Department of Planning and Community Development


Planning


The Planning Division is responsible for the long range and short-range land use planning of Ashland. Tasks include the update and maintenance of the comprehensive plan, review of subdivision plats, site plans, zoning changes, street closings, conditional use permits, and variances. The staff serves the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission reviews applications for zoning changes, permanent street closings, and subdivision plats. Public hearings are held as required by state law. For zoning changes and street closings, the commission is a recommending body only. Its recommendations are forwarded to the Board of City Commissioners for a final decision. The Planning Commission is also responsible for updating and maintaining the comprehensive plan, which guides the future development of the city.

The Planning Commission has nine citizen members who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of City Commissioners. The Planning Commission normally meets the third Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Meetings are held in the Commissioners’ Chambers on the third floor of the City Building at 1700 Greenup Avenue. The meetings are open to the public.

Board of Zoning Adjustment

The Board of Zoning Adjustment reviews applications for variances, conditional use permits, and non-conformity permits. The Board also reviews appeals of administrative decisions made by the zoning administrator.

A variance is permission to vary from a dimensional requirement of the zoning ordinance such as the distance required between a structure and a property line, also known as the setback. A conditional use permit is required for land uses that are suitable only in certain circumstances; therefore the Board must review them on a case-by-case basis. An example is a day care facility in a residential district. A non-conformity permit is an approval to allow a change or modification of a non-conforming use.

The Board of Zoning Adjustment has five citizen members who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of City Commissioners. The Board normally meets the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are held in the Commissioners’ Chambers on the third floor of the City Building at 1700 Greenup Avenue. The meetings are open to the public.

The Planning staff is located in the City Building, 1700 Greenup Avenue, Room 208. Office hours are Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Prior to visiting the office it is recommended that you call to make an appointment or see if your inquiry can be handled over the telephone. The telephone number is 606-327-2031. The fax number is 606-325-8412.You may also e-mail the office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .