KCPC & PDS Relationship

The Kenton County Planning Commission (KCPC), authorized under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 100, may employ staff, including planners and other necessary personnel, to fulfill its duties. The Commission relies on Kenton County’s Planning and Development Services (PDS) to perform this function.

Established in 1961 through local action and under the authority of Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 147, PDS was created to support orderly growth and development by providing planning services to Kenton County and its communities. Since then, PDS has served as the professional arm of Kenton County’s planning efforts, collaborating with communities to address changing needs. Supporting KCPC is one of many functions PDS performs on behalf of the local communities it serves.

In daily operations on behalf of KCPC, PDS manages routine tasks that keep the planning process active and responsive. This includes assisting local governments, residents, property owners, and developers with questions and applications, handling administrative duties, reviewing development proposals, conducting research and analysis on land use, zoning, and growth trends, and preparing reports and recommendations for the planning commission to consider.

This model, comprising a volunteer citizen commission supported by professional staff, is common and effective both in Kentucky and nationally. It combines community input with technical expertise to ensure planning decisions are both locally relevant and professionally guided.