The City of Bardstown participates in the Certified Local Government (CLG) program administered by the National Park Service and Kentucky Heritage Council. Under the CLG program, the City of Bardstown is eligible to receive funding for the efforts to preserve, protect, and maintain Bardstown's architectural, cultural, and archaeological resources.

In 1967, the City of Bardstown became one of the first communities in the nation and the first community in Kentucky to enact historic overlay zoning, a tool for preserving significant historic landmarks and districts. The historic overlay zoning designation is a separate zoning classification and is attached to existing zoning. The historic overlay zoning district designation may modify or eliminate regulations of the underlying zoning or may introduce additional regulations. Properties within the historic overlay zoning district are still subject to the regulations of the underlying district but are subject to supplemental design standards and regulations of the historic overlay zoning district.

Owners of structures within the historic overlay zoning district are required to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for new construction, exterior alterations, site alterations, demolition, relocation, and signage. Allowable changes are based on a set of design guidelines and regulations as set forth in Article 15 of the Zoning Regulations.

The Bardstown Historical Review Board (HRB) administers the historic overlay zoning. The HRB is a 5-member board appointed by the Bardstown Mayor and approved by the Bardstown City Council. David Hall serves as Preservation Administrator and the Planning Commission also provides staff support and legal counsel for the HRB.

Meeting Date, Time, & Location
The HRB meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the HRB office, One Court Square, Old Courthouse Building, Bardstown. All meetings are public meetings and open to the public. For more information on COA application process and deadlines, contact Pen Bogert at 348-1808 or
Meetings & Deadlines

HRB Members
Bruce Reynolds
Mary Carey
Beth Hawkins
Don Parrish, Chair
Julie Wilson

• Historic Overlay Zoning Regulations, Article 15, Zoning Regulations
• Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application
• Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines
• Historic Overlay Zoning Informational Brochure
• National Register of Historic Places & Sites Map
• Local Historic Districts & Landmarks Map
• Bardstown Historic District Design Review Manual
• Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) fee schedule