The Interim Joint Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Tuesday at its July meeting on a number of issues facing counties, including housing, residual waste landfills, chickens in backyards and short term rental restrictions.
Representatives from two think tanks, the Mercatus Center and the Bluegrass Institute, testified on local zoning and permitting practices and the national housing crisis. Both organizations advocated for preemptive state intervention that would limit local authority in zoning and permitting decisions.ggestions included legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADU’s), reforming minimum lot size requirements, reducing parking minimums, allowing for housing in commercial areas and streamlining the permitting process through third-party inspections.
Currently, approximately 58 Kentucky counties have adopted planning commissions and 40 of those counties have imposed zoning regulations. The ability for local governments to tailor land use regulations to each county’s unique needs is essential to ensure thoughtful, well-planned growth reflective of each county’s vision and priorities.
The committee also heard testimony on bills filed but not passed in the 2025 session.
Senate Majority Caucus Chair Robby Mills and Rep. Josh Bray presented on housing incentive proposals introduced during the 2025 session—Senate Bill 50 and House Bill 7, respectively. Both bills would aim to provide local governments with tools to incentivize new housing development. KACo supports these initiatives.
The committee also heard testimony from Rep. Rebecca Raymer on HB 371 from the 2025 legislative session addressing residual waste landfills. KACo supports this bill to help counties with residual waste landfills.
Rep. Steve Doan spoke on his bill from last session allowing chickens in backyards statewide (HB 806), and Airbnb representatives testified on local short term rental restrictions.
To view the recording of the committee meeting, click here.
