Does the Secretary of State provide a Quick-Guide for filing city boundary changes pursuant to KRS 81A.470?
Yes. Please click here.
Back to Top
What agencies receive KRS 81A.470 filings?
The county clerk and the Secretary of State. Cities should also submit KRS 81A.470 filings to the Department for Local Government until further notice.
Back to Top
What is the basis for the interactive maps on the "Kentucky Cities Website"?
KRS 81.045, approved in 1980, required cities to submit a boundary statement to the Office of the Kentucky Secretary of State. Interactive maps are based on those filings. All subsequent changes to city boundaries, such as annexations, severances, and transfers, are added to the interactive map as filings are approved by the Secretary of State's Office.
Back to Top
How are City Boundary Ordinances mapped?
The bearings and distances for KRS 81A.470 filings, including annexations, are plotted using Deedrunner or ArcGIS software. Once the calls are input, DGI staff determine a point of beginning for the survey then use the software to create a shapefile. The shapefile location is further defined by using the description and plat submitted to the Secretary of State as well as aerial photography, topographic maps, and any other supplemental information that may aid in the placement of the ordinance.
Back to Top
What makes an Annexation or other KRS 81A.470 filing unmappable?
The following issues make it difficult/impossible for the state to map the annexation ordinances and other KRS 81A.470 submissions:
-No bearings and distances description or plat provided
-Not being able to determine a point of beginning
-Bad survey calls/surveys not closing
-Little or no detail in vicinity map
Back to Top
How often is the mapping updated on the web?
City boundary annexations are continually updated as documents are received by COT/GIS from the Secretary of State's Land Office. Interactive maps on the web are updated on a monthly basis (at the first of every month).
Back to Top
Where can I view City Boundaries online?
The City Boundaries website can be viewed online at: http://kygeonet.ky.gov/kycities/viewer.htm.
Back to Top
Where can I download City Boundary GIS data?
City boundaries in GIS ESRI Shapefile format can be downloaded from the Kentucky Geography Network at: ftp://ftp.kymartian.ky.gov/dlgbnd/
Back to Top
I am having trouble printing a high quality city map from the "Interactive Maps" website. Are high quality maps available online?
The interactive map is made for delivery to the web therefore the maps printed from the website are not high quality. High quality maps are available from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). The maps created by KYTC use the boundaries that are maintained at the Commonwealth Office of Technology, Division of Geographic Information, and are based on filings with the Secretary of State’s Office. City maps can be downloaded at:
http://transportation.ky.gov/Planning/Pages/State-Primary-Road-System-Maps.aspx
There are several pull down menus at the top of the webpage. Use the “Incorporated Areas” pulldown to select a city name and view the map. Once the map is loaded, you can click on the “Save a Copy” button to save a copy of the map to your hard drive.
Back to Top
Our street names are incorrect on the map, how do I get them corrected?
KYTC road centerline name changes (i.e. changing Smith Rd to Jones Rd):
· Must be submitted to your local appointed authority for approval.
· For County owned and maintained roads the County Fiscal Court must follow proper procedures outlined by KRS 179.330 to officially change any road names and then submit to KYTC through established update procedures.
· The KYTC road centerline file contains only the County Fiscal Court approved road names for the County maintained roads. In some cases the 911 road name may be different for varying reasons. The KYTC file will always attempt to reflect the latest Fiscal Court information submitted to KYTC
· All other road name changes must be submitted to the locally defined owner of the road name (i.e. E-911, Road Foreman, Mayor, etc.) to be considered. If approved the changes must then be submitted through established channels to KYTC for update of the road centerline file.
KYTC road centerline name corrections (i.e. Smith Rd to Smyth Rd or Smith Ln to Smith Rd):
· Can be sent to KYTC KYTC Road Centerline Name Correction Request e-mail group.
· The suggested correction will then be reviewed with the proper authority and updated if approved.
COMMON QUESTIONS FROM SURVEYORS
Back to Top
What coordinate system do you prefer for Point of Beginning (POB) locations?
The coordinates can be provided in any known coordinate system. The POB information should include both the coordinates and what coordinate system is being used. The first call in the description, usually labeled POB, should also be identified on the plat for proofing by the Secretary of State’s Office.
Back to Top
Are coordinates for a POB available online?
Directions for obtaining POB coordinates online can be accessed at:
http://kygeonet.ky.gov/pdfs/Obtaining-POB-Coordinates-Online.pdf
Back to Top
Can I use a handheld GPS unit to get POB coordinates?
Yes. The coordinates for the POB help us determine the location of the annexation ordinance. Even if you have a low end GPS, the coordinates are useful. Although we use aerial imagery to place the annexation, coordinates help us define the location.
Back to Top
Can I provide a digital file of the annexation boundary and in what format?
Although cities are required to submit KRS 81A.470 filings in paper format to the Secretary of State for proofing, copying, research, and certification purposes, digital files may accompany the documents. The Secretary of State’s Office will include the digital files with the paper copies sent to COT/GIS. Digital files ensure an exact match in boundary placement and will lead to more accurate depictions of annexations and other KRS 81A.470 submissions. We can accept DWG files or shapefiles.
