1. The smallest practical area of land shall be exposed at any one time during development.
2. When land is exposed during development, the exposure shall be kept to the shortest practical period of time.
3. Temporary vegetation and/or mulching shall be used to protect critical areas exposed during development.
4. Sediment basins (debris basins or silt traps) shall be installed and maintained to remove sediment from run-off waters from land undergoing development.
5. Provisions shall be made to accommodate the increased run-off caused by changed soil and surface conditions during and after development.
6. Permanent final vegetation and structures shall be installed as soon as practical in the development.
7. The development shall be fitted to the topography and soils so as to create the least erosion potential.
8. Wherever feasible, natural vegetation shall be retained and protected.

1. In All Minimum Required Yards - Driveways, providing they are not closer than one (1) foot to the property line to which they run approximately parallel to, except that in the event that a common driveway will be used to serve two (2) or more lots, then driveways may be permitted to abut the property line; steps, four (4) feet or less above grade, projecting not more than four (4) feet into the minimum required yards which are necessary for access to a lot from a street or alley; fire escapes and chimneys, projecting not more than thirty (30) inches into the minimum required yards; arbors and trellises; flag poles; bird baths; trees; plants; shrubberies; ornaments; utility poles and wires; and outdoor furniture; fences and walls, subject to the requirements in ARTICLE XIII; and off-street parking as provided for in ARTICLE XI of this ordinance.
2. In Minimum Front Yard Depths - Bay windows, projecting three (3) feet or less into the minimum required yard; overhanging eaves and gutters, projecting not more than three (3) feet into the minimum required front yard; air conditioning equipment; and awnings and canopies, extending not more than six (6) feet into the minimum required front yard.
3. In Minimum Rear Yard Depths - Bay windows, overhanging eaves and gutters, and air conditioning equipment, projecting not more than three (3) feet into the minimum required rear yard; awning and canopies, provided they not extend more than ten (10) feet into the minimum required rear yards.
4. In Minimum Side Yard Width - Air conditioning equipment, excluding compressor for central air conditioning unit; and overhanging eaves and gutters, projecting not more than eighteen (18) inches into the minimum required side yard; awning and canopies, providing that they extend not more than two (2) feet into the minimum required side yard.

1. Any lot of record which does not meet the requirements of this ordinance shall be considered a nonconforming lot of record.
2. Nonconforming lots of record which have been approved by the Planning Commission since 1966, and which were in conformance with the area and lot width requirements of the zoning ordinance in effect at the time of such approval, shall be permitted to be sold and developed as approved and recorded. In the event that the area cannot be reasonably served by a public sanitary sewer system as determined by the legislative body and/or the Northern Kentucky District Board of Health, on-site sewage disposal may be permitted provided that such a system is designed and constructed in accordance with the regulations of the applicable state and local agencies.
3. Nonconforming lots of record established prior to 1966 shall comply with the following:
   1. If four (4) or more lots or combinations of lots and portions of lots with continuous frontage in single ownership are of record at the time of passage or amendment of this ordinance, and if all or part of the lots do not meet the requirements for lot width and area, as established by this ordinance, the lands involved shall be considered to be an undivided parcel for the purposes of this ordinance, and no portion of said parcel shall be used or sold which does not meet the lot width and area requirements established by this ordinance, nor shall any division of the parcel be made which leaves remaining any lot with width or area below the requirements stated in this ordinance.
   2. Where more than one (1) but less than four (4) lots of record exist, having a lot area or lot width less than required by the particular zone district, development may be permitted on such lots provided that the lot width and lot area of such lots are not less than twenty-five (25) percent of the required minimum area and width. When the lot width and/or area are less than seventy-five (75) percent of the minimum requirement, the lots shall be combined to provide lot areas and widths that are not less than the permitted twenty-five (25) percent variance.
   3. Where a single nonconforming lot of record exists having a lot area less than required by the particular zone district wherein said lot is located, development may be permitted on the lot, provided: the lot is located on an existing and improved public street; the lot is of separate ownership from all adjacent and contiguous parcels; the adjacent and contiguous parcels exist in such a manner as to preclude reasonable acquisition of additional area to achieve conformity such as when such lots exist as developed building lots, dedicated rights-of-way or undeveloped parcels which cannot be reasonable obtained in whole or in part; and development proposed on the lot is in conformance with all other requirements of this ordinance.

1. CONTINUANCE: Except as herein provided, the lawful use of any structure or land existing at the time of the adoption of this ordinance may be continued although such use does not conform to the provisions of this ordinance -- it shall become a legal nonconforming use. However, no nonconforming use or structure may be enlarged or extended beyond its area of use at the time it becomes a legal nonconforming use, unless and until the use is brought into conformance with all provisions of this ordinance.
2. CHANGE FROM ONE NONCONFORMING USE TO ANOTHER: As regulated by ARTICLE XVIII, SECTION 18.6, D. of this ordinance.
3. TERMINATION: In all cases, the board of adjustment shall hold a public hearing in accordance with the applicable requirements of SECTION 18.2 of this ordinance. Following that hearing, the board may terminate the right to operate a nonconforming use based on any of the following conditions, and if the decision is to do so, the board shall state its bases, in writing, for such determination.
   1. Nonoperative, nonused, or abandoned for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, providing that the board of adjustment may allow the continuation of such nonconforming use if it is determined that reasons for such nonuse were beyond the owners'/operators' control.
   2. Whenever the structure, in which the nonconforming use is operated, is damaged in any manner whatsoever and the cost of repairing such damage exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of such structure in which the nonconforming use is operated and a determination is made by the board of adjustment that this structure should not be reconstructed.
   3. Whenever the structure, in which the nonconforming use is operated, becomes obsolete or substandard under any applicable ordinance of the city and the cost of placing such structure in lawful compliance with the applicable ordinance exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of such structure as of the date of the official order under the applicable ordinance and a determination is made by the board of adjustment that this structure should not be reconstructed.
   4. Whenever said nonconforming use is determined to be detrimental or injurious to the public health, safety, or general welfare.
4. ZONE CHANGE: The foregoing provisions shall apply to uses which become legally nonconforming due to zone changes which take place thereafter.

1. CONTINUANCE: Except as herein provided, any lawful nonconforming structure, existing at the time of adoption or amendment of this ordinance, may be occupied, operated, and maintained in a state of good repair, but no nonconforming structure shall be enlarged or extended unless the enlargement or extension can be, and is, made in compliance with all of the provisions of this ordinance.
2. TERMINATION: In all cases, the board of adjustment shall hold a public hearing in accordance with the applicable requirements of SECTION 18.2 of this ordinance. Following that hearing, the board may terminate the right to operate a nonconforming structure based on any of the following conditions, and if the decision is to do so, the board shall state its bases, in writing, for such determination.
   1. Whenever the nonconforming structure is damaged in any manner whatsoever and the cost of repairing such damage exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of such structure and a determination is made by the board of adjustment that the structure should not be reconstructed.
   2. Whenever the nonconforming structure becomes obsolete or substandard under any applicable ordinance of the city and the cost of placing such nonconforming structure in lawful compliance with the applicable ordinance exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of such nonconforming structure as of the date of the official order under the applicable ordinance and a determination is made by the board of adjustment that the structure should not be reconstructed.
   3. Whenever said nonconforming structure is determined to be detrimental or injurious to the public health, safety, or general welfare.
3. ZONE CHANGE: The foregoing provisions shall apply to structures which become legally nonconforming due to zone changes which take place thereafter.

Nothing in this ordinance shall be deemed to prevent the strengthening or restoring, to a safe condition, of any building, structure, or part thereof, declared to be unsafe by any official charged with protecting the public safety, except for the conditions as stated in Section 9.12, B., 3., b., or 9.12, C., 2., b.

1. CONTINUANCE: Except as herein provided, any lawful nonconforming sign, existing at the time of adoption of this ordinance, may be continued, provided, however, that no such sign shall be changed in any manner unless the changes are in compliance with all provisions of this ordinance.
2. TERMINATION: In all cases, the board of adjustment shall hold a public hearing in accordance with the applicable requirements of SECTION 18.2 of this ordinance. Following that hearing, the board may terminate the right to operate a nonconforming sign based on any of the following conditions and, if the decision is to do so, the board shall state its bases, in writing, for such determination.
   1. Not meeting the requirements for sign regulations, as regulated in ARTICLE XIV of this ordinance.
   2. Nonuse or abandonment of said nonconforming sign for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months.
3. ZONE CHANGE: The foregoing provisions shall also apply to signs which become legally nonconforming due to zone changes which take place thereafter.

1. The height limitations of this ordinance shall not apply to such things as church spires, various types of towers, smoke stacks, other related structures, and necessary mechanical appurtenances, etc. provided their construction is in accordance with existing or hereafter adopted ordinances of the city, and is acceptable to the Federal Aviation Agency and the Federal Communication Commission.

1. Where the average depth of existing front yards within three hundred (300) feet of the lot in question and within the same block front, is greater than the minimum front yard depth required by this ordinance, the required minimum front yard depth on such lot shall be modified to be the average depth of said existing front yards.
2. In any residential zone, no front yard shall be required to exceed the average depth of existing front yards on the same side of the street within the same block, when fifty-one (51) percent or more of lots within that block are improved with residential buildings, provided that in no case shall a front yard depth be less than twelve (12) feet.

1. Where existing or proposed developments within the multi - family (R-2 and R-3) and commercial (NC, PO, SC, and LHS) Zones is to be subdivided, the minimum area and yard requirements may be less than required by this ordinance provided that:
   1. The maximum density of the zone is not exceeded and/or the minimum site for the total development must not be less than that required by the respective zone;
   2. A community association or other responsible entity is established prior to the approval by the planning commission of any subdivision of land. The "association" shall be obligated and empowered to own, operate, and maintain all common areas (as specifically identified on the submitted site plan required by item c. of this section) including such items as open space, recreational facilities, access drives, parking areas, pedestrian walkways, etc., and all facilities constructed thereon.
   3. A site plan, as regulated by the applicable requirements of SECTION 9.19 of this ordinance, including the proposed area and yard requirements for the development, is submitted for review and approval by the planning commission.
   4. In addition, the planning commission may waive the requirement that all lots abut a minimum frontage along a dedicated right-of-way provided that those lots that do not abut a dedicated right-of-way are assured an unencumbered and maintained accessway by the association to a dedicated right-of-way in accordance with Subsection 9.13, D., 1., b., above, of this ordinance.

