Kentucky Cities, Communities, and Counties
The Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation in 1942 that required cities to file certain documents with the Secretary of State's Office. To enforce city participation, additional legislation was passed in 1980. This legislation, codified as KRS 81.045, required cities to submit incorporation date, classification status, and boundary information. The Kentucky General Assembly repealed KRS 81.045 in 2015.
Chapter 81A of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, enacted in 1980, establishes the process for cities to annex, sever, or transfer property. To ensure state and county government officials are notified of changes to city boundaries identified in KRS 81.045 boundary statements, the Kentucky General Assembly approved KRS 81A.470. This legislation requires cities to file certified copies of ordinances adopting descriptions and plats of annexed, severed, and transferred properties with the Office of Secretary of State and the County Clerk.
Each city has a page on the “Kentucky Cities & Counties” Website. The “Current Filings” table identifies ordinances and notifications filed with the Office of Secretary of State since 1980. The “Pre-KRS 81.045 Filings” table identifies ordinances and notifications filed with the Office of Secretary of State between 1942 and 1981.
The “Interactive Maps” linked to city pages are based on filings with the Secretary of State pursuant to KRS 81.045 and KRS 81A.470. The “Interactive Maps” are provided and maintained by the Kentucky Geography Network.
If you need additional information or have specific questions that are not answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section, please contact the SOS Land Office.