Retrofit incomplete suburban developments, incorporating elements that create complete neighborhoods.
For decades, Lexington embraced strong Euclidian zoning as a way to protect residential uses from the negative externalities of incompatible land uses. However, the market has seen a significant shift in residential consumer preferences, to which Lexington must respond and address with more modern zoning regulations. Primarily, Lexington’s economy, like the national economy, has shifted away from many of the most incompatible land uses, while at the same time, there has been a boom in the services and retail sectors. Today, people are also seeking to live in areas where they can get all their needs met without being forced to drive as far, or in some cases, at all. A complete neighborhood should contain residential, employment, commercial, recreational and civic uses that serve the overall needs of the area. Where these do not exist, Imagine Lexington advocates for complementary infill and development to meet those needs.
Goals and Objectives
GOAL A1: Expand housing choices
Objective: A1a
Pursue incentives and regulatory approaches that encourage creativity and sustainability in housing development.
Objective: A1b
Accommodate the demand for housing in Lexington responsibly, prioritizing higher-density and mixture of housing types.
Objective: A1c
Plan for safe, affordable and accessible housing to meet the needs of older and/or disadvantaged residents.
Objective: A1d
Create and implement housing incentives that strengthen the opportunities for higher-density and housing affordability.
GOAL A2: Support infill and redevelopment throughout the Urban Service Area as a strategic component of growth.
Objective: A2a
Identify areas of opportunity for infill, redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use development.
Objective: A2b
Respect the context and design features of areas surrounding development projects and develop design standards and guidelines to ensure compatibility with existing urban form.
Objective: A2c
Incorporate adequate greenspace and open space into all development projects, which serve the needs of the intended population.
GOAL A3: Provide well-designed neighborhoods and communities.
Objective: A3a
Enable existing and new neighborhoods to flourish through improved regulation, expanded opportunities for neighborhood character preservation, and public commitment to expand options for mixed-use and mixed-type housing throughout Lexington-Fayette County
Objective: A3b
Strive for positive and safe social interactions in neighborhoods, including, but not limited to, neighborhoods that are connected for pedestrians and various modes of transportation.
GOAL A4: Address community facilities at a neighborhood scale.
Objective: A4a
Incorporate schools, libraries, and other community-focused educational institutions into neighborhoods in order to maximize safe routes for all pedestrians and bicyclists.
Objective: A4b
Plan for equitable and accessible social services and healthcare facilities that address the needs of all residents, maximizing the opportunity to reach geographically underserved areas throughout the community.
GOAL B2: Reduce Lexington-Fayette County’s carbon footprint.
Objective: B2b
Anticipate the community's needs by encouraging environmentally sustainable uses of natural resources.
GOAL D1: Work to achieve an effective and comprehensive transportation system.
Objective: D1a
Support the Complete Streets concept, prioritizing a pedestrian-first design that also accommodates the needs of bicycle, transit and other vehicles.
Objective: D1b
Develop a viable network of accessible transportation alternatives for residents and commuters, which may include the use of mass transit, bicycles, walkways, ridesharing, greenways and other strategies.
GOAL D2: Support a model of development that focuses on people-first to provide accessible community facilities and services to meet the health, safety and quality of life needs of Lexington-Fayette County’s residents and visitors.
Objective: D2c
Collaborate with service providers about how their community facilities should enhance existing neighborhoods.
GOAL E1: Uphold the Urban Service Area concept.
Objective: E1a
Continue to monitor the absorption of vacant and underutilized land within the Urban Service Area.
Objective: E1b
Ensure all types of development are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable to accommodate the future growth needs of all residents while safeguarding rural land.
Objective: E1d
Maximize development on vacant land within the Urban Service Area and promote redevelopment of underutilized land in a manner that enhances existing urban form and/or historic features.