1. That the proposed use at the particular location is necessary or desirable to provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general well-being of the neighborhood or the community; and
2. That such use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity, or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity.

1. The board of adjustment may approve, modify, or deny any application for a conditional use permit. If it approves such permit, it may attach necessary conditions such as time limitations, requirements that one or more things be done before the request can be initiated, or conditions of a continuing nature. Any such conditions shall be recorded in the board's minutes and on the conditional use permit, along with a reference to the specific section in the zoning regulation listing the conditional use under consideration. In addition, a certificate of Land Use Restriction shall be filed pursuant to SECTION 9.30 of this ordinance. The board shall have the power to revoke conditional use permits, or variances for noncompliance with the condition thereof. Furthermore, the board shall have the right of action to compel offending structures or uses removed at the cost of the violator and may have judgment in personam for such cost.
2. Granting of a conditional use permit does not exempt the applicant from complying with all of the requirements of this ordinance, the building code, housing code, and other regulations of the county.
3. In any case, where a conditional use permit has not been exercised within the limit set by the board, or within twelve (12) consecutive calendar months from date of issuance, such conditional use permit shall not revert to its original designation, unless there has been a public hearing. Exercised as set forth in this section, shall mean that binding contracts for the construction of the main building or other improvement has been let; or in the absence of contracts that the main building or other improvement is under construction to a substantial degree, or that prerequisite conditions involving substantial investment shall be under contract, in development, or completed. When construction is not a part of the use, exercised shall mean that the use is in operation in compliance with the conditions as set forth in the permit.
4. The zoning administrator shall review all conditional use permits, except those for which all conditions have been permanently satisfied, at least once annually and shall have the power to inspect the land or structure where the conditional use is located in order to ascertain that the landowner is complying with all of the conditions which are listed on the conditional use permits.

   If the landowner is not complying with all of the conditions listed on the conditional use permit, the zoning administrator shall report the fact in writing to the chairman of the board of adjustment. The report shall state specifically the manner in which the landowner is not complying with the conditions on the conditional use permit, and a copy of the report shall be furnished to the landowner at the same time it is furnished to the chairman of the board of adjustment.

   The board shall hold a hearing on the report within a reasonable time, and notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be furnished to the landowner at least one week prior to the hearing. If the board of adjustment finds that the facts alleged in the report of the zoning administrator are true and that the landowner has taken no steps to comply with them between the date of the report and the date of the hearing, the board of adjustment may authorize the zoning administrator to revoke the conditional use permit and take the necessary legal action to cause the termination of the activity on the land which the conditional use permit authorizes.

5. Once the board of adjustment has completed a conditional use permit, and all the conditions required are of such type that they can be completely and permanently satisfied, the zoning administrator, upon request of the applicant, may, if the facts warrant, make a determination that the conditions have been satisfied, and enter the facts which indicate that the conditions have been satisfied and the conclusion in the margin of the copy of the conditional use permit which is on file. Thereafter said use, if it continues to meet the other requirements of this ordinance, will be treated as a permitted use.
6. When an application is made for a conditional use permit for land located within or abutting any residential zoning district, written notice shall be given at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the public hearing on the application to the applicant, administrative official, an owner of every parcel of property adjoining the property to which the application applies, and such other persons as this ordinance or board of adjustment bylaws shall direct. Written notice shall be by first class mail with certification by the board's secretary or other officer that the notice was mailed. It shall be the duty of the applicant to furnish to the board the name and address of an owner of each parcel of property as described in this subsection. Records maintained by the property valuation administrator may be relied upon conclusively to determine the identity and address of said owner. In the event such property is in condominium or cooperative forms of ownership, then the person notified by mail shall be the president or chairperson of the owner group which administers property commonly owned by the condominium or cooperative owners. A joint notice may be mailed to two or more co-owners of an adjoining property who are listed in the property valuation administrator's records as having the same address.
7. When any property within the required notification area for a public hearing upon a conditional use permit application is located within an adjoining city, county, or planning unit, notice of the hearing shall be given at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the hearing, by first class mail, to certain public officials, as follows:
   1. If the adjoining property is part of a planning unit, notice shall be given to that unit's planning commission; or
   2. If the adjoining property is not part of a planning unit, notice shall be given to the mayor of the city in which the property is located or, if the property is in an unincorporated area, notice shall be given to the judge/executive of the county in which the property is located.

1. Those areas within the Urban/Suburban Focus Area, as identified by the Kenton County Comprehensive Plan, may be permitted to utilize on-site subsurface disposal systems, provided that said lots and systems are designed, constructed, and approved in accordance with the Kenton County Subdivision Regulations and other applicable state and local regulations and the following conditions:
   1. For the first ten (10) lots subdivided for building sites from an original parent tract of land since the adoption of this regulation, the following conditions shall apply:
      1. Each such building site shall contain a minimum lot width of one hundred (100) feet at the building setback line, and developed in accordance with the area and height requirements of the R-1A Zone.
      2. Each such site shall contain adequate space for the installation of a second on-site drain field system should the first system ever fail.
      3. Each such building site shall be provided with an aerobic type (aerator) treatment plant which will be effective until a connection is made to a centralized sewer system.
   2. In those cases where more than ten (10) lots are subdivided for building sites from an original parent tract of land since the adoption of this regulation, the following conditions shall apply:
      1. Such building sites shall be provided with centralized sewers and a package treatment plant of adequate capacity and design and approved by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection - Division of Water Quality, and developed in accordance with the respective zone requirements.
2. Those areas within the Rural Focus Area, as identified by the Kenton County Comprehensive Plan, may be permitted to utilize on-site subsurface disposal systems, provided that said lots and systems are designed and constructed and approved in accordance with the Kenton County Subdivision regulations and other applicable state and local regulations, and the following conditions:
   1. For the first five (5) lots subdivided for building sites, from an original parent tract of land since the adoption of this regulation, the following conditions shall apply:
      1. Each such building site shall contain a minimum lot width of one hundred (100) feet at the building setback line and developed in accordance with the area and height requirements of the R-1A Zone.
      2. Each such building site shall contain two separate or interlaced alternating drain field systems that can be alternated so that one can "rest" periodically, while the other filters effluent approved by the Northern Kentucky District Health Department.
      3. Each such building site shall be provided with an on-site system (septic tank) in accordance with the Department of Human Resources, Division of Plumbing Regulations.
   2. For each additional lot over five (5) subdivided for building sites, from an original parent tract of land since the adoption of this regulation, the following conditions shall apply:
      1. Each such building site shall contain a minimum lot width of two hundred (200) feet at the building setback line and developed in accordance with the area and height requirements of the R-1A Zone.
      2. Each such site shall contain adequate space for the installation of a second on-site drain field system should the first ever fail.
      3. Each such building site shall be provided with an on-site system (septic tank), in accordance with the Department of Human Resources, Division of Plumbing Regulations.
3. Except for areas within the Rural Focus Area, as provided in Section 9.15, B., 2., where existing or proposed development is presently not served by a public sanitary sewer system, and is located within a reasonable distance of an existing or newly extended sanitary sewer line, as determined by the legislative body and/or the Northern Kentucky District Board of Health, said development shall be required to connect with the public sanitary sewer system and the private sewage disposal system shall be discontinued.
4. A copy of the approved on-site subsurface sewerage disposal permit shall be submitted to the legislative body's zoning administrator/building official prior to issuance of a building permit.
5. In those areas where on-site disposal systems are permitted, a connection to the applicable water agency's supply shall not be required.

1. An application for a building permit requesting an inspection of the building, structure, or improvement to be moved or set;
2. A plot plan, footing and foundation plan, and construction plans for any new construction;
3. A statement from the applicable legislative body(s) insuring that all past and current taxes have been paid.
4. Upon receipt of the foregoing items, the building inspector shall inspect said building, structure, or improvements, and the proposed location where same will be set within the legislative body and determine if the proposed development will comply with all applicable codes and regulations.
5. The move and set shall be referred to the zoning administrator for approval or denial of compliance with this ordinance.
6. Upon approval by the zoning administrator and building inspector, a building permit to move and set shall be issued. The legislative body's engineer shall then be notified of same and shall issue a transport permit. The legislative body's engineer or his agent will designate the route to be traveled. The transport permit is good only for the date specified on permit. The transport permit will not be issued if ninety (90) consecutive calendar days or more have lapsed from the date of inspection by the building inspector. The transport permit provided for in this section shall not be in lieu of any other permits which may be required by the legislative body.
7. No transport or building permit to move and set shall be issued until the applicant has first obtained the necessary permits from all applicable agencies.

1. There will be a building investigation fee, as established by the legislative body, to cover the costs of investigation and inspection for determining the structural soundness of buildings, structures, or improvements to be moved, the fee is payable in advance and must accompany the application provided for herein. This fee is not returnable. If any alterations or improvements to be made are found to be in compliance with the legislative body's applicable codes and regulations, a building permit to move and set will be issued and the fee will be based on the cost of new foundations and all work necessary to place the building or structure in its completed condition in the new location. This fee is in addition to the building investigation fee.
2. No person, corporation, or company shall transport, move, or set any building, structure, or improvement in the legislative body, until and unless such person, corporation, or company shall post with the building inspector a good and sufficient indemnity bond in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) in favor of the legislative body. Such bond shall be made by a surety corporation authorized to do business in the state of Kentucky.

