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(DRAFT) 2024 Kenton County Comprehensive Plan > ELEMENTS > Sub Areas Element > Rural SubArea

Rural Sub Area

1. Recommendation: Align current policies and regulations to highlight and preserve the rural heritage of southern Kenton County.

Southern Kenton County Agriculture

Associated Goals & Objectives:

Goal 4 – Objective D

Tasks:

  1. 1)  Consider the effect land use policies in southern Kenton County will have on the elements of rural heritage, property values, property rights, and housing prices.
  2. 2)  Develop model zoning regulations, based on the overall community value, that appropriately balance the need for growth and preservation in southern Kenton County.
  3. 3)  Evaluate cultural and recreational opportunities that are appropriate in scale to the community.
  4. 4)  Identify properties and buildings of historical or rural significance to recommend for the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Kenton County Register of Historic Landmarks.

Basis:

The South Kenton planning effort, which included the administration of a community-wide survey, focus group meetings and other small group meetings, indicates the general consensus in the southern part of Kenton County to keep the area rural. In addition, census data has shown a net gain in population in rural areas while there was a net loss in agricultural employment. However, there has been a growth in smaller farms and traditional farming has given way to more modern operations which promotes agritourism.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report
South Kenton Citizens Group

2. Recommendation: Coordinate with appropriate agencies to assess the need and impact of extending services into rural areas.

Coordinate with appropriate agencies to assess the need and impact of extending services into rural areas.Associated Goals & Objectives:

Goal 4 – Objective D

Tasks:

  1. 1) Work with the South Kenton Citizens Group to develop a prioritized list of services needed.
  2. 2)  Encourage the South Kenton Citizens Group to investigate the needs, feasibility, and financial solutions in extending services.

Basis:

Public input has indicated a desire for services in the area, such as access to public water and improved telecommunication service. In addition, the changing nature of agriculture requires improved rural infrastructure services that can support these operations.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report
South Kenton Citizens Group

3. Recommendation: Modify regulations to accommodate the expanding range of modern agricultural activities in southern Kenton County.

Associated Goals & Objectives:

Goal 4 – Objective D

Tasks:Modern Agricultural Activities in Southern Kenton County

  1. 1)  Determine local, state and national trends in agricultural production and related regulations.
  2. 2)  Continue community dialogue regarding agriculture and identify regulatory barriers.
  3. 3)  Evaluate and promote regulations pertaining to agritourism.
  4. 4)  Remove barriers that inhibit viability and economic growth of agriculture operations.
  5. 5)  Encourage small-scale agriculture enterprises and related agricultural businesses through inclusive zoning regulations.
  6. 6)  Continue to coordinate with infrastructure agencies to extend service into underserved populations where the need presents itself.

Basis:

Research has indicated a movement away from traditional forms of agriculture into modern endeavors such as agritourism, egg production, equine livestock, fruit and vegetable production, horticulture production, ornamental production, silviculture, vineyards and wine production enterprises.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report
South Kenton Citizens Group

4. Recommendation: Continue to support efforts and determine additional programs needed to promote agriculture operations.

Continue to support efforts and determine additional programs needed to promote agriculture operations.Associated Goals & Objectives:

Goal 4 – Objective D

Tasks:

  1. 1)  Promote educational opportunities for farm operators and agritourism
  2. 2)  Encourage outreach to younger generations to get involved in agricultural programs and activities.
  3. 3)  Develop marketing programs to promote agritourism.
  4. 4)  Establish a comprehensive inventory of existing farming operations in Kenton County and their location.

Basis:

Historic trends continue to indicate that the number of farms in agricultural production has declined in the last 25-years. However, there has been a growth in smaller farms and traditional farming has given way to more sustainable operations which promote agritourism. Several programs are in place through the Kenton County Agricultural Extension Service and the Kenton County Conservation District to encourage future generations to consider agriculture.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report
South Kenton Citizens Group

5. Recommendation: Rural residential, commercial, and industrial development policies need to be tailored to align with the Recommended Land Use Map and community preservation, scale and values.

Continue to support efforts and determine additional programs needed to promote agriculture operations.Associated Goals & Objectives:

Goal 4 – Objective D

Tasks:

  1. 1)  Work with rural communities in the U.S 25 corridor to examine the desire and feasibility for commercial and industrial zoning as identified in the recommended land use map.
  2. 2)  Research and align residential rural lot sizes, location, and layout to preserve rural character.
  3. 3)  Evaluate the need to locate churches and other institutional uses only along arterial and collector streets.
  4. 4)  Evaluate uses that may be compatible in the rural areas such as commercial recreation, agritourism, and agriculture-related commercial uses.
  5. 5)  Research infrastructure needed to support the agricultural economy and encouraging modern agricultural practices.

Basis:

Historically, development occurred along roadways as a result of farm and large lot subdivisions. To preserve the rural character in the area, future development should make more efficient use of the land. Zoning regulations in the Rural Sub Area are predominantly Agricultural One (A-1) and permits agricultural and residential uses by right and only institutional uses, such as churches, as conditional uses along arterial or collector streets. Regulations should work to promote agriculture-based businesses without sacrificing the community values.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report
South Kenton Citizens Group

6. Recommendation: Improve safety along rural roads.

Associated Goals & Objectives:

Goal 4 – Objective D

Tasks:

  1. 1)  Identify problem areas and coordinate with the appropriate agencies to create solutions.
  2. 2)  Maintain existing roadways and provide better shoulders rather than develop new roads.
  3. 3)  Promote the installation of appropriate speed limit and marketing signs.
  4. 4)  Identify funding sources and apply for grant application assistance.
  5. 5)  Adopt rural road standards within the Kenton County Subdivision Regulations.
  6. 6)  Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety along OKI and Kentucky identified bike routes through increased signage, education, and improved infrastructure.

Basis:

Some of the most dangerous road segments for crashes are in the rural areas on narrow and winding country roads. A survey of south Kenton residents in Winter 2014 indicated a strong preference to better maintain existing roadways rather than build new roads.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report
South Kenton Citizens Group