From city filings: a Pimlico Parkway drive-through, live music on Cherrybark Drive, a Todds Road business rezoning, senior apartments and Green Check firms.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This is the first monthly roundup, covering city filings and announcements from late August to Oct. 12, 2026. Every item comes from a Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government public record: the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission hearing notices and city news releases. An application is not an opening: we say which is which. Questions about a filing: Division of Planning, 859-258-3160.

Lexington does not publish a running list of new business licenses, so this roundup follows the public filings that new businesses and developments have to make: zoning changes, conditional use permits, development plans, and the city’s own ribbon cuttings and business programs. It is rebuilt at the start of each month.

What this means for you

  • A conditional use permit or zone change is a request. The board or council still has to approve it, and the business still needs its other permits.
  • To comment on a filing, write to planningmailbox@lexingtonky.gov before the hearing, or speak at it.
  • Set an alert on the city’s AgencyCounter map to hear about filings near you.

Before the Board of Adjustment

The board heard these business requests at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, according to its legal notice. Check the board’s page for its decisions.

  • Drive-through, 3130 Pimlico Parkway: Compass Capital Retail Partners LLC asked for a conditional use permit for a drive-through facility in a Commercial Center (B-6P) zone. Council District 8.
  • Indoor live entertainment, 125 Cherrybark Drive: Woodlake Properties LLC asked for a conditional use permit to allow indoor live entertainment within 100 feet of a residential zone, in a Neighborhood Business (B-1) zone. Council District 10.
  • Pool bar at Idle Hour Country Club, 1815 Richmond Road: the club asked to amend its conditional use permit to build a pool bar and restrooms. Council District 5.
  • Home-based barber shop, De Porres Avenue: a resident asked for a conditional use permit for a home business. Council District 1.
  • Un-hosted short-term rentals: three requests, on Aqueduct Drive (District 8), Laredo Drive (District 4) and Jacks Creek Pike (District 12).

Before the Planning Commission

From the commission’s Oct. 8 public hearing notice:

  • Todds Road rezoning, 4200 Todds Road: Anderson Communities Inc. petitioned to rezone 123.13 net acres from Agricultural Rural (A-R) to Neighborhood Business (B-1) and Medium Density Residential (R-4). Zone changes go on to the Urban County Council.
  • Griffin Gate Center, 1920-1960 Newtown Pike and 1475 Coleman Court: a waiver of open space standards for the property that includes the Clarion Hotel, tied to a development plan.
  • White Farm, 3515 Richmond Road: a final development plan for 114 townhomes and 480 apartments, with a request to use a private pump station.

Opened or launched

  • Wellington Park Apartments: Mayor Linda Gorton and council member Whitney Baxter cut the ribbon on 45 affordable apartments for seniors next to Wellington Park on Aug. 28, the city announced. AU Associates Inc. developed the $11.5 million project, the first affordable housing the city has helped build in the 9th Council District.
  • Plaza Comunitaria at Global Lex: Casa de la Cultura KY inaugurated Kentucky’s first Plaza Comunitaria, a free online program for Spanish-speaking adults to earn elementary and secondary credentials, the city said. Enrollment opens later this fall; information at 859-246-4341.

Green Check businesses

Twenty businesses and organizations joined or renewed the city’s free Green Check sustainability certification. New members include Everburn Manufacturing (Silver), Bluegrass Youth Ballet, Greater Kentucky Credit Union and International Book Project (all Bronze), along with two city facilities. Businesses that want to join the next round can fill out the interest form through Jan. 31, 2027.

Opening a business in Lexington

The steps most new businesses need, and our guides to each:

  • Zoning and building permits: building permits and zoning
  • Food businesses: a health department permit; see restaurant inspections
  • Alcohol: a state license from the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and a local license from the city’s ABC office, applied for in that order
  • Everything else: LexCall, 311 or 859-425-2255, will route you to the right office

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see new developments near me? On the city’s AgencyCounter map.

Do short-term rentals need a permit? Un-hosted ones in residential zones need a conditional use permit from the Board of Adjustment.

More: who to call at City Hall and public notices.