The comprehensive plan for Kenton County. Changing demographics and economic conditions necessitate the need to re-evaluate policies that have been in place since the preparation of the  plan in 2014. The plan  guides growth and development in Kenton County and outlines goals, objectives, and implementation strategies aimed at making Kenton County a great place to live. The Comprehensive Plan is centered on public input, so residents’ needs and desires essentially shaped the future of their community to create a vibrant, sustainable, economically competitive place to live and work.

The process began with meetings with key persons/organizations in the community. Four rounds of public meetings and several small group meetings in addition to monthly meetings with Task Forces were held. After the completion of a second round of meetings, the Goals and Objectives were prepared and adopted. Recommendations and tasks were then developed based on the Goals and Objectives and additional public input. Developing the Goals and Objectives and subsequent recommendations required an in-depth analyses of regional and local trends in demographics, economics, health, and environment/agriculture, as well as examinations of public ideas and opinions.

Kenton County encompasses urban, rural and suburban environments and boasts a diverse population spanning all age groups and ethnicities; thus, public input is all the more valuable in order to effectively meet the many and varied needs of Kenton County residents. Informed and driven by Kenton County residents, the comprehensive plan addresses major issues relating to the county’s future growth, prosperity, and well-being.

The Kenton County Planning Commission (KCPC) which includes appointed representatives from legislative bodies in Kenton County has the final authority to adopt the Comprehensive Plan.

KRS 100 states that the comprehensive plan serves as a guide for public and private actions and decisions to assure that development of public and private property is in the most appropriate relationships. Conformance with the Comprehensive Plan is a critical element considered by the KCPC and the legislative bodies when reviewing development proposals. Additional planning efforts are carried out in areas identified in the Plan where significant changes are anticipated due to projects likely to have significant impact, such as major road widening or where redevelopment may need to occur. The Comprehensive Plan can help in securing federal and state grants as these programs typically inquire if a project is compliant with the local Plan.

Zoning includes a set of regulations associated with a piece of property and specifies areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place within an area. The Comprehensive Plan outlines a vision for the area and identifies the best fit for future development in the county. Properties are bound by zoning requirements while the Comprehensive Plan is used as a guide by decision makers.

The future land use map is a recommendation for how an area or property should be used. In the future when a property develops or redevelops, the map provides a starting point for suggesting how it should be developed.

When a zone change is requested the request is analyzed based on recommendations in the comprehensive plan. If the requested change is not in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan then the applicant is asked to demonstrate one of the following:

1. That the existing zoning classification given to the property is inappropriate and that the proposed zoning classification is appropriate; or
2. That there have been major changes of an economic, physical or social nature within the area involved which were not anticipated in the adopted comprehensive plan and which have substantially altered the basic character of such area.