The City of Fort Mitchell became a member of the Kenton County Joint Code Enforcement Board last week, and city council approved Paige Foss’ appointment to represent Fort Mitchell.
“As we just transitioned as a participating city of the Joint Code Enforcement Board, we discussed the appointment with a few of the existing City Code Enforcement Board members to first gauge their interest in the appointment,” Mayor Greg Pohlgeers said. “Mrs. Foss came recommended by one of our existing board members. We thought this to be very prudent, as background knowledge is beneficial.”
With board and committee appointments, city council receives recommendations from council or other board/committee members on appointment recommendations. The board appointment term is three years. The Kenton County Joint Code Enforcement Board has appointed members for each city. The board exists as a cost-saving measure for Kenton County cities.
Paige Foss is the architecture design manager for Drees Homes and a licensed architect. Foss holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Miami University. Foss will serve as a voting member of the board and acts as Fort Mitchell’s liaison. Foss is required to attend the monthly meetings for all scheduled hearings.
“I read code all day long, and I do think it’s just something that you kind of get used to. It’s a different language,” Foss said. “It’s like reading a book in Old English.”
When asked about why she accepted the role, Foss said she does it all day at work, and this allows her to be more invested in Fort Mitchell as a community.
“I think it’s important that we preserve that,” Foss said. “We also educate people, rather than just passing out fines. I think it’s a good choice to give them options, so that they can learn how to be compliant to whatever codes are being enforced.”
City Administrator Edwin King said a current board member recommended Foss.
“She is an architect and is knowledgeable about our code enforcement ordinances,” King said. “Now that we are a member of the Kenton County Joint Code Enforcement Board, this requires a more significant time commitment for the city’s appointee. Mrs. Foss is willing to take on that responsibility, and we are very grateful for her willingness to do so.”
Foss said that some Fort Mitchell citizens tend to be concerned about their property values decreasing by the lack of maintenance by their surrounding neighbors.
“I have no idea the scope that Kenton County has absorbed by doing a cross compliant task force,” Foss said, “so I guess it’ll be a learning opportunity for me for sure.”
Common violations, Pohlgeers said, include tall grass, loose gutters and RVs and boats in driveways.
Fort Mitchell has previously relied on volunteers to manage its code enforcement operations. Pohlgeers said under the current system, PDS, the Joint Code Enforcement Board, and their attorneys handle the process. If a case reaches the point where a lien must be placed on a property, their attorneys file the lien on behalf of the city, which saves Fort Mitchell significant city attorney costs.
Pohlgeers explained that when PDS issues a citation to a homeowner or business for a code violation, the primary goal is to work with the property owner to correct the issue. If the homeowner or business chooses to contest the citation, they may appeal the matter before the Code Enforcement Board. During that hearing, the case is presented to the full panel of city representatives, who will then vote to either grant or deny the appeal. PDS oversees the Kenton County Joint Code Enforcement Board.
Planning and Development Services of Kenton County (PDS) delivers code enforcement services to multiple jurisdictions across Kenton County. Code enforcement ensures that properties meet all applicable local ordinances and regulations. The Code Enforcement Department conducts inspections and works directly with property owners to resolve issues involving property maintenance, unsafe or deteriorated structures, nuisance conditions, and zoning compliance.
The board conducts hearings to determine if a code violation has occurred. The current members of the Kenton County Joint Board are Bromley, Crescent Springs, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Elsmere, Erlanger, Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, Independence, Kenton Vale, Lakeside Park, Ludlow, Park Hills, Ryland Heights, Taylor Mill, Unincorporated Kenton County, and Villa Hills. The board meets on the second Thursday at 6 p.m. ET at the Kenton County Government Center, 1840 Simon Kenton Way, 2nd Floor Kenton Chambers, Covington, KY 41011.
If you live in Fort Mitchell, you may file a code enforcement complaint by phone, 859-331-8980 or via the online form.
Pohlgeers said, “If residents want to be involved in any way at all, they can contact us anytime and we will find a way for them to serve.”
The next Fort Mitchell City Council meeting is scheduled for July 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at 2355 Dixie Highway in Fort Mitchell.