (A-B)
An A-B zone maintains rural spaces that serve as a buffer between agricultural land and urban use. This can come in the form of hedges or similar landscaping or fencing, and are required to be maintained and nontoxic to animals. In Lexington, there is a portion of Route 1974 — off of Tates Creek Road — that serves as an A-B zone dividing Fayette and Jessamine Counties.
This designation also shares the same accessory + condition uses outlined for A-R zones.
Agricultural Natural Areas (A-N)
An A-N zone is more restrictive in its use, particularly for areas that are geographically unique, like the Kentucky River. Forested areas, land with weak soil, or habitats that are rare and vulnerable are often given this designation.
Agricultural Urban (A-U)
This zone describes rural land within the Urban Service Area and how it should be maintained as such unless public facilities or services can serve an urban purpose. Think: The Lexington Cemetery or The Arboretum.
