The comprehensive plan acts as a blueprint for public and private actions and decisions to ensure coordinated property development. It serves as a guide for zoning decisions and should be applied to all development decisions within a city/county. It’s important to note that the policies, goals, and tasks outlined in the comprehensive plan are not solely related to zoning.

The 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update  for Kenton County serves as the county’s official comprehensive plan. This plan is designed to direct growth and development in Kenton County by establishing goals, objectives, and implementation strategies to improve the quality of life in the area. It is based on public input, ensuring that stakeholders’ needs and desires shape the future of the community, making it a vibrant, sustainable, and economically competitive place to live and work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Kenton County encompasses urban, rural and suburban environments and boasts a diverse population spanning all age groups and ethnicities; thus, public input is crucial 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.

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:

A) That the existing zoning classification given to the property is inappropriate and that the proposed zoning classification is appropriate; or B) 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.

Past Comprehensive Plans

Kenton County has a rich planning history, starting with the first comprehensive plan in 1972. Although the previous plans are no longer officially in use, they still offer a valuable historical record of the county’s past visions for its future. The complete planning documents for each plan created since 1972 can be found through the links below.