A Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) Zone is defined by the City of Covington’s Zoning Ordinance as an area intended to preserve structures, buildings, appurtenances, and places that are of basic and vital importance for the development of the culture, because of their association with history; because of their unique architectural style and scale, including color, proportions, form, and architectural details; or because of their being a part of or related to a square, park, or area of cultural, historical, or architectural importance to the city.

Covington currently has 7 Historic Preservation Overlay Zones. Not to be confused with National Register Historic Districts, of which Covington has 16 along with numerous individual listings, the Historic Preservation Overlay Zones are adopted by ordinance by City Commission and include legal enforcement of compliance with the Historic Covington Design Guidelines that are specific to historic properties.