New Businesses

Before opening a business in the City, please be sure to review any zoning considerations. Please either contact the local Zoning Specialist or visit the Zoning page to ensure your business is permitted in the intended area.

Existing or Expanding Businesses

Before setting out to expand or make improvements to your business (such as signage or any other exterior modifications), please be sure to check in in with the Zoning Specialist to ensure that the proposed improvements meet the zoning requirements.

For more information, visit the zoning page.

Building Permits & PDS: Our Development Partner

Submission of building permits through Planning and Development Services of Kenton County (PDS) are subject to the following process:

  1. An applicant may either submit building permit applications to the Community Services Division or take the application directly to PDS offices (1840 Simon Kenton Way, Suite 3400, Covington, KY 41011-2999, 859-331-8980).
  2. All applications submitted will require the proper plans and drawings to be submitted with a complete building permit application and associated fee. The application must be filled out in its entirety all incomplete applications and inadequate submittals will not be accepted.
  3. If the applicant chooses to submit the building permit, application to the City of Covington Community Services Division, all applications are due by 3:30 p.m. M-F in order for the application to be delivered to the PDS on the same day of submittal. Any applications submitted after 3:30 p.m. will be delivered to the PDS offices the following day.
  4. Once the application and plans have been reviewed, the applicant will be contacted by the PDS for the next steps regarding permit pickup and any final payments due.

Please be aware it is highly encourage that all building permit applications be submitted directly to PDS offices.  Should you have any questions regarding the process, please contact either the City of Covington Zoning Specialist 859-292-2135 or PDS Building Codes Department 859-331-8980.