1. All new building development and construction or development requiring a zoning map amendment, except for single and two-family residential.
2. EXISTING DEVELOPED SITES:
   1. New parking lot construction, including the expansion, moving or relocation of existing parking. This requirement shall only affect those newly paved areas of five (5) spaces or larger, or any paved area larger than 1500 square feet. The number of parking spaces added shall also include any spaces added within one (1) calendar year prior to the building permit application for the new spaces. This requirement shall, in no instance, be deemed as retroactively affecting sites prior to the adoption of this amendment.
   2. Substantial additions to an existing building - Substantial building additions will be defined per the criteria established below:

1. Except as herein provided, no swimming pool or associated equipment shall be permitted within any required yards, nor within any public utility right-of-way easement.
2. Swimming pools which are constructed in-ground shall be required to have a fence or wall, including a self-closing or self-latching door or gate around the pool or the property on which the pool is located. Such fence or wall shall be at least four (4) feet, but not more than seven (7) feet in height (only classes 1, 3, or 5 fences are permitted, as regulated in ARTICLE XIII of this ordinance); such fences or walls shall be constructed in such a manner that a small child may not reach the pool from the street or any property without climbing the fence or wall or opening the gate or door.
3. Swimming pools which are located above-ground shall be required to have a fence or wall, including a self-closing or self-latching door or gate around the pool or property upon which the pool is located. Such fence or wall shall be at least four (4) feet, but not more than seven (7) feet in height (only classes 1, 3, 4, or 5 are permitted, as regulated by ARTICLE XIII of this ordinance). Such fence or wall shall be constructed in such a manner that a small child may not reach the pool from the street or any adjacent property without scaling a fence or wall or opening the gate or door. Said wall may be the wall of the above-ground pool, providing that said wall is at least four (4) feet in height above the surrounding ground level.

   Any access to above ground pools by means of a ladder or stairway shall be provided with a self-closing or self-latching door or gate, or some other device that would prevent a small child from gaining access to the pool by means of a ladder.

4. Glare from lights used to illuminate the swimming pool area shall be directed away from adjacent properties.
5. All swimming pools and associated equipment shall be constructed and erected in accordance with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations of the city (county). Water used in the swimming pool, which is obtained from other than a public source, shall be approved by the Northern Kentucky District Health Department.
6. All swimming pools existing at the time of adoption of this ordinance, which are unprotected by a surrounding fence or wall, including gates or doors, as regulated herein, shall be required to comply with the provisions of this ordinance section within sixty (60) days after its adoption.

1. Except as herein provided, no swimming pool and associated equipment shall be permitted within any required yards or within the limits of any public utility right-of-way easement.
2. The swimming pool, or the property on which the pool is located, shall be surrounded by a fence or wall, including a self-closing and self-locking door or gate (only classes 1, 3, and 5 fences are permitted, as regulated by ARTICLE XIII of this ordinance). Such fence or wall shall be at least five (5) feet in height, but not exceeding the height as permitted herein, and of such construction that a small child may not reach the pool from the street or from adjacent property without climbing the wall or fence or opening a gate or door.
3. Glare from lights used to illuminate the swimming pool area shall be directed away from adjacent properties.
4. All swimming pools and associated equipment of the swimming pool shall be constructed and erected in accordance with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations of the city (county). Water used in the operation of the swimming pool, which is obtained from other than a public source, shall be approved by the Northern Kentucky District Health Department.
5. No mechanical device for the reproduction or amplification of sounds used in connection with swimming pools shall create a nuisance to adjacent residential properties.

1. Plan(s) of the subject property, drawn to a scale not smaller than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet showing:
   1. The total area in the project;
   2. The present zoning of the subject property and all adjacent properties;
   3. All public and private rights-of-way and easement lines located on or adjacent to the subject property which are proposed to be continued, created, enlarged, relocated, or abandoned;
   4. Existing topography, and approximate delineation of any topographical changes shown by contour with intervals not to exceed five (5) feet;
   5. Delineation of all existing and proposed residential areas in the project with a statement indicating net density of the total project:
      1. Detached housing - location and approximate number of lots, including a typical section(s) identifying approximate lot sizes and dimensions, and setback and height of buildings;
      2. Attached housing - location and description of the various housing types (i.e., townhouse, fourplex, garden apartment, etc.) including approximate heights of typical structures, and the approximate number of units by housing type;
   6. Delineation of all existing and proposed nonresidential uses in the project:
      1. Commercial uses - location and type of all uses including approximate number of acres, gross floor area and heights of buildings;
      2. Open Space/Recreation - the approximate amount of area proposed for common open space, including the location of recreational facilities, and identification of unique natural features to be retained;
      3. Other public and semi-public uses - location and type of all uses, including approximate number of acreage, and height of buildings;
   7. Location of proposed pedestrian walkways, identifying approximate dimensions;
   8. Location of proposed streets, identifying approximate dimensions of pavement, right-of-way widths, and grades;
   9. Location of all existing and proposed water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage lines, indicating approximate pipe sizes. Indication should also be given regarding the provision of electric and telephone service.
   10. Certification from appropriate water and sewer agencies that services will be available.
   11. Identification of the soil types and geologic formations on the subject property, indicating anticipated problems and proposed methods of handling said problems.
   12. Other information that may be determined necessary for description and/or to insure proper integration of the proposed project in the area.
   13. A schedule of development, including the staging and phasing of:
       1. Residential area, in order of priority, by type of dwelling unit;
       2. Streets, utilities, and other public facility improvements, in order of priority;
       3. Dedication of land to public use or set aside for common ownership; and
       4. Nonresidential buildings and uses, in order of priority.
          The aforementioned information required may be combined in any suitable and convenient manner so long as the data required is clearly indicated. A separate plan or drawing for each element is not necessary, but may be provided at the option of the applicant.

1. Plan(s) of the subject property drawn to a scale of not smaller than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet, that identifies and provides the following information:
   1. The existing and proposed finished topography of the subject property shown by contours with intervals not to exceed five (5) feet. Where conditions exist that may require more detailed information on the proposed topography, contours with intervals of less than five (5) feet may be required by the planning commission;
   2. All housing units on the subject property:
      1. Detached housing - Location, arrangement, and number of all lots, including lot dimensions and setbacks, and maximum height of buildings;
      2. Attached housing - Location, height, and arrangement of all buildings, indicating the number of units in each building, and, where applicable, location, arrangement and dimensions of all lots;
   3. Location, height, arrangement, and identification of all nonresidential buildings and uses on the subject property and, where applicable, location and arrangement of all lots with lot dimensions;
   4. Location and arrangement of all common open space areas, and recreational facilities, including lot dimensions. Methods of ownership and operation and maintenance of such lands shall be identified;
   5. Landscaping features, including identification of planting areas and the location, type, and height of walls and fences;
   6. Location of signs indicating their orientation and size and height;
   7. All utility lines and easements:
      1. Water distribution systems, including line sizes, width of easements, type of pipe, location of hydrants and valves, and other appurtenances;
      2. Sanitary sewer system, including pipe sizes, width of easements, gradients, type of pipes, invert elevations, location and type of manholes, the location, type, size of all lift or pumping stations, capacity, and process of any necessary treatment facilities, and other appurtenances;
      3. Storm sewer and natural drainage system, including pipe and culvert sizes, gradients, location of open drainage courses, width of easements, location and size of inlets and catch basins, location and size of retention and/or sedimentation basins, and data indicating the quantity of storm water entering the subject property naturally from areas outside the property, the quantity of flow at each pickup point (inlet), the quantity of storm water generated by development of the subject area, and the quantity of storm water to be discharged at various points to areas outside the subject property;
      4. Other utilities (e.g., electric, telephone, etc.) including the type of service and the width of easements;
   8. Location of all off-street parking, loading and/or unloading, and driveway areas, including typical cross sections, the type of surfacing, dimensions, and the number and arrangement of off-street parking and loading and/or unloading spaces;
   9. Circulation System:
      1. Pedestrian walkways, including alignment, grades, type of surfacing, and width;
      2. Streets, including alignment, grades, type of surfacing, width of pavement and right-of-way, geometric details, and typical cross sections;
   10. Provisions for control of erosion, hillside slippage and sedimentation, indicating the temporary and permanent control practices and measures which will be implemented during all phases of clearing, grading, and construction;
   11. A schedule of development, including the staging and phasing of:
       1. Non-residential buildings and uses, in order of priority.
       2. Dedication of land to public use or set aside for common ownership; and
       3. Streets, utilities, and other public facility improvements, in order of priority;
       4. Residential area, in order of priority, by type of dwelling unit;

The aforementioned information required may be combined in any suitable and convenient manner so long as the data required is clearly indicated.

1. Development proposed on land areas identified on the Comprehensive Plan as "Developmentally Sensitive Areas", and any other areas which have slopes of 20 percent or greater, shall require approval before development may occur. In those areas which are identified in the Comprehensive Plan as "Developmentally Sensitive Areas" and containing slopes less than 20 percent, the requirements contained herein may be waived; if, after review of the proposed site plan by the engineer, it is determined that said development will not result in any significant hillside slippage or soil erosion.
2. No excavation, removal, or placement of any soil, foundation placement, or construction of buildings or structures of any nature within the area identified as a Developmentally Sensitive Area in (1) above, may occur until plans and specifications for such work have been submitted in the form of a site plan as regulated by SECTION 9.19 of this ordinance. In addition to site plan requirements, the following shall also be submitted:
   1. Plan(s) which show existing topography and the proposed physical changes necessary for construction, indicating grading (cutting and filling), compaction, erosion, sedimentation basins, areas to be defoliated, and any other pertinent information which will change the natural physical features of the site or general area.
   2. Information defining results of subsurface investigation of the area under consideration, including test borings, laboratory tests, engineering tests, and a geological analysis. Such investigation shall be made by a qualified, registered civil engineer and a geologist, indicating that any structural or physical changes proposed in the area will be completed in a manner which will minimize hillside slippage and/or soil erosion.
3. The site plan and other information required in this Section shall be reviewed by the engineer and Planning and Development Services of Kenton County staff, who will recommend to the Kenton County Fiscal Court, or its duly authorized representative, what effect the proposed development will have on hillside slippage and/or soil erosion.

   After consideration of the recommendations, the Kenton County Fiscal Court, or its duly authorized representative, may authorize use of the site in accordance with the submitted plans.

4. If, after review of the plans required by this section of the ordinance, the Kenton County Fiscal Court, or its duly authorized representative, determines that said proposed plans will not minimize hillside slippage, the county zoning administrator shall deny a permit for the development of said land.

1.  STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION

   The Legislature of the Commonwealth of Kentucky has in Kentucky Revised Statutes 151.230 delegated to local government units the authority to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the legislative body of Kenton County, Kentucky, hereby adopts the following floodplain management ordinance, as follows:

2.  FINDINGS OF FACT
   1. The flood hazard areas of Kenton County are subject to periodic inundation which result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
   2. These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains causing increased flood height and velocity, and by the location in flood hazard areas of uses vulnerable to floods or hazardous to other lands which are inadequately elevated, flood-proofed, or otherwise protected from flood damage.
3. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

   It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private loss due to flooding by provisions designed to:

   1. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood height or velocity;
   2. Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
   3. Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers which accommodate or channel flood waters;
   4. Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase erosion or flood damage, and
   5. Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards to other areas.
4. OBJECTIVES

   The objectives of this ordinance are to:

   1. Protect human life and health;
   2. Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
   3. Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
   4. Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
   5. Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines; streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard;
   6. Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard or other flood-prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood blighted areas caused by flooding;
   7. Ensure that potential homebuyers are on notice that property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area; and,
   8. Ensure that those who occupy a Special Flood Hazard Area assume responsibility for their actions.

Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this ordinance shall be interpreted to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this ordinance its most reasonable application.

In addition, all sanitary landfills shall operate in accordance with the performance standards of the Division of Air Pollution, Division of Water Quality, and other applicable performance standards of the state of Kentucky.

1. A plan showing the specific reuse of the area after completion of landfill operations including the final grades to be established in meeting the needs of the proposed reuse of the landfill.

1. Such structures, including support equipment, shall not be permitted within any front yard or side yard (on each side of the lot) in any zone. Such structures may be permitted to extend into the minimum rear yard depth, as defined herein, in all zones, provided that such structures are set back from the rear lot line a minimum of ten (10) feet, and side yard clearances are maintained.
2. Structures may be ground mounted or roof mounted, provided that maximum height limitations are maintained. If the structure is roof mounted, it shall be located in a manner so as to detract as little as possible from the architectural character of the building.
3. Structures shall be constructed to withstand a wind load of eighty (80) miles per hour.
4. Structures shall be grounded electrically and shall not cause to disturb, restrict, or impede the reception of equipment on adjoining properties.

1. Such structures, including tower, mast, antenna, guy wires, support equipment, etc., shall not be permitted within any front yard or side yard (on each side of the lot) in any zone. Such structures may be permitted to extend into the minimum rear yard depth, as defined herein, in all zones, provided that such structures are set back from the rear lot line a minimum of ten (10) feet, and side yard clearances are maintained.
2. Such structures, including tower, mast, antenna, guy wires, support equipment, etc., shall not exceed seventy (70) feet in height, as measured from ground level to the highest point of the structure.
3. Structures shall be constructed to withstand a wind load of eighty (80) miles per hour.
4. Structures shall be grounded electrically and shall not cause to disturb, restrict, or impede the reception of equipment on adjoining properties.

1. To permit local governments to adopt and enforce, as part of its zoning regulations, compatibility standards governing the placement of qualified manufactured homes in residential zones, within the local government’s jurisdiction, designed to ensure that when a qualified manufactured home is placed in a residential zone, it is compatible, in terms of assessed value, with existing housing located immediately adjacent to (1) either side of the proposed site within the same block front; (2) adjacent to the rear, or (3) within a one-eighth (1/8) mile radius or less from the proposed location of the qualified manufactured home.

1. Applications for the placement of qualified manufactured homes shall be submitted with a nonrefundable application fee on a form or forms developed for that purpose to the city zoning administrator. Qualified manufactured homes may not be constructed until after an application has been accepted and approved in accordance with these regulations.
2. The application shall include (1) only information reasonably necessary to make determination as to conformity with the provisions of this Section of this ordinance; (2) recent photographs of the front, side and rear of the qualified manufactured home exterior finish (whichever is applicable); (3) pictures taken from the proposed site of the dwelling unit in the northerly, easterly, southerly, and westerly directions, and pictures of any adjacent dwelling units. The photographs shall be taken within 30 days prior to the submittal of the application. In addition, each application shall be accompanied by a site plan or plot plan containing appropriate information including, but not limited to, the following:
   1. Location of all existing buildings, structures, easements, and boundary lines;
   2. North arrow, scale, city and land lot;
   3. Existing use of adjacent property;
   4. Location of all proposed buildings, structures, and land uses.
3. Applications shall be first reviewed for completeness. If the application is rejected for not being complete, the applicant shall be notified of the reasons for the rejection. The applicant shall be responsible for the satisfaction of all of the comments prior to the resubmission of the revised application.
4. The application shall be reviewed for compatibility with architectural appearance and similarity with:
   1. adjacent development or surrounding developments;
   2. development within the same zone or general area;
   3. proposed development permitted in the same zone or general area; and,
5. Compatibility with architectural appearance shall be based on the following:
   1. floor living space and setbacks;
   2. siding and exterior materials;
   3. roof pitch;
   4. square footage;
   5. general aesthetic appearance.
6. Compatibility with the orientation and location of existing structures shall be based on the following:
   1. building height;
   2. building width;
   3. building depth;
   4. building setbacks.
7. A decision of approval, conditional approval or disapproval of a complete application shall be made and the applicant shall be notified in writing. Conditional approval shall require that the specific conditions and the reasons therefore be stated in writing and be agreed to by the applicant; such conditions shall be binding upon the applicant upon agreement. In the case of disapproval, the reasons therefore shall be specifically stated in writing by designating each specific provision of this section or other applicable ordinance that is not met and an explanation as to the reason or reasons why each such provision is not met.

1. Field study, involving visits to all identified existing sexually oriented businesses in Kenton and Campbell Counties;
2. Meetings with stakeholder groups involved in these businesses;
3. Consultation with the Kenton County, Campbell County Attorney, and the city attorneys for certain cities, and the community at large on this issue;
4. Consultation with the professional staff of Planning and Development Services of Kenton County on this issue;
5. Review of studies and litigation concerning sexually oriented businesses in other communities;
6. Investigation of regulatory approaches to massage therapy;
7. Review of existing ordinances in Kenton and Campbell Counties;
8. Review of similar ordinances in a number of communities outside the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
9. Review of Kentucky statutes related to regulating sexually oriented businesses.

Defendant City of Newport ("City" or "Newport") long ago gained a reputation as home to a veritable smorgasbord of vice, attracting patrons from across the nation. For decades, the small city was considered the Midwest's answer to Las Vegas, and leaders of organized crime were said to operate its gambling casinos and nightclubs.

In the 1960's, public pressure began to demand that Newport be cleaned up. This pressure has continued until the present, with varying degrees of success.

A 1986 report generated by the Newport Alcoholic Beverage Control Administrator indicated that of 28 adult bars opened since 1978 (including successive bars at the same site), 21 had had at least one prostitution-related conviction, and 18 had had multiple convictions. Def. Ex. K, p. 2. The report explained that "all of the prostitution in businesses with adult entertainment involved an alcoholic beverage as the median [sic] of exchange and the solicitation of such drinks by 'mixers.'" Id. In all, 98% of prostitution arrests in Newport occurred in the vicinity of these bars. Id. Adult entertainment establishments, which constituted 12% of all businesses serving alcohol, accounted for 17% of all police runs. Def. Ex. K, p. 21.

A later review, conducted in 1990 by the Newport License Inspector, documented the continued prostitution arrests occurring at several adult dancing establishments. Def. Ex. G. Moreover, the City determined that over $ 70,000 was expended in 1990 to target, patrol and prosecute the illicit behavior occurring in and around the bars. Def. Ex. H.

Several of Newport's citizens, merchants and church groups also opposed the presence of the semi-nude dancing clubs. These groups generally believed that the adult entertainment clubs were "clouds over [the] neighborhood that keep [it] from growing in the [right] direction." See Def. Ex. I (letter to Mayor from Taylors Landing Business District). Complaints commonly expressed were that the seamy establishments deterred other merchants from locating in Newport's business district, deterred shoppers, served a poor example for the City's youth, and generally tarnished the City's image. Id.

Bright Lights, Inc., v. City of Newport, 830 F. Supp. 378, 380-81 (E. D. Ky. 1993).

Based on those findings, the court went on to hold in relevant part:

Having considered the matter carefully, the court concludes that some leeway must be afforded the reform efforts of the City Council of Newport. This body has been elected by the citizens to attempt to "clean up the image" of the City.

To do this, it must overcome the sleazy impression of Newport and Northern Kentucky that survives from "the heyday" when things ran wide open; reform candidates were literally drugged and framed for morals offenses by public officials and police officers; the members of reform citizens groups were vilified and harassed; and a "liberal" in local parlance was a person favoring the continued open and notorious violation of the gambling and morals laws.

To illustrate that the Council's perception of a need to clean up the image of the City is not paranoid, the court notes the following statements in a national magazine's satirical Chapter on Newport's big sister, the city of Cincinnati.

"The city's streets fairly shine; the odd litterer draws a scornful stare. Wide avenues, bosky side streets, the most inviting of thoroughfares. And clean. So clean. No X-rated movie theaters, no adult-book stores, no bare-breasted night joints soil these streets, all of them long ago jettisoned over to the Kentucky side of the river."

Peter Richmond, “Town Without Pity,” Gentlemen's Quarterly, July 1993, at 102, 104.

This court holds that the City of Newport has the right to secede as Cincinnati's combat zone.

The court holds that the City has "an important and substantial governmental interest" in advancing these reform goals, which interest is furthered by the ordinances in question. Barnes, 111 S. Ct. at 2461. The court further finds and holds that in the case of the City of Newport, given its unique history, the ordinances' "incidental restriction on alleged First Amendment freedoms is no greater than is essential to the furtherance of that interest." Id. (quoting O'Brien, 391 U.S. at 376-77, 88 S. Ct. at 1678-79).

Newport's image affects that of all of Northern Kentucky, a community of nearly 300,000 people. That City and its community have the right to project a progressive and decent image. The nudity ordinances contribute to the enhancement of this interest and will be upheld. 830 F.Supp. at 384;

1. “Final Report to the City of Garden Grove: The Relationship between Crime and Adult Business Operations on Garden Grove Boulevard,” Richard W. McCleary, Ph.D., James W. Meeker, J.D., Ph.D., October 23, 1991.
2. “Survey of Appraisers: Fort Worth and Dallas – Effects of Land Uses on Surrounding Property Values,” Duncan Associates, Eric Damian Kelly, FAICP, and Connie B. Cooper, FAICP, September 2004.
3. “Adult Entertainment Businesses in Indianapolis, An Analysis,” 1984.
4. “Adult Business Study,” by City of Phoenix Planning Department, May 25, 1979.
5. “Effects on Surrounding Area of Adult Entertainment Businesses in Saint Paul,” June 1978, City of Saint Paul Division of Planning, Department of Planning and Management; and Community Crime Prevention Project, Minnesota Crime Control Planning Board.
6. “Staff Report, Whittier City Planning Commission; Subject: Adult Business Regulations,” July 11, 1994.
7. “Adult Entertainment Study,” Department of City Planning, City of New York, Second Printing, November 1994.
8. “Adult Use Study,” Newport News Department of Planning and Development, March 1996.
9. “A Report on the Secondary Impact of Adult Use Businesses in the City of Denver,” prepared by multiple city departments for Denver City Council, January 1998.
10. “Survey of Appraisers in Monroe County, New York,” Summer 2000. For detailed results of the survey, see Kelly and Cooper, Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Regulating Sex Businesses, Planning Advisory Service Report No. 495-96. Chicago: American Planning Association, 2000; pages 51-57.
11. The Tucson “study” consisting of two memos: one from the Citizens Advisory Planning Committee, addressed to the Mayor and City Council, and dated May 14, 1990; and the other from an Assistant Chief of Police to the City Prosecutor, regarding “Adult Entertainment Ordinance,” dated May 1, 1990.

1. Bars in Kentucky are already regulated by the Commonwealth, and those state regulations directly address many of the concerns that arise with the service of alcohol;
2. The local history of prostitution and sex-related crimes has largely been related to businesses with live, sexually oriented entertainment, and not with other establishments that serve alcohol; and
3. The interaction between dancers who are paid to work with very limited clothing and the customers who pay to see them work in the establishments with live entertainment creates a sexually charged environment and the opportunity to negotiate for the provision of additional services that do not involve dancing or other protected expression and that are simply unacceptable under the standards of the County and its citizens.

1. Sexually oriented businesses should, to the maximum extent practicable, be separated from one another by a distance that is greater than a convenient walking distance, because experience elsewhere has shown that the location of such businesses near one another may increase the adverse secondary effects, particularly those related to crime, by a greater than arithmetic factor;
2. Although there are currently several such businesses located near one another in Covington’s downtown area, the Covington City Commission has determined that the City will not attempt to require these existing businesses be relocated;
3. Sexually oriented businesses have the greatest adverse effect on residential neighbourhoods and should thus be separated to the maximum extent practicable from residential neighbourhoods;
4. Sexually oriented businesses are likely to attract criminal elements that prey on “soft targets,” including children, and it is thus important to separate sexually oriented businesses from schools, parks, recreation centers, and religious institutions, all of which are places where children are likely to congregate, often without parental protection;
5. Also because of the tendency of sexually oriented businesses to attract criminal elements that prey on soft targets, it is important to seek locations for such businesses that are not located along pedestrian routes, where young people, old people and others who are vulnerable, are likely to walk in going about their day-to-day business. Thus, locations to which the primary access is by automobile minimize the risk of persons going about their daily business encountering persons who are visiting or even loitering around the sexually oriented business;
6. Experiences in other communities show that private booths, back rooms, “VIP” rooms and other small and private spaces in sexually oriented businesses create the opportunity for casual sexual activity and create logistical difficulties and risks of physical endangerment for police officers responsible for dealing with such activities. For that reason, it is essential that movies, performances and other activities at sexually oriented businesses should be permitted only in large rooms that are open and visible to management, other patrons and code and police officers who may visit the establishment during operating hours.

1. To enhance subdivision value and reduce development costs through conservation and cluster designs.
2. To promote and preserve interconnected green space as a nonstructural stormwater runoff and watershed protection measure, and a means to promote convenient walking and/or biking paths to reduce reliance on automobiles.
3. To preserve interconnected and contiguous green space as habitat and water quality protection measures.
4. To promote environmentally-sensitive and efficient uses of land by clustering houses on less environmentally-sensitive soils, reducing the need for infrastructure such as paved surfaces and utility easements, and reducing erosion and sedimentation by minimizing land disturbance and removal of vegetation.
5. To preserve unique or sensitive natural resources such as groundwater, floodplains, wetlands, streams, slopes, woodlands, and wildlife habitats.
6. To ensure interaction within the community by orienting houses closer to the street and providing public gathering spaces, parks, and community facilities.
7. To ensure interconnected street designs that reduce traffic speeds and reliance on more highly-classified streets.
8. To promote community character and diversity through a mixture of housing types and lot sizes.

The number of lots to be permitted within a conservation subdivision shall be determined through the development of a yield plan. Yield plans illustrate the maximum number of lots that can be created in a conventional subdivision based on the existing zone. Yield plans do not have to meet formal design plan requirements but must be capable of being constructed given site features and all applicable regulations.

Pre-application meeting - Prior to filing for development plan review, the developer, petitioner, applicant, or property owner must attend a scheduled pre-application meeting with staff to discuss the yield plan and other requirements of the development review process.

The following information will be identified for traffic studies at the pre-application meeting: study area, site trip generation, site trip distribution, build-out study year, future highway projects within the study area, and other concurrent development occurring within the study area.

No person may rely upon any comment concerning a proposed development plan, or any expression of any nature about the proposal made by any participant at the pre-application meeting as a representation or implication that the proposal will be ultimately approved or rejected in any form. This meeting is intended to review the development plan and identify any issues in applying the conservation subdivision regulations.

Stage II Development Plan – A Stage II Development Plan shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of SECTION 9.20, B., and submitted to the planning commission’s duly-authorized representative, for its review and approval. The planning commission, or its duly-authorized representative, shall take final action to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the Stage II Development Plan. This action letter shall be forwarded to the legislative body’s administrative official, or his/her duly authorized representative.

The planning commission, or its duly authorized representative, shall review the submitted Stage II Development Plan with regard to its compliance with the required elements of SECTION 9.20, B., for Stage II plans, and other applicable elements and regulations. Upon approval of the Stage II Development Plan by the planning commission, or its duly authorized representative, a copy of the plan shall be forwarded to the legislative body’s zoning administrator, who shall grant permits only in accordance with the approved Stage II Development Plan and other requirements of this ordinance.

1. Density Bonus: A density bonus shall be granted if any of the following criteria are met, collectively up to a maximum of a 30 percent density bonus:
   1. Density Bonus for Open Space – a density bonus shall be permitted for providing:
      1. An additional five percent open space – an additional two percent in dwelling units per net acre;
      2. An additional ten percent open space – an additional five percent in dwelling units per net acre;
      3. An additional 15 percent open space – an additional ten percent in dwelling units per net acre; and
      4. An additional 20 percent or more open space – an additional 20 percent indwelling units per net acre
   2. Density Bonus For Increased Setbacks Along Street Frontage – an increase of five percent in dwelling units per net acre shall be permitted if the setback along a collector, arterial, or interstate, as identified in the Area-wide Comprehensive Plan, is increased to a minimum of 100 feet.

      Additional open space provided may count towards additional open space/recreational area, but not areas contained within the original required perimeter setbacks around the development.

   3. Density Bonus For Public Access To Common Open Space – an additional five percent in dwelling units per net acre shall be permitted if access to the required common open space areas is granted to the general public.
   4. Density Bonus For Preserving/Reusing Historic Structures Or Buildings – an additional five percent in dwelling units per net acre shall be permitted for preserving/reusing historic structures or buildings.

These regulations shall apply only to the Eco Commerce Park (ECP) Zone and to the development of conservation subdivisions within the Agriculture Two (A-2) Zone.

If the provisions of these regulations conflict with other requirements of the Kenton County Zoning Ordinance, the more restrictive provision will apply.

1. Hillside protection is intended to ensure that when development is proposed on slopes of 20 percent or greater and/or underlying Kope formations, it is designed in a manner harmonious with adjacent lands so as to minimize problems of connectivity, drainage, erosion, earth movement, and other natural hazards.
2. Purpose
   1. To permit a reasonable amount of development on hillsides while conserving and promoting the health, safety and general welfare by minimizing pollution from run-off and sedimentation.
   2. To encourage best management practices of design, landscape architecture, architecture and planning to preserve, protect, enhance the existing and future appearance and resources of hillside areas.
   3. To preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape by encouraging maximum retention of the natural topographic features such as natural drainage swales, springs, streams, tree stands and other vegetative cover, and scenic vistas.
3. Areas of land on which development may be restricted due to hillside slopes shall be limited according to the following requirements:
   1. No excavation, removal, or placement of any soil, foundation placement, or construction of buildings or structures of any nature within these areas may occur until plans and specifications have been submitted in development plan form and approval has been granted per SECTION 9.7 of this ordinance.
   2. Areas with slopes of 20 percent or greater shall meet the following requirements:
      1. The following information shall be shown on the Stage II Development Plan:
         • Existing topography and vegetation;
         • Proposed physical changes necessary for construction including grading (cutting and filling);
         • Areas to be cleared of vegetation;
         • Any pertinent actions which will change the natural physical features of the site or general area.
      2. A geo-technical report containing the following information shall be submitted for review with the Stage II Development Plan:
         • Results of subsurface investigation of the area under consideration, including test borings, laboratory tests, engineering tests, and a geological analysis.

         Such investigation shall be made by a qualified, licensed civil engineer or a geologist, indicating that any structural or physical changes proposed in the area will be completed in a manner which will minimize hillside slippage and/or soil erosion.

4. The development plan and other information required by this Section shall be reviewed by the planning commission, or its duly authorized representative, to determine the impact of the proposed development on drainage, soil erosion and/or hillside slippage.

   The planning commission, or its duly authorized representative, may authorize use of the site in accordance with the submitted plans. Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the site, the planning commission, or its duly authorized representative, shall require written authorization from a qualified, licensed civil engineer that the proposed development was completed in compliance with the specifications and recommendations contained in the geo-technical report.

