FRANKFORT — Gov. Paul Patton on Friday promoted a plan laden with incentives for well-thought-out land use.

        For political reasons, the “smart growth” legislation does not attempt to mandate planning and zoning in areas that don't have it.

        Instead, the governor proposed tax credits and technical advice to encourage property restoration and assist local planning.

        A separate bill introduced by Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, would go further by requiring planning and zoning in every Kentucky county.

        Mr. Wayne's bill “goes a little bit too far, too fast,” Mr. Patton said in a news conference.

        Mr. Patton's proposals stem from recommendations issued by a governor's task force, and reflect the growing pressures as urban sprawl spreads into rural areas — prompting conflict among developers and conservationists.

        Mr. Patton said his package emphasizes orderly growth while respecting private-property rights and local decision-making.

        His bill would create state tax credits to preserve neighborhoods, encourage restoration of historic areas and revitalize downtowns.

        Crit Luallen, secretary of Mr. Patton's Cabinet, said tax credits would cost the state $2 million to $3 million a year in about four or five years but would have no shorter-term effect on state revenues.

        The bill would create a state planning assistance office. It would offer technical assistance for local planning and coordinate a public campaign to persuade people that managed growth and economic growth can co-exist.

        State government itself would adhere to “smart growth” standards under the bill.

        State construction projects would be subject to local planning and zoning in communities that had it. Elsewhere, a state planning committee would have to review proposed project sites.

        Rep. Joe Barrows, a Versailles Democrat and a member of House leadership, will sponsor Mr. Patton's legislation.

        Also attending the bill announcement was Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, who said the proposal is not perfect but seeks to accommodate developers and conservationists.

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Patton urges 'smart growth'