Florence City Council March 17

Roll Call

Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of a quorum with all council members in attendance. Presiding: Mayor Julie Metzger-Aubuchon. Council members present: Ms. Patricia Wingo, Mr. Gary Winn, Ms. Lesley Chambers, Ms. Dianne Whalen, Ms. Angie Cable, and Mr. David Schneider.

Approval of Minutes – March 10, 2026, Business Meeting

Motion to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2026, Business Meeting. Seconded by Ms. Whalen. No corrections or discussion were noted. Approved unanimously via roll call 6-0. 

Ordinance O-5-2026 – Second Reading

• The ordinance adopts and approves a change of concept development plan for an approximate 0.47-acre site at 7276 Burlington Pike in the C-2/PD/PO (Commercial Two Planned Development Parkway Corridor Overlay) district. 
• The change permits the property to be used for a jewelry store (or any other principally permitted use consistent with the underlying C-2 general commercial district). 
• This was the second reading, following prior review by the Boone County Planning Commission and the city’s Planning & Zoning Committee. 
• Mr. Winn moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Ms. Chambers. 
• Brief reference was made to the prior committee deliberations; no additional discussion occurred. 
• Approved unanimously via roll call vote 6-0. 

Resolution R-26-0002 – Manufactured Homes Zoning Text Amendments (Discussion Item)

• The resolution relates to the adoption of zoning text amendments to the Boone County zoning regulations. It applies to the Boone County Fiscal Court and the legislative bodies of the cities of Florence, Walton, and Union as members of the Boone County Planning Unit. 
• The amendments define and regulate “manufactured home,” “qualified manufactured home” and “mobile home” and identify the specific zoning districts where such uses are permitted or authorized. 
• Key changes affect Article 40 § 4000, Article 5 §§ 505.1–505.5, and Article 20 § 2001, and are subject to the recommendations in the Technical Design Review Committee report. 
• Presented by Mr. Todd Morgan, Director of Community Development. The updates are required to comply with new state law (House Bill 160 and KRS 100.348, effective July 1, 2026), which prohibits treating qualified manufactured homes differently from site-built single-family dwellings when they meet specific criteria (e.g., ≤5 years old, permanent foundation, minimum dimensions, energy standards). Traditional mobile homes remain restricted to agricultural (A-1) and mobile home park districts. 
• Extensive discussion followed among Council members (particularly Ms. Whalen and Ms. Wingo) regarding terminology distinctions (manufactured vs. modular vs. mobile), lending/financing implications, visual/quality standards of modern qualified units, potential impacts on housing affordability and compatibility with existing neighborhoods. Council expressed a clear understanding of the need for compliance while seeking to balance affordability with local character. 
• No formal vote was taken; the item was advanced as a recommendation for further consideration by the full Boone County Planning Unit. 

Adjournment: motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned.