The City of Murray, Kentucky

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Variances & Conditional Uses


Conditional Use

Definition: A use which is essential to or would promote the public health, safety or welfare in one or more districts but which would impair the integrity and character of the district in which it is located, or in adjoining districts unless restrictions on location, size, extent and character of performance are imposed in addition to those imposed in the zoning ordinance.

A conditional use permit may be granted when a land owner wishes to utilize the land in a way not in accordance with the zoning district regulations for that area.

See the application (PDF) or call the Planning & Engineering Department for details.

Dimensional Variance

Definition: A departure from the terms of the zoning ordinance pertaining to height or width of structures and size of yards and open spaces, where such departure will not be contrary to the public interest, and where owing to conditions peculiar to the property because of its size, shape or topography and not as a result of the actions of the applicant, the literal enforcement of the zoning ordinance would result in unnecessary and undue hardship.

A dimensional variance may be granted when a land owner wishes to depart from the zoning ordinance regarding
dimensions" such as building setbacks, yard sizes, sign dimensions, etc.

See the application (PDF) or call the Planning & Engineering Department for details.

Zoning Map Amendments

Kentucky Revised Statute 100.213 Findings necessary for map amendment: Before any map amendment is granted, the planning commission or the legislative body or fiscal court must find that the map amendment is in agreement with the community's comprehensive plan, or, in the absence of such a finding, that one or more of the following apply and such finding shall be recorded in the minutes and records of the planning commission or the legislative body or fiscal court.

(1) That the original zoning classification given to the property was inappropriate or improper.

(2) That there have been major changes of an economic, physical or social nature within the area involved which were not anticipated in the community's comprehensive plan and which have substantially altered the basic character of such area.

See the application (PDF) or call the Planning & Engineering Department for details.

Planning/Engineering