Planning & Development

Responsibilities

The Planning & Development Department is located on the 2nd floor of the Newport City Building and oversees: 

• Code Enforcement.
• Planning and Zoning. 
• Historic Preservation.
• Building Department.

The Code Enforcement Director, Brian Steffen, oversees the Planning & Development Department.  

The Planning and Development Department reviews and issues building permits, building permit online submittals, zoning permits, and Certificates of Appropriateness (COA). You can access these from the Portal. Exterior or structural renovation of homes located within the historic district requires a COA. Most building permits are processed within 14 business days.

This department also prepares public hearings for the Board of Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings.

Contacting Us

For questions about Planning and Zoning, please call (859) 292-3637 or email Permits Please note this department carries high volumes of calls with a limited staff.  If your call is not answered, please leave your name, phone number, and reason for your call and staff will contact you promptly.