Kentucky cities may regulate land use within the construct approved by the Kentucky General Assembly. Cities are not required to enact planning and zoning.
Planning and zoning is an intensive process in which areas of a city, and certain extra-territorial properties, are designated for specific purposes. Such land use zoning occurs after a city leaders and staff perform significant planning. Market studies, demographic trends, infrastructure assessments, and any other applicable research are combined into a comprehensive plan that governs the next five years of zoning activities. Ordinances are then passed to enforce those land use and transportation decisions.
Various committees, boards, and units are involved in this highly regulated process. Public input must be received in different forms, and an appeals process allows adjustments to the established zoning requirements.
The Kentucky League of Cities serves as the united voice of cities by supporting community innovation, effective leadership and quality governance.
