Wednesday, October 711:21:12 p.m. ET

Villa Hills, Ky. · Kenton County

The Carpenter’s Trace Journal

Villa Hills Resident Resources: Passports, Permits, Pets & Utilities

The everyday paperwork side of living in Villa Hills: getting a passport at City Hall, which forms and permits you might need, the rules for pets and solicitors, and who actually provides your water, sewer, power and internet.

Checked against official sources October 7, 2026.

New to Villa Hills? A quick checklist

  • Find your trash day on the city’s pickup schedule (Carpenter's Trace is Tuesday) and call Rumpke at 877-786-7537 for a trash can. Grab a free recycling bin at the Public Works garage, 719 Rogers Rd.
  • Set up water with Northern Kentucky Water District, sewer with Sanitation District 1 (SD1), and electric with Duke Energy or Owen Electric depending on your address.
  • License your dogs and cats with Kenton County Animal Services ($5.00 per year, January 1–December 31).
  • Look up your city property tax bill on the city’s tax portal; bills are due October 1 and must be paid by November 30. If your mortgage escrows taxes, forward the bill to your lender.
  • Sign up for city email alerts and follow the city and police Facebook pages for snow emergencies and news.
  • Save the key numbers: City Hall (859) 341-1515, police office (859) 341-3535, 24-hour dispatch (859) 356-3191, fire office (859) 341-3840, and 911 for emergencies.
  • Want fewer door-to-door salespeople? Call (859) 341-1515 or email [email protected] to join the city’s No-Knock list.
  • Planning a fence, deck, pool or addition? Check with PDS (859.331.8980) about permits first.

Passports at City Hall

Villa Hills City Hall is a passport acceptance facility, and processing is by appointment only. Appointments run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM on the half hour; most take 10–15 minutes, longer if the paperwork has problems. Call (859) 341-1515 to book.

The city handles new passports and any renewal that requires form DS-11, including all children under 16, applicants 16–17, passports expired 5 or more years, and lost or stolen passports. If your passport is about to expire or expired less than five years ago, you can usually renew by mail or online yourself through the State Department; staff are still happy to review your form or photo.

The city ships applications to the State Department by USPS Priority Mail and can’t hand them back once processed. Your passport is mailed to the address on your application, and your original birth certificate comes back separately. You can track status online after 7–10 days.

  • Proof of citizenship: original or certified birth certificate (or naturalization certificate).
  • A passport photo that meets State Department rules. City Hall does not take photos; check yours at the photo shop before you leave.
  • Your driver’s license or other acceptable ID. With a learner’s permit, bring a secondary ID such as a school ID, or a parent’s ID and signature.
  • Form DS-11, completed but not signed; you sign in front of staff.
  • Two checks: one to the U.S. Department of State for each application, and one to the city for the processing fee (several processing fees can go on one check).
  • For minors of any age, both parents or guardians must attend; if one can’t, bring their notarized statement of consent plus a front-and-back copy of their driver’s license.
Adult passport book
$130 (Fall 2025 newsletter)
Adult passport card
$30 (Fall 2025 newsletter)
Child (under 16) passport book
$100 (Fall 2025 newsletter)
Child passport card
$15 (Fall 2025 newsletter)
Acceptance facility processing fee
$35 (Fall 2025 newsletter)
Expedite fee
$60 extra per application
Processing time
Passport page: 10–13 weeks standard, 7–9 weeks expedited; Fall 2025 newsletter: 4–6 weeks standard, 2–3 weeks expedited. Check travel.state.gov for current times.
Validity
10 years for ages 16 and up; 5 years for children under 16

City forms and applications

  • Report a concern: online contact form on the city home page.
  • Open records request (city and police): standardized form, sent to the City Clerk.
  • Vacation check request and crime tips: online forms on the police page.
  • Solicitor’s license application: $20 per calendar year, per application.
  • Kenton County business license: through the county’s online license portal.
  • Encroachment permit (work in a city street or sidewalk): $100.00 application fee plus a scaled plot plan, under Chapter 51 of the city code.
  • Special Event permit: $25 to $100 depending on size, due 60 days before the event.
  • Rental license application: required for rental units, including Airbnb-style rentals.
  • Fire department open burn permit (Crescent Springs–Villa Hills Fire/EMS).
  • City employment application.
  • Complaint against an officer: citizen complaint form.

