Subdivision regulations govern the layout of new subdivisions, including design standards for streets, access management, utilities, and pedestrian ways. These regulations serve to protect natural, historic, and recreational areas and establish guidelines for the construction of public improvements. Department staff are also responsible for inspecting these improvements. The department’s primary responsibility is to ensure that subdivision regulations remain effective and current with technological and industry advancements.

Kenton County Subdivision Regulations

These regulations establish the mechanisms, further define the powers and duties, and set forth the standards and requirements necessary to administer the responsibilities granted to local Planning Commissions under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 100.

Applications and Forms

All applications may be submitted through the online submission portal, which offers a straightforward process for applicants.

Subdivision Development Analysis

Residential Development Tracking provides reporting on the availability and acreage of available parcels and planned lots within Kenton County subdivisions.

Inspection Services

To maintain quality standards and ensure compliance with the Kenton County Subdivision Regulations, all new subdivision streets, sidewalks, and storm sewers require on-site inspection by PDS staff prior to installation. Staff are responsible for overseeing the construction of these assets to ensure they meet the standards set forth in the regulations.

A 48-hour notice is required for all inspection services. For inquiries or to schedule an inspection, please contact the Infrastructure Engineering Department at 859-957-2405.

Surety Issues

When requesting approval of a Final Plat, a subdivider may execute and file a written Guarantee with the Planning Commission in lieu of actually installing or completing the required public improvements or private street construction.

Guarantee amount. The Guarantee amount is based on a cost estimate for completing the public improvements within the applicable section(s) of the Final Plat, plus a ten percent contingency fee. This estimate:

  • Is provided by the Project Engineer or Developer and approved by Staff
  • Must include engineering, plan review, and construction review fees, where applicable
  • Must use unit prices based on the latest edition of R.S. Means Construction Cost Data

Guarantees must be made payable to the Planning Commission and are subject to acceptance by Staff and the Planning Commission’s legal counsel.

Acceptable forms of Guarantee. A Guarantee must take one of the following forms:

  1. Cash, check, cashier’s check, or money order
  2. A subdivision bond secured from an insurance company
  3. An irrevocable standby letter of credit from a financial institution
  4. A certificate of deposit from a financial institution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • See Detail #20  from Standard Construction Drawings for set-up of form work.
  • Compacted DGA (Dense-graded aggregate) is recommended for fill under driveway aprons and sidewalk.
  • A contractor may only utilize a concrete mix that has been approved for use in Kenton County. Ready Mix Concrete suppliers are required to submit mix designs for approval that comply with the subdivision regulations.
  • All driveways/sidewalks are required to be inspected prior to pouring. Please contact PDS at 859-957-2405 to schedule the inspection or for further questions.

  • Maybe, in Kenton County the general requirements are as follows:
    1. The created parcel and remainder must have frontage on a publicly maintained roadway.
    2. The created parcel and remainder must meet the lot area and dimensions required by the applicable zoning ordinance.
    3. The created parcel and remainder must meet the Kenton County Subdivision Regulations.
  • PDS Staff can assist in answering as many questions as possible, but it may take hiring a land surveyor to verify the lot area and dimensions.  The surveyor will ultimately create the subdivision of the property.
  • To find out more information regarding hiring a land surveyor please refer to this document.

  • For minor subdivisions (not involving a new street or public improvements)  refer to the ID Plat Process  document.
  • For major subdivisions (new public streets or public improvements) refer to the Final Plat Process  document.

  • No – As defined in KRS 100 a consolidation of property is not a subdivision and therefore is not subject to approval.
  • A consolidation deed can be prepared by an attorney with language that clearly spells out the intent of the deed such as follows:

THE PURPOSE OF THIS DEED IS TO CONSOLIDATE THE PARCELS DESCRIBED ABOVE INTO ONE CONSOLIDATED LOT FOR BUILDING DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES, SUCH THAT THE PREVIOUSLY DISTINCT AND SEPARATE PARCELS WILL BE TREATED AS ONE LOT FOR ALL PURPOSES, INCLUDING FOR ZONING AND BUILDING PURPOSES, AND MAY NOT BE HEREAFTER SUBDIVIDED NOR CONVEYED SEPARATELY WITHOUT PROPER REGULATORY APPROVAL.

  • In general, the Subdivision Regulations allow for the following review periods:
    • ID Plat – 10 business days
    • Preliminary Plat – 15 business days
    • Grading Plan – 15 business days
    • Improvement Drawing – 15 business days
    • Final Plat – 10 business days
  • These review periods are affected by other aspects such as other jurisdictional approvals, completion of infrastructure, availability of surveyor/engineer, etc.

  • Please see this guide  to help decide.
  • Staff at PDS is available to help you with any additional questions.

  • Staff is required to enforce the Subdivision Regulations.
  • Subdivisions are required to conform to those regulations.

It is not staff’s position to determine whether a property meets the requirements of being “land for agricultural use”.  KRS 100.11 defines Agricultural Use. If an interpretation is made that the property is agricultural, and an attorney drafts a deed in accordance, then it could be recorded without requiring KCPC approval.