Change approved that would allow Costco near Hamburg

The Urban County Planning Commission on Thursday gave retailer Costco the first approval it needs to open a location near Hamburg Place, a city official said.

Urban County Commissioner of Planning Derek Paulsen said the Commission approved a text amendment that allows a building the size of Costco — about 140,000 square feet — to be built in what's known as a community center zone.

The members-only warehouse company and its representatives asked the city for permission to modify the zoning regulations governing the site, because the law prohibits stores the size of Costco in that zone.

"It's the first of several steps, but it's an important step in Costco coming to Lexington," said Paulsen.

Paulsen said Costco still must get approval from the Planning Commission for a development plan.

The Costco store is planned for the corner of Man o' War and Polo Club boulevards, across Interstate 75 from the primary Hamburg shopping area.

The company offers an assortment of products that range from food, office supplies and toilet paper to high end items like pianos and saunas. It also sells services like business payroll processing.

This story was originally published August 23, 2012 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Change approved that would allow Costco near Hamburg."