Building, zoning and code enforcement

The city contracts with Planning and Development Services of Kenton County (PDS) for building permits and inspections, zoning, subdivision rules, floodplain permits, comprehensive planning and code enforcement. If you’re planning a fence, deck, pool, addition or similar project, PDS is where to ask whether a permit is needed. PDS also investigates zoning and property-maintenance complaints. Home-based businesses also need a zoning permit from PDS.

Open burning

Open burning needs a permit from Crescent Springs–Villa Hills Fire/EMS. The permit requires the fire to be attended the whole time, a working hose sized for the fire on hand, the fire out by dusk, and wind no stronger than 15 mph.

Pets and animals

  • Villa Hills has a leash law, and all dogs and cats must be licensed. Licenses come from the Kenton County Animal Shelter for $5.00, valid January 1 through December 31.
  • No more than five dogs or cats (in any combination) per residence, except that puppies or kittens may be kept for 12 weeks after birth.
  • Animal noise lasting more than 15 minutes that disturbs neighbors is prohibited under the city noise ordinance.
  • Loose animal and you don’t know the owner? Call Kenton County Dispatch at 859-356-3191 for Animal Control. Keep kids inside and don’t handle injured animals.
  • Concerned about an animal left outside in bad weather? Contact Kenton County Animal Control at 859.356.3191 or [email protected].

Rental properties and landlords

Every rental unit in Villa Hills needs a rental license, including rooms offered through Airbnb or as a bed and breakfast. Owner-occupied units, hotels, hospitals and similar state-licensed facilities are exempt. The license is free, runs one year and expires April 15; a new owner must apply within 90 days of purchase. If an inspection finds violations, the owner pays a $50.00 inspection fee. Landlords also need a Villa Hills or Kenton County occupational license (county office: 859-392-1440).

In September 2026, council adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS 383.505 to 383.705) as Chapter 155 of the city code (Ordinance 2026-06). A copy is available at City Hall during business hours.

Business licenses and door-to-door sales

Kenton County Fiscal Court collects business and occupational licenses for Villa Hills. Any business operating in the city, or with employees working from a Villa Hills location, needs a business license and must remit the city’s 1.5% payroll fee.

Door-to-door solicitors need a city solicitor’s license on top of the county business license: a $20 application fee (cash or check), an application and a copy of each solicitor’s driver’s license. Solicitors may only knock from 10:00 am until sunset, no later than 7:30 pm or dusk, whichever is earlier, and must skip homes with a “No Soliciting” sign or “No Knock” sticker. Churches, political campaigns and youth fundraisers are exempt.

Utilities and services

  • Phone and internet providers listed by the city: AT&T/Altafiber, Spectrum and HughesNet.
  • Trash and recycling are paid through a city assessment rather than a separate Rumpke bill.
  • Need help with utility bills or rent? The Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission offers assistance to eligible residents.

Nearby essentials

  • Post office: USPS, 123 Buttermilk Pike, Lakeside Park.
  • Closest library branches: Kenton County Public Library Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Rd, and Covington Branch, 502 Scott St.
  • Nearest hospitals: St. Elizabeth Covington (150 James Simpson Jr Way), Edgewood (1 Medical Village Dr) and Florence (4900 Houston Rd).
  • Schools serving Villa Hills include River Ridge Elementary, Turkeyfoot Middle School and Dixie High School in Kenton County Schools, plus Villa Madonna Academy and several Diocese of Covington schools.

Frequently asked questions

›Can I get a passport at Villa Hills City Hall?

Yes. Villa Hills is a passport acceptance facility. Processing is by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM on the half hour. Call (859) 341-1515 to schedule.

Source ↗
›What do I bring to a passport appointment in Villa Hills?

Bring an original or certified birth certificate (or naturalization certificate), a passport photo, your driver’s license, an unsigned DS-11 form, and two checks: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the city for the processing fee.

Source ↗
›Does Villa Hills take passport photos?

No. Get your photo elsewhere before your appointment and check it meets State Department requirements while you’re still at the photo location. Staff will measure it and may ask you to get new photos.

Source ↗
›How much does a passport cost at Villa Hills?

Per the city’s Fall 2025 newsletter: adult book $130, adult card $30, child book $100, child card $15, plus a $35 acceptance facility fee. Expedited service is an extra $60 per application.

Source ↗
›Can I renew my passport by mail instead of going to City Hall?

