HB 617: AN ACT relating to planning and zoning.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 100 to define "qualifying planning unit," "qualifying residential development," "small lot," "service document," and "transitional buffer"; prohibit a qualifying planning unit from establishing certain restrictions on a qualifying residential development or small lot; allow a qualifying planning unit to adopt generally applicable regulations related to specified environmental features, and other matters for which a planning unit is authorized to regulate; establish that there is no effect on property owner's associations; establish a cause of action and recovery costs and awarding of attorney's fees if successful; establish limitations on when a qualifying planning unit may deny a development; allow a developer to modify and resubmit development plans after a denial; require a qualifying planning unit alleging substantial negative impacts to articulate those impacts and demonstrate them under clear and convincing evidentiary standard; establish a cause of action by a developer to bring suit for a development plan denial; permit a local government to require a transitional buffer between existing development and a qualifying residential development; create a new section of KRS Chapter 100 to prohibit a planning unit from adopting certain space requirements for parking; direct that the prohibition does not alleviate responsibility to provide accessible parking; allow a planning unit to deny a development if there would be substantial negative impacts; allow a developer to modify and resubmit plans to remediate negative impacts; require a planning unit alleging substantial negative impacts to articulate those impacts and demonstrate them under clear and convincing evidentiary standard; establish a cause of action by a developer for a denial due to a substantial negative impact; create a new section of KRS Chapter 100 to define "mixed-use residential development," "multifamily residential development," and "qualifying planning unit"; direct that in a qualifying planning unit mixed-use and multifamily developments are permitted use in commercial zones; prohibit a qualifying planning unit from imposing requirements on those developments more restrictive than other uses in the zone or to have certain parking requirements; EFFECTIVE July 1, 2027.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 4

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 13, 2026returned to Local Government (H)
2. March 13, 20261st reading
3. March 13, 2026taken from Local Government (H)
4. February 19, 2026to Local Government (H)
5. February 11, 2026to Committee on Committees (H)
6. February 11, 2026introduced in House