The City of Covington has revised its permitting rules for roof replacements to streamline the process for applicants and city staff.
Starting immediately, a zoning permit is not needed for routine repairs or replacements of existing roof coverings, provided no structural changes are made.
This change results from a review by the City’s Regulatory Staff and Legal Department, which concluded that standard roof replacements are covered by Exemption 12 of Section 07.21.09. Since these repairs do not impact the structure’s height, size, or lateral bulk, they no longer need zoning review.
Exceptions remain:
- Roof replacements within Historic Preservation Overlay districts (HP and TS) still require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).
- Projects involving structural changes—such as adding dormers, altering roof pitch, extending rooflines, or building crickets—must obtain both building and zoning permits.
- Solar panel installations require a COA in historic districts and a building permit regardless of structural changes.
For questions or assistance determining if a project qualifies under the new exemption, contact Covington’s Regulatory Services Manager & Historic Preservation Specialist Kaitlin Bryan at: kaitlin.bryan@covingtonky.gov.