5. If, after review of the plans required by this section, the planning commission, or its duly authorized representative, determines that the proposed plans will not minimize hillside slippage and/or soil erosion, the Stage II Development Plan shall be denied.
6. CRITERIA: Evaluation of the proposed development plan shall be based upon the following criteria:
   1. PUBLIC POLICY:
      1. Development in hillside areas should be designed to preserve the natural drainage and character of the land to the greatest extent possible. Deep and/or extensive excavations and fills which scar the landscape should be avoided.
      2. Excessive cutting and filling should be avoided in the construction of hillside roadways.
      3. Roadways constructed on hillsides should follow the contours of the land wherever possible or climb the slopes with a gentle grade.
   2. CHARACTER OF DEVELOPMENT:
      1. The use of large, flat grading planes should be minimized and techniques such as terracing and landscaping earth berms should be explored.
      2. Yards and parking areas should be designed to follow natural contours, drainage patterns, and vegetation.
      3. The natural slope line of the hill, as seen in profile, should be retained.
      4. Existing native vegetation should be preserved, and when disturbed, should be supplemented with new native vegetation.
      5. Trees should be planted in random clusters, not in rows, to compliment the natural pattern of tree distribution.
      6. All cuts, fills, and other earth modifications should be replanted with appropriate native vegetation.
      7. The risk of off-site geologic property damage should be minimized by locating development away from areas vulnerable to sliding.
      8. Grading for buildings, driveways, outdoor use areas, utilities, etc., should be minimized to preserve a site’s natural topography.
      9. When grading operations are necessary, the smallest practical areas of land should be exposed at any one time and the length of exposure should be kept to the shortest practicable amount of time.

1. Purpose: It is the intent of this sub-section to establish riparian buffer areas adjacent to all perennial streams and rivers in Kenton County to: protect public and private water supplies; trap sediment and other pollutants in surface runoff; promote bank stabilization; protect riparian wetlands; minimize the impacts of flooding; prevent decreases in base flow; protect wildlife habitat; and maintain water quality.
2. DEFINITIONS: Notwithstanding other definitions within this ordinance, the following definitions shall apply only to this sub-section:

1. LANDS TO WHICH THIS ORDINANCE APPLIES

   This ordinance shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), areas applicable to KRS 151.250 and, as determined by the Floodplain Administrator or other delegated, designated, or qualified community official as determined by the legislative body of Kenton County from available technical studies, historical information, and other available and reliable sources, areas within the jurisdiction of the legislative body of Kenton County which may be subject to periodic inundation by floodwaters that can adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Kenton County.

2. BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS

   The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for Kenton County, dated May 16, 2013, with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS), other supporting data and any subsequent amendments thereto, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of these regulations. This FIS and attendant mapping is the minimum area of applicability of this ordinance and may be supplemented by studies for other areas which allow implementation of this ordinance and which are recommended to the Fiscal Court by the Floodplain Administrator and are enacted by the Fiscal Court pursuant to statutes governing land use management regulations. The FIS and/or FIRM are permanent records of Kenton County and are on file and available for review by the public during regular business hours at PDS offices at 2332 Royal Drive, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, 41091.

3. ESTABLISHMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

   A Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provision of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities in the special flood hazard areas (SFHA). See Section 9.25.D.2 for instructions and explanation.

   Application for a Development Permit shall be made on forms furnished by the Floodplain Administrator.

4. COMPLIANCE

   No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable state regulations. Violation of the requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Nothing herein shall prevent the legislative body from taking such lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

5. ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTIONS

   This ordinance is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this ordinance and another ordinance, easement, covenant or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.

6. INTERPRETATION

   In the interpretation and application of this ordinance, all provisions shall be:

   1. Considered minimum requirements;
   2. Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
   3. Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
7. WARNING AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

   The degree of flood protection required by this ordinance is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This ordinance does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazard or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damage. This ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the Local Floodplain Administrator of Kenton County, any officer or employee, thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.

8. ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATION NOTICE AND PENALTIES
   1. Civil Offense: If, at any time, development occurs which is not in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance including obtaining or complying with the terms and conditions of a floodplain development permit and any approved modifications, such development shall constitute a civil offense.
   2. Notice of Violation: If, at any time, a duly authorized employee or agent of the Floodplain Administrator has reasonable cause to believe that a person has caused development to occur which is not in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance including obtaining or complying with the terms and conditions of a floodplain development permit and any approved modifications thereof, a duly authorized employee of the Floodplain Administrator shall issue a notice to the person responsible for the violation and/or the property owner, stating the facts of the offense or violation, the section of this ordnance and/or of the permit violated, when it occurred, how the violation is to be remedied to bring the development into conformity with this ordinance or with the approved permit, and within what period of time the remedy is to occur, which period of time shall be reasonable and shall be determined by the nature of the violation and whether or not it creates a nuisance or hazard. The remedy may include an order to stop work on the development. The notice shall also state that a citation may be forthcoming in the event that the requested remedies and corrective actions are not taken, which citation will request a civil monetary fine and shall state the maximum fine which could be imposed. See below.
   3. Notice of Citation: If, at any time, a duly authorized employee or agent of the Floodplain Administrator has reasonable cause to believe that a person has caused development to occur which is not in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance including obtaining or complying with the terms and conditions of a floodplain development permit and any approved modifications thereof, a duly authorized employee of the Floodplain Administrator may issue a citation to the offender stating the violation, prior notices of violation issued, how the violation is to be remedied to bring the development into conformity with this ordinance or with the approved permit, and within what period of time the remedy is to occur, and what penalty or penalties are recommended. When a citation is issued, the person to whom the citation is issued shall respond to the citation within seven (7) days of the date the citation is issued by either carrying out the remedies and corrections set forth in the citation, paying the civil fine set forth in the citation or requesting a hearing before the governing body. If the person to whom the citation is issued does not respond to the citation within seven (7) days, that person shall be deemed to have waived the right to a hearing and the determination that a violation occurred shall be considered final.
   4. Penalties:  Violation of the provisions of this ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements, including violation of conditions and safeguards established in connection with granting of a variance or special exceptions, shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor offense.  Any person who violates this ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $500.00 and/or imprisoned for not more than 12 months, and in addition, shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case.  Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.  Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Floodplain Administrator from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

1. DESIGNATION OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR

   The legislative body of Kenton County hereby appoints the Zoning Administrator to administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this ordinance by granting or denying development permits in accordance with its provisions, and is herein referred to as the Floodplain Administrator.

2. ESTABLISHMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

   A Development Permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any special flood hazard area established in Section 9.25.C.2. Application for a Development Permit shall be made on forms furnished by Floodplain Administrator prior to any development activities, and may include, but not be limited to, the following: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing. Endorsement of floodplain administrator is required before a state floodplain construction permit can be processed. Specifically, the following information is required.

   1. Application Stage
      1. Proposed elevation in relation to Mean Sea Level (MSL) of the proposed lowest floor (including basement) of all structures in Zone A and elevation of highest adjacent grade; or
      2. Proposed elevation in relation to Mean Sea Level to which any non-residential structure will be flood-proofed;
      3. All appropriate certifications from a registered professional engineer or architect that the non-residential flood-proofed structure will meet the flood-proofing criteria in Section 9.25.E.2.b and Section 9.25.E.4.b;
      4. Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.
   2. Construction Stage

      Upon placement of the lowest floor, and before construction continues, or flood proofing by whatever construction means, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Floodplain Administrator and to the State a certification of the elevation of the lowest floor or flood-proofed elevation, as built, in relation to Mean Sea Level. In AE, A1-30, AH, and A zones where the Community has adopted a regulatory Base Flood Elevation, said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a registered land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same.

      When flood proofing is utilized for a particular structure, said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a certified professional engineer or architect. Any continued work undertaken prior to the submission of the certification shall be at the permit holder’s risk. The Floodplain Administrator shall review the lowest floor and flood proofing elevation survey data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to further progressive work being permitted to proceed. Failure to submit the survey or failure to make said corrections required hereby, shall be cause to issue a stop-work order for the project.

3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR

   The Floodplain Administrator and/or staff is hereby appointed, authorized and directed to administer, implement and enforce the provisions of this ordinance. The Floodplain Administrator is further authorized to render interpretations of this ordinance, which are consistent with its spirit and purpose by granting or denying development permits in accordance with its provisions.

   The duties and responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator shall include, but not be limited to the following:

   1. Permit Review: Review all development permits to ensure that:
      1. Permit requirements of this ordinance have been satisfied;
      2. All other required state and federal permits have been obtained: review proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been received from those governmental agencies from which approval is required by Federal or State law, including section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C 1334.;
      3. Flood damages will be reduced in the best possible manner;
      4. The proposed development does not adversely affect the carrying capacity of affected watercourses. For purposes of this ordinance, "adversely affects" means that the cumulative effect of the proposed development when combined with all other existing and anticipated development will increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point.
   2. Review and Use of Any Other Base Flood Data. When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Article 3, Section B, the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal or state agency, or other source, in order to administer the provisions of Article 5. Any such information shall be submitted to the legislative body for adoption.
   3. Notification of Other Agencies:
      1. Notify adjacent communities, the Kentucky Division of Water, and any other federal and/or state agencies with statutory or regulatory authority prior to any alteration or relocation of the watercourse, and
      2. Submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and
      3. Assure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse is maintained.
   4. Documentation of Floodplain Development. Obtain and maintain for public inspection and make available as needed the following:
      1. Certification required by Section 9.25.E.2.a (lowest floor elevations) as shown on an accurately completed and certified Elevation Certificate. Verify and record the actual elevation (in relation to Mean Sea Level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved structures, in accordance with Section 9.25.D.2.b;
      2. Certification required by Section 9.25.E.2.b (elevation or floodproofing of nonresidential structures) as shown on an accurately completed and certified FEMA floodprooofing certificate. Verify and record the actual elevation (in relation to Mean Sea Level) to which the new and substantially improved structures have been flood-proofed, in accordance with Section 9.25.D.2.a;
      3. Certification required by Section 9.25.E.2.c (elevated structures),
      4. Certification of elevation required by Section 9.25.E.5.a (subdivision standards),
      5. Certification required by Section 9.25.E.2.e (floodway encroachments),
      6. Assure that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is maintained;
      7. Review certified plans and specifications for compliance; and
      8. Remedial Action. Take action to remedy violations of this ordinance as specified in Section 9.25.C.8.
   5. Map Determinations. Make interpretations where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the special flood hazard areas, for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions.
      1. Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of boundaries of the areas of special flood hazard (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions) the Floodplain Administrator shall make the necessary interpretation. The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in Section 9.25.F.3.a;
      2. When base flood elevation data and floodway data have not been provided in accordance with Section 9.25.C.2, then the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain, review, and reasonable utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state, or other source, in order to administer the provisions of Section 9.25.E;
      3. When flood-proofing is utilized for a particular structure, the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain certification from a registered professional engineer or architect, in accordance with Section 9.25.E.2.b a floodproofing certificate;
      4. All records pertaining to the provisions of this ordinance shall be maintained in the office of the Floodplain Administrator and shall be open for public inspection.
   6.  Right of Entry
      1. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this ordinance, or whenever the floodplain administrator has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any structure or upon any premises any condition or ordinance violation which makes such building, structure or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the floodplain administrator may enter such building, structure or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or perform any duty imposed upon the floodplain administrator by this ordinance.
      2. If such structure or premises are occupied, the floodplain administrator shall first present proper credentials and request entry. If such building, structure, or premises are unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of such request entry.
      3. If entry is refused, the floodplain administrator shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
      4. When the floodplain administrator shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building, structure, or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the floodplain administrator for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this ordinance.
   7.  Stop Work Orders
      1. Upon notice from the floodplain administrator, work on any building, structure or premises that is being done contrary to the provisions of this ordinance shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to his agent, or to the person performing the work, and shall state the conditions under which work may be resumed.
   8. Revocation of Permits
      1. The floodplain administrator may revoke a permit or approval, issued under the provisions of this ordinance, in case there has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to the material fact in the application or plans on which the permit or approval was based.
      2. The floodplain administrator may revoke a permit upon determination that the construction, erection, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, installation, or replacement of the structure for which the permit was issued is in violation of, or not in conformity with, the provisions of this ordinance.
   9. Liability
      1. Any officer, employee, or member of the floodplain administrator’s staff, charged with the enforcement of this ordinance, acting for the applicable governing authority in the discharge of his/her duties, shall not thereby render personally liable, and is hereby relieved from all personal liability, for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his/her duties. Any suit brought against any officer, employee, or member because of such act performed by him/her in the enforcement of any provision of this ordinance shall be defended by the department of law until the final termination of the proceedings.
   10.  Expiration of Floodplain Construction Permit
       1. A floodplain development permit, and all provisions contained therein, shall expire if the “start of construction” has not occurred within one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from the date of its issuance.

1. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS

   In all Special Flood Hazard Areas the following provisions are required:

   1. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
   2. Manufactured homes shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This standard shall be in addition to and consistent with applicable state requirements for resisting wind forces.
   3. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;
   4. New construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage;
   5. Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air condition equipment, and other service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding; and if
   6. Within Zones AH or AO, so that there are adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.
   7. New and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system;
   8. New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters;
   9. On-site waste disposal systems shall be located and constructed to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding;
   10. Any alteration, repair, reconstruction, or improvements to a structure, which is not in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance shall meet the requirements of “new construction” as contained in this ordinance;
   11. Any alteration, repair, reconstruction, or improvements to a structure, which is not in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance, shall be undertaken only if said non-conformity is not furthered, extended, or replaced.
2. SPECIFIC STANDARDS

   In all special flood hazard areas where base flood elevation data have been provided, as set forth in Section 9.25.C.2, the following provisions are required:

   1. Residential Construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure (including manufactured home) shall have the lowest floor, including basement, mechanical equipment, and ductwork elevated no lower than 2 feet above the base flood elevation. Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, openings sufficient to facilitate automatic equalization of hydrostatic flood forces on walls shall be provided in accordance with standards of Section 9.25.E.2.c.
      1. In an AO zone, the lowest floor shall be elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or higher than the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
      2. In an A zone, where no technical data has been produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Floodplain Administrator will determine the method by which base flood elevations are determined. Methods include, but are not limited to, detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, use of existing data available from other sources, approximate methods, use of historical data, best supportable and reasonable judgement in the event no data can be produced. The lowest floor shall be elevated no lower than 2 feet above such base flood elevation. Title 401 KAR (Kentucky Administrative Regulations) Chapter 4, Regulation 060, Section 5(5)a, states as a part of the technical requirements for a State Floodplain Permit: The applicant shall provide cross sections for determining floodway boundaries (and thereby Base Flood Elevations) at any proposed construction site where FEMA maps are not available. All cross sections shall be referenced to mean sea level and shall have vertical error tolerances of no more than + five-tenths (0.5) foot. Cross sections elevations shall be taken at those points which represent significant breaks in slope and at points where hydraulic characteristics of the base floodplain change. Each cross section shall extend across the entire base floodplain and shall be in the number and at the locations specified by the cabinet. If necessary to ensure that significant flood damage will not occur, the cabinet may require additional cross sections or specific site elevations which extend beyond those needed for making routine regulatory floodway boundary calculations.
      3. In all other Zones, elevated 2 feet above the base flood elevation.

         Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor, and verified by the community building inspection department to be properly elevated. Such certification and verification shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator.

   2. Non-residential Construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or non-residential structure (including manufactured homes used for non-residential purposes) shall be elevated to conform with Section 9.25.E.2.a or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities:
      1. Be floodproofed to an elevation 2 feet above the level of the base flood elevation so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;
      2. Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy and debris;
      3. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are satisfied. Such certification along with the design and operational maintenance plans shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator.
      4. Manufactured homes shall meet the standards in Section 9.25.E.2.d.
      5. All new construction and substantial improvement with fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (including basements) that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, and which are subject to flooding, shall be constructed of flood resistant materials to an elevation 2 feet above the base flood elevation, and, shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwater. Openings for meeting this requirement must meet or exceed the standards of Section 9.25.E.2.c.
   3. Elevated Structures. New construction and substantial improvements of elevated structures on columns, posts, or pilings that include fully enclosed areas formed by foundation and other exterior walls below the lowest floor shall be designed to preclude finished living space and designed to allow for the entry and exit of floodwaters to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls.
      1. Openings for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a professional engineer or architect or meet the following minimum criteria:
         1. Provide a minimum of two (2) openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding;
         2. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above foundation interior grade (which must be equal to in elevation or higher than the exterior foundation grade); and
         3. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both directions.
      2. Access to the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary to allow for parking of vehicles (garage door), limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises (standard exterior door), or entry to the living area (stairway or elevator); and
      3. The interior portion of such enclosed areas shall not be finished or partitioned into separate rooms.
   4. Standards for Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles.
      1. All new and substantially improved manufactured homes placed on sites located within A, A1-30, AO, AH, and AE on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) must meet all the requirements for new construction, including elevation and anchoring. Locations include:
         1. On individual lots or parcels,
         2. In expansions to existing manufactured home parks or subdivisions,
         3. In new manufactured home parks or subdivisions or
         4. In substantially improved manufactured home parks or subdivisions,
         5. Outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision, and
         6. In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on a site upon which a manufactured home has incurred "substantial damage" as the result of a flood,

1. Sexually oriented motion picture arcade or booth;
2. Sexually oriented encounter center;
3. Sexually oriented motel;
4. Sexually oriented massage parlor or any business offering massages that is operated by a person who is not licensed as a massage therapist in accordance with the provisions of Kentucky Rev. Statues §309.350 et seq.;
5. Sexually oriented modeling studio;
6. Sexually oriented nude modeling studio; and
7. Sexually oriented escort bureau.

1. Media store with some sexually oriented media (not subject to licensing);
2. Sexually oriented media store;
3. Sex shop;
4. Service oriented escort bureau;
5. Sexually oriented motion picture theatre; and
6. Sexually oriented cabaret or theatre.

1. A media store carrying some sexually oriented media is permitted in any zoning district where other retail establishments are permitted.
2. A sexually oriented media store, sex shop or service oriented escort bureau is permitted in the following zoning districts if it holds an approved Zoning Permit and a valid License approved under the county-wide Kenton County Ordinance No. 451.9, establishing licensing requirements for sexually oriented businesses and service oriented escort bureaus:
   1. SC (Shopping Center) Zone
3. A sexually oriented business featuring on-premise entertainment such as sexually oriented motion picture theatre, cabaret or theatre is permitted in the following zoning districts if it holds an approved Zoning Permit and a valid Kenton County Sexually Oriented Business License:
   1. HC-1 (Highway Commercial One) Zone
   2. HC-3 (Highway Commercial Three) Zone
   3. LHS (Limited Highway Service) Zone
   4. LSC (Limited Service Commercial) Zone
   5. SC (Shopping Center) Zone
   6. All Industrial (I) Zones, except for the IP (Industrial Park) Zone

1. Zoning Permit and License Required
   1. Permit and license required. Each sexually oriented business or service oriented escort bureau is required to obtain a Zoning Permit under the City of Covington’s Zoning Code and License under the countywide licensing ordinance, Kenton County Ordinance No. 451.9 as amended, establishing licensing requirements for sexually oriented businesses and service oriented escort bureaus. However, no license is required for a media store with some sexually oriented media.
   2. Order of submissions. For a new sexually oriented business or service oriented escort bureau, the process is designed for the applicant to apply for a Zoning Permit first and Kenton County License second.
   3. Application Contents: In addition to the other requirements of an application for a Zoning Permit, the applicant shall submit to the Zoning Administrator at least the following:
      1. A complete description of the exact nature of the business to be conducted;
      2. A location plan, showing the location of the property and the applicant’s identification of any school, religious institution, public recreation area, park or day care center within 1,500 feet of the property;
      3. A sketch of the exterior and interior of the premises, showing all areas that will be open to the public and their purposes, the dimensions of such areas, all entrances and exits, the location of the screen for a motion picture theatre, the location and dimensions of the stage for a cabaret or theatre;
      4. A parking plan; and
      5. A lighting and signage plan, showing fixtures that are adequate in number, design and location to meet the lighting requirements and applicable provisions of the countywide licensing ordinance, Kenton County Ordinance No. 451.9 as amended, establishing licensing requirements for sexually oriented businesses and service oriented escort bureaus.

