Barren County to host planning and zoning town hall meetings amid renewed development questions
Meetings are scheduled for July 14 and July 21, with two additional meetings planned for August.
GLASGOW, Ky. — Barren County Fiscal Court will host two town hall meetings in July focused on planning and zoning, as officials seek to explain how development decisions are handled in areas without a countywide zoning ordinance and gather public input on future land use.
The meetings come amid renewed discussion over whether Barren County could adopt a countywide moratorium on data center development, similar to actions taken in nearby counties including Allen and Edmonson.
Brennan Crain
According to the county attorney, Barren County cannot adopt a moratorium in the same way as jurisdictions with zoning authority because it does not have a countywide zoning ordinance.
Unlike Glasgow, Cave City and Park City, the county does not have a zoning ordinance, limiting the authority of local officials to regulate most types of development outside incorporated cities.
The county has previously discussed what a countywide zoning ordinance would mean for future development, but the idea has met strong opposition from residents who resist expanding local government control over land use decisions.
The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at 5 p.m. in the gymnasium at Temple Hill Elementary School. The second will be held Tuesday, July 21, at 5 p.m. in the gymnasium at Austin Tracy Elementary School.
County officials said the sessions will explain the planning and zoning process, answer resident questions and provide an opportunity for public feedback on land use issues across the county. Public comment will be limited to two minutes per speaker.
Two additional meetings are planned for August in the northern portion of the county, though dates and times have not yet been set, according to Barren County Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd, who said scheduling will depend on school availability.
County officials are encouraging all interested residents to attend and participate in the discussions.
