New Form-Based Neighborhood Development Code Approved in Covington, Kentucky

Covington, Kentucky, located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, has implemented a fundamental shift in the city's planning philosophy by adopting a new form-based Neighborhood Development Code.

1 minute read

September 29, 2020, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Cincinnati Area

Rotorhead 30A Productions / Shutterstock

"The Covington city commission last week approved a new Neighborhood Development Code (NDC) to replace the previous zoning ordinance," according to an article published by the River City News. 

"The 'outgoing' Zoning Ordinance, adopted in 2006 and changed numerous times, separated Covington into parcels of land based on single, allowed 'uses.' The new 'form-based' or 'character-based' development code focuses on how structures relate to the surrounding public realm like the 'character' of the neighborhood," according to the article. 

A press release from the city called the new NDC, "a fundamental change in philosophy and approach whose impact will be felt in every project, ranging from a homeowner adding a porch to a developer building a subdivision to an entrepreneur locating a new business."

The city worked with Kendig Keast Collaborative to complete the multi-year process of overhauling the city's development code. The approved version fo the NDC is available online, and the city is promising to release articles in the coming weeks and months to describe how the new NDC will work for businesses and residents of Covington.


Sunday, September 27, 2020 in The River City News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

7 hours ago - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM