Public Works

Covington’s Public Works Department helps build, maintain, and manage public infrastructure and the City’s physical assets in a manner that keeps them safe, functioning at a high level, and aesthetically pleasing. This includes not only streets, sidewalks, parks, trees, storm sewers, and levees but also the City’s buildings, vehicles, and equipment. This work is critical to creating a high quality of life for residents and a nurturing environment for business investment.

My sidewalk is cracked and in need of replacement. Does the City replace sidewalks?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk that abuts or fronts their property. To repair or replace a sidewalk, the property owner must complete a Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit Application. After the application is submitted, the City will inspect the area and determine whether the curb also requires repair or replacement.

My street hasn’t been plowed. Why is it taking so long for the salt truck to treat my street? 

The City prioritizes plowing major roads and bus routes first, which can delay service to neighborhood streets, and residents can find more details on the City of Covington’s Public Works Snow Removal webpage.

There is a pothole on my street, how do I report it?

Fill out a work order request through IWorQ Citizen Engagement Request.

There is a dead animal on my street, how do I report it?

Fill out a work order request through IWorQ Citizen Engagement Request.

Rumpke did not pick up my trash or recycling, what do I do?

Call the Solid Waste Department at (859)292-4417 or fill out a work order request through IWorQ Citizen Engagement Request.

Administration: Responsibilities include business and budget management, payroll, generating work orders, customer service, issuing right-of-way permits and handicapped parking signs, managing contracts, overseeing infrastructure improvement projects, pavement management, and GIS mapping.

• Encroachment permit: Submit this application at least 10 business days before digging into sidewalks or streets or occupying any public right‑of‑way.
• Traffic control device: Fill out and give the City this form to begin the process of asking for a traffic signal device or sign on a public street.
• Handicapped sign request: Fill out to apply for a designated handicapped parking sign in front of your home.

Fleet Management: Responsibilities include maintaining and repairing City vehicles and equipment, and acquisition and strategic planning of the City’s fleet. Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) with its Blue Seal of Excellence, this division also contracts with other local governments to maintain their fleets.

General Maintenance: Responsibilities include street cleaning, leaf pickup, maintenance of grassy areas (other than parks), alley maintenance, litter control, graffiti abatement, river debris cleanup, dead animal removal, and floodwall maintenance.

• Snow removal
• Leaf collection
• Street sweeping

Parks & Facilities Maintenance: Responsibilities include cutting grass and weeds in parks; maintaining playgrounds and ball fields; repair and maintenance of swim facilities; maintenance of the City garage, fire stations, and police headquarters; and operation and routine maintenance of flood protection systems.

Property Maintenance: Responsibilities include maintaining and securing vacant properties on the City Abandoned Urban Property list, as well as maintaining other associated City-owned property. Property Maintenance conducts countless special projects across division lines. 

Right of Way Maintenance: Responsibilities include filling potholes, curb repair and replacement, traffic control signage and signals, “striping” of streets and parking areas, street lighting, slide repairs, and general road maintenance.

• Street resurfacing: Every year, Public Works oversees a street resurfacing contract approved by the Board of Commissioners. Articles about previous years’ contracts: “$560K of fresh asphalt” and “$1MM in asphalt on 22 streets.”
• Road conditions: To learn more about City’s streets, such as who maintains them, traffic counts, and surface conditions, see Covington Road Information.

Solid Waste & Recycling: Provides safe, professional, cost‑effective waste services while advancing a recycling program that protects the environment for future generations.

• Voucher Program: Covington residents can acquire one voucher a month that allows them to drop off waste at the Covington transfer station for free.

Storm Water Management: Responsibilities include oversight of the MS4 Permit program, a limited part of storm water management as it relates to the quality of rain runoff in Covington.

Urban Forestry: Responsibilities include maintaining the grounds of the 700+-acre Devou Park, landscaping on traffic islands and medians, and maintaining the urban tree canopy, including over 5,000 trees in the public right of way and commonly used park areas.

Want a job in the Public Works Department? Check for open positions on the City’s job listings page.

iWorQ work order request: You can report a problem with the City’s infrastructure (and include a photo) using the iWorQ online link, also known as a Citizen Engagement Request.

• Kenton County Public Works
• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6
• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
• OKI Regional Council of Governments