A property, or group of properties, can be included into designated historic areas at the national, state, or local level. Properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places are recognized for their importance to the history of the community, state, or nation. These properties qualify for federal tax incentives for rehabilitation and are afforded limited protection from adverse effects by federal or state involved projects. Properties listed on the State Register of Historic Places are provided protection from adverse effects from state involved projects and are also provided the opportunity to apply for state preservation grants. At the local level of designation, properties, typically grouped into districts, can be designated by the local legislative body as historic districts. Any changes or improvements to the exterior architecture of a structure often must be approved by a Design Review Board. The local level of designation provides the most oversight and protection for historic properties and places.

There are a number of efforts being pursued in Kenton County to identify and preserve historic resources. One primary tool that is used in the urban areas are zoning regulations. Many jurisdictions within the country utilize historic preservation overlay (HPO) zoning classifications which require a property owner located within such a district to get approval from a Design Review Board prior to making any alterations to the exterior architecture of a building or structure on their property. This requirement is to ensure that they will not detract from the character and form of the structure and the surrounding areas.

Another method, utilized by the City of Covington, is to be designated a Certified Local Government (CLG) 4. Localities recognized as a CLG become an active partner in the Federal Historic Preservation Program and the opportunities this program provides. These opportunities include access to federal funding, technical advice, and a diverse network of partnerships and organizational contacts to utilize. Additionally, recognition as a CLG also shows the commitment of a community to protect resources that are historically significant from the past for future generations. Additionally, the City of Covington has recently established the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades6 , which is in partnership with the Business Industry Association (BIA) of Northern Kentucky, and who’s mission is to create a skilled workforce for the historic trades. This effort will bring jobs for citizens and rehabilitation assistance for property owners of historic homes.

In order to protect the historic resources in the county it is important to have a comprehensive database of properties that are historic. PDSKC conducted historic surveys throughout Kenton County from 1996 to 2006. The survey was made possible through funding provided by the KHC. Data from these surveys were incorporated into the county’s GIS system for documentation and mapping purposes as well as for future use. Over 450 survey forms were created from data compiled from Taylor Mill, Independence, Fairview, Erlanger, Elsmere, Ryland Heights, Lakeside Park, Bromley, Edgewood, Crestview Hills, Fort Wright, Fort Mitchell, and Park Hills, and unincorporated areas of Kenton County. In 2011, the City of Independence conducted a more detailed historic resource survey, the majority of which covered a 10-acre area around the Kenton County Courthouse. The city has considered applying to the National Register for Historic Places as a historic district.

It is the intent of the Comprehensive Plan to support the list of areas with historical significance in Kenton County. Several cities within Kenton County have historic districts which have been listed to the national registry, including Covington, Erlanger, Fort Mitchell, Lakeside Park, Ludlow, and Park Hills. Two Kenton County cities, Covington and Ludlow, have adopted Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPO’s).

In order to identify and protect historical properties and places, it is essential for the county to adopt sound preservation planning principles. The Kentucky Heritage Council provides that effective local government preservation programs have several common components including: a survey of historic and prehistoric resources, preservation planning, a historic preservation ordinance, and public education. The KHC has identified three key principles to successful Preservation Planning. They are as follows:

• Important historic properties are irreplaceable if destroyed. Preservation planning provides for conservative use of these properties and permits drastic modification or destruction of historic properties only after all other alternatives are exhausted.
• If planning for the preservation of historic properties is to be effective, it must begin before the identification of all significant properties has been completed. To make responsible decisions about resources, existing information must be used to the maximum extent and new information must be acquired regularly.
• Preservation planning includes public participation. Public involvement is most meaningful when used to define historic preservation issues at the beginning of the planning process.

The history of a community contributes to its personality. Preservation of such resources not only reflects the unique character of an area, but it also provides opportunities for cultural, social, economic, environmental and educational benefits.

A community becomes culturally richer by having a tangible presence of the past. Economically a community benefits from the opportunities for tourism and increases in property values. Social benefits include an increase in citizen pride for their local history and mutual concern for protection of such resources. Reuse and rehabilitation of existing historic buildings prevent a considerable amount of waste that would otherwise be disposed of in a landfill. Preservation of historic buildings and areas also provides an excellent opportunity to teach respect for local heritage and understanding of the past. While there are currently significant efforts underway in Kenton County to preserve and protect our historic cultural resources, it is of utmost importance to promote future identification and allocate protection for such important and beneficial assets.

1. Definition provided by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
2. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm
3. Historic Preservation in Kentucky, John I. Gilderbloom, Erin E. House, and Matthew J. Hanka
4. The Certified Local Government Program is a preservation partnership between local, state and national governments focused on promoting historic preservation at the grass roots level. The program is jointly administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in each state, with each local community working through a certification process to become recognized as a Certified Local Government (CLG).
5. The Kentucky Heritage Council is charged with identifying, preserving and protecting the historic resources of Kentucky
6. https://heritagetradesacademy.com/