1. General Standards related to sexually oriented businesses and service oriented escort bureaus.
   1. Separation distances. No retail-only sexually oriented business (sexually oriented media store or sex shop) or service oriented escort bureau shall be located within 500 feet of any area within the zoning districts having the designation of “residential” as the district classification or within 500 feet of any parcel of land occupied by a school, religious institution, park, library, public recreation area, or day care center (considered “protected uses”) in any other district.
   2. Separation distances. No sexually oriented business offering on-premise entertainment (sexually oriented motion picture theatre, cabaret or theatre) shall be located within 1000 feet of any area within the zoning districts having the designation of “residential” as the district classification or within 1000 feet of any parcel of land occupied by a school, religious institution, park, library, public recreation area, or day care center in any other district.
   3. Separation distances. No sexually oriented business shall be located within 1,000 feet of any other sexually oriented business or service oriented escort bureau; this restriction shall require such a separation regardless of whether it is located within the city or within the county.
   4. Single use. There shall be no more than one type of sexually oriented business or service oriented escort bureau at any one location.
   5. Nonconformity. No legally established and permitted sexually oriented business or service oriented escort bureau shall become nonconforming through subsequent establishment of a school, religious institution, park, library, public recreation area, or day care center (protected uses); nor shall a Zoning Permit for a sexually oriented business or service oriented escort bureau be denied based on the filing of a Zoning Permit application for a protected use after the filing of such application for a sexually oriented business.
   6. Measurement method. Where this section requires that one use be separated from another use, measurements shall be made in accordance with this subsection. For a use which is the only use or the principal use on a lot or parcel, the measurement shall be made from property line to property line from a point nearest to the use for which the measurement is being made. If the use is located in a multi-tenant building, then the distance shall be measured from the portion of the building of the leasehold or other space actually controlled or occupied that is nearest to the use for which the measurement is being made Measurements between properties or spaces under this section shall be made by the shortest distance between the two properties and/or spaces.
2. Standards for Parking: An Off-Street Parking Plan shall be submitted as a part of the application for a Zoning Permit. All off-street parking shall be in accordance with ARTICLE XI with specific standards related as follows:
   1. A sexually oriented media store, sex shop or service oriented escort bureau: 5.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross public floor area.
   2. A sexually oriented cabaret or theatre: 1 parking space for each 100 square feet of floor area used for dancing or assembly, or 1 space for each 4 persons based on design capacity, whichever is greater, plus 1 space for each 2 employees on shift of largest employment.
   3. A sexually oriented motion picture theatre: 1 parking space for each 4 seats, based on a maximum seating capacity, plus 1 additional space for each 2 employees on shift of largest employment.
3. Standards for Exterior Lighting and Signage: An Exterior Lighting and Signage Plan shall be submitted with the application for a Zoning Permit. The required lighting shall be as follows:
   1. Exterior lighting of the entries and private parking areas shall be a minimum of 15 footcandles as measured 3 feet from the ground or paving.
   2. For a business on a single lot or parcel, no lighting shall illuminate any property not in control of the business by more than 5 footcandles as measured at the nearest adjacent property.
   3. All signage shall be in accordance with the ARTICLE XIV.

1. Standards for a Service Oriented Escort Bureau: A service oriented escort bureau shall be subject to the following additional standards:
   1. Room size. The establishment shall operate all business in an open area of at least 600 square feet of floor area. No walls, dividers, curtains, screens, shades or other similar devices shall be used to obscure any part of the room where customers are located.
   2. Lighting. The area occupied by customers shall be well lit at a lighting level of least 30 footcandles measured 3 feet from the floor.
2. Standards for a Media Store with Some Sexually Oriented Media: A retail book, video or other media store that has sexually explicit media that constitutes more than 10 percent but not more than 40 percent of its inventory or that occupies more than 10 percent but not more than 40 percent of its gross public floor area shall not be classified as a sexually oriented business but shall be subject to the following standards:
   1. Separate room. The sexually explicit media shall be kept in a separate room from the rest of the inventory of the store and shall not visible outside the room;
   2. Age limit. Sexually explicit media shall be available only to persons 18 years or older;
   3. Access. Access to the room shall be through a solid door, accessed by an electronic control device monitored by the clerk or manager on duty through direct visual control;
   4. Visibility. Customers and activities in the room shall be visible at all times to the clerk or manager on duty through a video system located at the clerk’s or manager’s counter; and
   5. Lighting. The area occupied by customers shall be well lit at a lighting level of least 30 footcandles measured 3 feet from the floor.
3. Standards for a Sexually Oriented Media Store or Sex Shop: A sexually oriented media store or sex shop shall be subject to the following additional standards:
   1. Room size. The establishment shall operate all business in an open area of at least 600 square feet of floor area. No walls, dividers, curtains, screens, shades or other similar devices shall be used to obscure any part of the room where customers are located;
   2. Displays. No displays of sexually explicit media or images shall be visible from the exterior of the buildings; and
   3. Lighting. The area occupied by customers shall be well lit at a lighting level of least 30 footcandles measured 3 feet from the floor.
4. Standards for a Sexually Oriented Motion Picture Theatre: A sexually oriented motion picture theater shall be subject to the following additional standards:
   1. Presentation area. All screenings and presentations of motion pictures, videos or other media shall occur in a room open to all customers of the establishment and containing at least 1000 square feet of floor area. No walls, dividers, curtains, screens, shades or other similar devices shall be used to obscure any part of the room.
   2. Lighting. The lighting level in the area occupied by customers shall be at least 5 footcandles as measured at the floor.
   3. Seating. Seating shall consist of individual, theater-style chairs, with solid arms separating the chairs. No couches, benches, portable chairs, beds, loose cushions or mattresses, or other forms of seating may be provided. Separate spaces for wheelchairs shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of the building code and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
5. Standards for a Sexually Oriented Cabaret or Theatre: A sexually oriented cabaret or theater shall be subject to the following additional standards:
   1. Presentation area. All entertainment shall occur in an unobstructed room of at least 600 square feet of floor area with a person in any part of such room having a clear view of all entertainment areas;
   2. Performance stage. All entertainment shall take place on stage elevated at least 24 inches above the surrounding floor area, with a minimum area of 100 square feet, and with a horizontal separation of at least 60 inches between the edge of the stage and the nearest space to which customers have access—the horizontal separation shall be physically enforced by a partial wall, rail, or other physical barrier, which may be located either on the stage (to keep the entertainers back from the edge) or on the floor (to keep the customers back from the stage);
   3. Lighting. The lighting level in the area occupied by customers shall be at least 15 footcandles as measured 3 feet from the floor.
   4. Seating. Seating shall consist of chairs or open booths; no couches, beds, or loose cushions or mattresses, or of any form shall be provided.

1. Determination of Completeness: Within 5 business days of submission of the sexually oriented land use permit application, the Zoning Administrator shall determine if the application is complete. If the application is incomplete, the Zoning Administrator shall return the application to the applicant with a letter or form specifying the items that are missing. The application shall not be further processed unless and until the applicant submits a complete application.
2. Review, Decision: If the Zoning Administrator determines that an application is complete, the Zoning Administrator shall review the application and, within 20 calendar days of submittal of the complete application, grant or deny the permit. If the permit is denied, the denial shall be made in writing, by letter or on a form, and shall specify the reasons why the application was denied, citing the specific provisions of this ordinance or other provisions of the City’s ordinances that provide the basis for such denial. If the Zoning Administrator fails to act on a complete application within the 20-day period, the application is deemed denied. Upon denial or deemed denial, the applicant may appeal that denial to the Board of Adjustment.
3. The applicant may, at its option, pursue other or additional administrative remedies available under the zoning ordinance; by doing so, applicant shall be deemed to have waived any right to a decision within a particular time period and shall be subject to all of the terms, conditions and timelines applicable to such administrative remedies under the zoning ordinance.
4. Expiration of Zoning Permit: The issuance of the Zoning Permit shall be conditioned on the applicant obtaining and retaining a Kenton County Occupational License for the use represented by the Zoning Permit. If a no license has been granted within 6 months after the issuance of the Zoning Permit, then the Zoning Permit shall expire; provided, however, that the expiration date for the Zoning Permit shall be extended until 30 days after the end of any administrative or judicial appeal of the Zoning Permit.

1. Appeals to Board of Adjustment
   1. Appeals to the Board of Adjustment may be taken by any person or entity claiming to be injuriously affected or aggrieved by an official action, order, requirement, interpretation, grant, refusal, or decision of the Zoning Administrator. Such appeal shall be taken within 10 calendar days after such action, order, requirement, interpretation, grant, refusal, or decision of the Zoning Administrator, by filing with the Zoning Administrator and with the Board a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof, and giving notice of such appeal to any and all parties of record. A fee, as required by § 158.007, shall also be paid to the Zoning Administrator at this time. The Zoning Administrator shall forthwith transmit to the Board all papers constituting the record on which the action appealed from was taken and shall be treated as and be the respondent in such further proceedings. At the public hearing on the appeal held by the Board, an interested person may appear and enter his or her appearance, and all shall be given an opportunity to be heard.
   2. The Board of Adjustment shall hear the appeal within 30 calendar days of its filing with the Zoning Administrator and give public notice in accordance with KRS Chapter 424, as well as written notice to the appellant and the Zoning Administrator at least 7 calendar days prior to the hearing. The affected parties may appear at the hearing in person or by an attorney. The Board of Adjustment shall hear the matter and render a decision within 36 days after the filing of the appeal. If the Board of Adjustment fails to act within such time, the application is deemed denied.
2. Appeals from the Board of Adjustment
   1. Any person or entity claiming to be injured or aggrieved by any final action of the Board of Adjustment shall appeal from the action to the circuit court of the county in which the property which is the subject of the action of the Board of Adjustment lies. Such appeal shall be taken within 30 calendar days after the final action of the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment shall be a party in any such appeal filed in the circuit court. All final actions which have not been appealed within 30 days shall not be subject to judicial review and shall become final.
   2. After the appeal is taken, the procedure shall be governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure. When an appeal has been filed, the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall issue a summons to all parties, including the Board of Adjustment in all cases, and shall cause it to be delivered for service as in any other law action.

3. ESTABLISHMENT OF RIPARIAN BUFFER AREAS

   The following are exempt from the terms and protection of these regulations: grassy swales, roadside ditches, drainage ditches created at the time of a subdivision to convey stormwater to another system, tile drainage systems, and stream culverts.

   The following shall apply to the riparian buffer:

   1. The minimum riparian buffer shall include and interpreted from the LINK-GIS blueline stream layer, plus an additional 50 feet for residential uses and 75 feet for non-residential uses on either side of the stream.
   2. Where the 100-year floodplain is wider than the riparian buffer on either or both sides of the stream, the riparian buffer shall be extended to the outer edge of the 100-year floodplain. The 100-year floodplain width shall be reflective of and interpreted from the Federal Insurance Administration’s Flood Insurance Study floodplain boundaries, and regulated per SECTION 9.25 of this Ordinance.
   3. The following adjustment for steep slopes shall be integrated into the riparian buffer calculation for width determination to account for the influence of gradient on the stream: