Opinion ID: 1776306
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the ordinance presumption is violative of the state zoning statutes.

Text: Green charges that the presumption of agricultural use for tracts of five acres or more clearly violates the statutory scheme for planning and zoning (KRS Chap. 100). We must bear in mind that planning and zoning are not synonymous. Zoning is concerned chiefly with land use; whereas, planning has to do with the systematic and orderly development of a community. The Commission may, without cavil, adopt a comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. In the subject action, Grissom sought to secure the approval of his subdivision plat in order that it may be recorded in the county court clerk's office and the 15 tracts sold off without considering any economical, technical, social or physical advancements or changes as required by KRS 100.197. The subdivision as proposed by Grissom in effect constitutes a change in the land use from agricultural to residential. KRS 100.111(22) provides that such division of agricultural lands (1) into tracts of five acres or more, and (2) not involving a new street, shall not be deemed a subdivision. On the other hand, the ordinance, in addition to reiterating this statute, provides that such lots of five acres or more in an agricultural zone shall be presumed to be devoted to agricultural use. This presumption is not a natural or logical extension of KRS 100.111(22). We find that the presumption of agricultural use as contained in Section 3.221 of the ordinance is in conflict with the provisions of KRS Chapter 100 dealing with the subdivision of land and the designation of land use. Consequently, it is invalid.