Back to Top
Although the ordinance was filed by the Secretary of State’s Office and is labeled “Mappable,” the placement needs adjusting. What is the process for correcting existing filings?
City filings (1980 through 2002) were mapped in 2002; many ordinances did not include descriptions or the descriptions were vague. This resulted in “best guess placement.” Contact the Secretary of State’s Land Office for suggestions for the enhancement of older KRS 81A.470 filings. In 2004 legislation was approved that requires professional land surveyors to depict and describe tracts being annexed, severed, or transferred. If there seems to be a placement issue, contact your local Area Development District and work with ADD staff to correct the placement of the annexation ordinance based on the information provided in the filing. The ADD staff can provide shapefile/GIS data with the corrected placement to COT/GIS staff. COT/GIS staff will compare the information provided by the ADD with the information provided in the filing and if it is determined that corrections need to be made on the city’s “Interactive Map” COT/GIS staff will make those corrections.
OTHER QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST
Why isn't our city listed on your database?
Cities that comply with KRS 81.045 form the basis of the Secretary of State's Kentucky Cities Website. New cities incorporated under KRS 81.050 and KRS 81.060, both enacted in 1980, are also included on this website. We have added information from the 1942-1980 filings as a matter of historical interest. Communities that did not comply with KRS 81.045 are not included on the website at this time.
Back to Top
Why does your listing of "County Seats" list 122 cities if there are only 120 counties?
Two Kentucky counties have two cities identified as county seats. Campbell County lists Alexandria and Newport as the county seat. Kenton County lists Independence and Covington as the county seat. (reference: Kentucky Counties Fact Sheet, published by the Public Records Division of the Kentucky Department for Libraries & Archives.)
Back to Top
What is an Area Development District (ADD)?
An ADD is a regional organization that assists in the formulation and implementation of human resource and infrastructure related plans. On March 30, 1967, Gov. Ned Breathitt signed Executive Order 67-233 which divided Kentucky into 15 multi-county regions for planning purposes. Gov. Louie Nunn's Executive Order 71-267, signed Nov. 16, 1971, established ADDs as the official regional planning and development agencies for their respective areas. In 1972, the Kentucky General Assembly enacted legislation (now found in KRS 147A 050-140) which provided the basic organizational structure.
Back to Top
Why doesn't a link to our city's website appear on the Secretary of State's city page?
We are making a concerted effort to include all non-commercial links to city websites. Due to changes in URL addresses and the constant development of new city websites, we are not always aware of additions and revisions that need to be made. Please notify us of any non-commercial city links that should appear on your city page by contacting the Land Office, Secretary of State, Capitol Building, Frankfort, KY 40601 or 502-564-3490. Those links will be tested and added.
Back to Top
Who compiled the Census information for the Cities Database?
The Kentucky State Data Center, University of Louisville, supplied the city population totals for this website. There are two categories: (1) United State Decennial Census for 1970 through 2000; and (2) city population estimates for 1990 through 1999. For other demographic information regarding Kentucky, visit the Kentucky State Data Center's website at: http://www.cbpa.louisville.edu/ksdc.
Back to Top
What are your references for incorporation & establishment dates as well as historical notations?
Filings by the city government, Acts of the Kentucky General Assembly, The Kentucky Encyclopedia, Glenn Clift's publication on Kentucky Cities, and research by Dr. Eugene Harrell, former director of the Secretary of State's Land Office.
Back to Top
Are copies of city by-laws or charters filed with the Office of Secretary of State?
No. Contact City Hall for information regarding governmental structure and procedures.
Back to Top
Please tell us about the pictures of Kentucky Cities on your website.
Over 100 pictures of Kentucky Cities are included on this website. Due to security concerns, the picture download feature is not available at this time. Non-copyrighted city pictures may be submitted by mailing a CD to the Secretary of State’s Land Office or e-mailed to Kandie.Adkinson@ky.gov. If more than one picture is submitted and approved for inclusion on a city page, the pictures will appear in random sequence.
Back to Top
What is "The Gold Book"?
This publication is a directory of state and federal government, state employees, state legislators, state judiciary, area development districts, educational institutions, city and county officials, news media and other professional listings and associations. For more information, contact The Clark Group, P.O. Box 24766, Lexington, KY 40524, phone 1-800-944-3995, fax 606-233-7421, or on-line at http://www.clarkpublishing.com.
Back to Top
Frequently the term "Commonwealth" is used to refer to Kentucky. What is a Commonwealth?
According to The Historical Atlas of Kentucky & Her Counties, by Wendell H. Rone, Sr., the two designations "Commonwealth" and "State" were synonymous in the late 1700s. The Historical Atlas states:
"The term Commonwealth goes back to the time of Oliver Cromwell when he created the Commonwealth of States or Colonies of Great Britain. 'Commonweal'-for the good of all-was the meaning implied. Virginia, Massachusetts, & Pennsylvania were Commonwealths of Great Britain. A Commonwealth in America is a State having its immediate outgrowth from one of the original Colonies." In his article in The Kentucky Encyclopedia, Ron Bryant states: "Commonwealth is a part of the official name of Kentucky, as decided by the first Assembly on June 4, 1792…The first use of the word commonwealth in official documents regarding Kentucky occurred in 1785, when the inhabitants of the Kentucky District petitioned Virginia to recognize Kentucky as a 'free and independent state, to be known by the name of the 'Commonwealth of Kentucky'."
Back to Top
How is City Classification determined?
The process of classifying Kentucky Cities is addressed in the Kentucky Constitution. In 1994 Kentucky voters repealed Section 156 of the 1891 Constitution by ratifying a constitutional amendment which created Sections 156a and 156b (pertaining to municipal home rule for cities).
Section 156a reads as follows:
Section 156a. General Assembly authorized to provide for creation, governmental structure, and classification of cities. The General Assembly may provide for the creation, alteration of boundaries, consolidation, merger, dissolution, government, functions, and officers of cities. The General Assembly shall create such classifications of cities as it deems necessary based on population, tax base, form of government, geography, or any other reasonable basis and enact legislation relating to the classifications. All legislation relating to cities of a certain classification shall apply equally to all cities within the same classification. The classification of all cities and the law pertaining to the classifications in effect at the time of adoption of this section shall remain in effect until otherwise provided by law. (Text as ratified on: November 8, 1994)
To date, the Kentucky General Assembly has not passed legislation that establishes a new process for classifying Kentucky Cities. As Section 156, approved in 1891, has not been superseded, the original requirements prevail.
The 1891 Kentucky Constitution was the first of Kentucky’s four Constitutions to base legislative districts on population. Section 156 established a system of classification that assigns cities to one of six classes determined by population. Population requirements for each of the six classes as set forth in Section 156 are:
First Class -- 100,000 or more
Second Class -- 20,000 to 99,999
Third Class -- 8,000 to 19,999
Fourth Class -- 3,000 to 7,999
Fifth Class -- 1,000 to 2,999
Sixth Class -- 999 or less
Section 156 also addresses the process for changing a city’s classification:
“The General Assembly shall assign the cities and towns of the Commonwealth to the classes to which they respectively belong, and change assignments made as the population of said cities and towns may increase or decrease, and in the absence of other satisfactory information as to their population, shall be governed by the last preceding Federal census in so doing; but no city or town shall be transferred from one class to another, except in pursuance of a law previously enacted and providing therefore..”
Kentucky Revised Statute 81.036 pertains to the recording of reclassification with the Secretary of State. It states:
“Upon reclassification of an incorporated area, the General Assembly shall provide the Secretary of State notice of the reclassification and a copy of the certified information which was presented to the General Assembly. Such information shall be maintained by the Secretary of State along with other information relating to such area as required by KRS 81.045.” (Effective July 15, 1986. History: Created 1986 Ky. Acts Ch. 151, sec 3, effective July 15, 1986)
As the Kentucky General Assembly reclassifies Kentucky Cities, those changes are added to the city’s page on the Secretary of State’s website. If the legislation does not include an effective date for the reclassification, the reclassification will become effective on the date set by the Attorney General for all legislation approved during that session. If the legislation includes an emergency clause, the Enrolled Bill will become law upon the Governor’s signature.
Back to Top
Until requirements for city reclassification are changed by the Kentucky Constitution, what statute explains the present reclassification process?
Until requirements for city reclassification are changed by the Kentucky General Assembly, as provided by Section 156a of the Kentucky Constitution, what statute explains the present reclassification process?
The reclassification process is defined in KRS 81.032 which states:
81.032 Requirements for reclassification of an incorporated area.
(1) Prior to the reclassification of any incorporated area by the General
Assembly, the legislative body of such area shall provide to the
General Assembly by certified resolution the population data as
required by subsections (2) and (3) of this section.
(2) Prior to the reclassification of any incorporated area by the General
Assembly, such area shall have attained the population
requirements as established by Section 156 of the Constitution of
the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
(3) The population of any city proposed for reclassification shall be
based on consideration of the most recent municipal population estimates as provided by the United States Bureau of Census, except that if recent growth in a city makes such estimates invalid, a city may submit for consideration an affidavit to certify such new growth. Such an affidavit shall by supported by documentation which may include more recent property valuation information, door to door population counts or other municipal data, such as annexation records, which may not be included in the recent population estimates.
Effective: July 15, 1986
History: Created 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 151, sec. 1, effective
July 15, 1986.
Back to Top
Please explain the term “Effective Date to be Determined” for city filings regarding classification changes.
Legislation passed by both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly, submitted to the Governor for signature consideration, then sent to the Secretary of State for filing are known as Enrolled Bills. The effective date for each Enrolled Bill can vary.
1. If the Enrolled Bill states a specific effective date, the bill becomes law on that date.
2. If the Enrolled Bill includes an emergency clause, the bill becomes law immediately after the Governor’s signature is affixed (or filing with the Secretary of State if the Governor chooses not to affix his signature).
3. In Kentucky most Enrolled Bills do not include a specific effective date or emergency clause. Generally the Bills become law 90 days after sine die adjournment. The actual date is set by the Attorney General.
We will update the city filing information regarding reclassification as soon as the effective date of the Enrolled Bill has been determined and announced by the Attorney General’s Office.