The City of Covington has announced that zoning permits are no longer required for standard roof replacement projects that do not involve structural changes. This adjustment aims to make the permitting process more efficient for both applicants and city staff.
The change follows discussions between the city’s Regulatory Staff and Legal Department, which determined that ordinary roof repairs or replacements qualify as an exempt activity under Exemption 12 of Section 07.21.09. According to city officials, since these repairs do not affect a building’s height, size, or lateral bulk, they do not require zoning review.
However, the city notes several exceptions to the new rule. Roof replacements within Historic Preservation Overlay districts—including HP (Historic Preservation) and TS (Traditional Streetscape) areas—will still require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Additionally, any project involving structural modifications such as adding dormers, changing the roof pitch, extending rooflines, or constructing crickets will continue to need both building and zoning permits.
The installation of solar panels is also subject to existing requirements. A COA is necessary in historic districts for solar panel installations, along with a building permit regardless of whether structural changes are involved.
For residents seeking clarification on whether their roofing project qualifies under this exemption, Kaitlin Bryan, Regulatory Services Manager & Historic Preservation Specialist for the City of Covington, can be contacted at Kaitlin.Bryan@covingtonky.gov.