Usually, yes. If your passport is about to expire or expired less than five years ago, you can renew yourself by mail or online through the State Department. City Hall handles renewals that require form DS-11, such as passports expired 5 or more years.

Source ↗
›What do minors need for a passport in Villa Hills?

Children under 16 must apply in person with form DS-11, and both parents or guardians must attend. If one can’t, bring their notarized statement of consent and a copy of the front and back of their driver’s license.

Source ↗
›How long does a passport take from Villa Hills?

The city’s passport page lists 10–13 weeks for standard and 7–9 weeks for expedited processing, while the Fall 2025 newsletter listed 4–6 and 2–3 weeks. Check travel.state.gov for current times.

Source ↗
›Where do I get a building permit in Villa Hills?

Planning and Development Services of Kenton County (PDS) issues building permits and handles zoning and code enforcement for Villa Hills. Call PDS at 859.331.8980 or visit pdskc.org.

Source ↗
›Who handles code enforcement complaints in Villa Hills?

PDS, the city’s code enforcement contractor, investigates zoning, building and property-maintenance violations. Call 859.331.8980.

Source ↗
›Do I need a license for my dog or cat in Villa Hills?

Yes. All dogs and cats must be licensed. Licenses come from the Kenton County Animal Shelter for $5.00 and run January 1 to December 31.

Source ↗
›How many pets can I have in Villa Hills?

No more than five dogs or cats in any combination per residence, though newborn puppies or kittens can be kept for 12 weeks after birth.

Source ↗
›What can I do about a neighbor’s dog that won’t stop barking?

The city noise ordinance prohibits animal noise lasting more than 15 minutes that disturbs neighbors. You can call police, though the city notes barking has often stopped by the time an officer arrives.

Source ↗
›Who do I call about a loose dog in Villa Hills?

If you don’t know the owner, call Kenton County Dispatch at 859-356-3191 and they’ll contact Animal Control. Keep children inside and don’t touch injured animals.

Source ↗
›Do I need a license to rent out my house in Villa Hills?

Yes. Rental units, including Airbnb-style rentals, need a free annual rental license that expires April 15, plus an occupational license. A $50.00 fee applies only if an inspection finds violations.

Source ↗
›Do I need a business license to work from home in Villa Hills?

Businesses operating in the city need a Kenton County business license and must remit the 1.5% payroll fee. Home-based businesses also need a zoning permit from PDS.

Source ↗
›Do door-to-door salespeople need a permit in Villa Hills?

Yes. Solicitors need a city license ($20 application fee) in addition to a Kenton County business license. Churches, election campaigns and youth fundraisers are exempt.

Source ↗
›How do I get on the Villa Hills No-Knock list?

Call City Hall at (859) 341-1515 with your name and address, or email [email protected] and ask to be added. Licensed solicitors receive the list of No-Knock addresses.

Source ↗
›Do I need a permit to have a fire in Villa Hills?

Open burning requires a permit from Crescent Springs–Villa Hills Fire/EMS. Fires must be attended, have a working hose nearby, be out by dusk, and not be held in winds over 15 mph.

Source ↗
›Who provides water and sewer in Villa Hills?

Water comes from the Northern Kentucky Water District, and sewer and sanitation are handled by Sanitation District 1 (SD1).

Source ↗
›Who is the electric company in Villa Hills?

The city lists Duke Energy and Owen Electric as electricity providers. Street lights are maintained by Duke Energy.

Source ↗
›Where is lost and found in Villa Hills?

Found items are usually held at City Hall, and high-value items go to the police department. Call City Hall at (859) 341-1515 or police at (859) 341-3535; the city also posts found items on Facebook.

Source ↗
›Where can I get help paying rent or utilities in Villa Hills?

The Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission provides rent and utility assistance to eligible Northern Kentucky residents.

Source ↗
›Who regulates cable TV in Villa Hills?

The Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky administers the cable franchise, helps with unresolved cable service problems and airs the monthly council meeting.

Source ↗
›How do I report a problem to the city of Villa Hills?

Use the Report a Concern form on the city website, or call City Hall at (859) 341-1515 weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Source ↗
›Are golf carts allowed on Villa Hills streets?

No. The Fall 2025 newsletter reminds residents that golf carts aren’t permitted on public rights-of-way such as streets, alleys and sidewalks.

Source ↗