In 1980, the Kentucky General Assembly enacted KRS 82.082 giving all classes of cities for the first time broad "home rule" powers. Prior to the enactment of the home rule statute, cities depended almost exclusively upon specific acts of the General Assembly to authorize various functions because Kentucky cities have no inherent right of self-government derived either from the Kentucky Constitution or any other source.

By enacting KRS 82.082, the General Assembly delegated all possible municipal powers to cities subject to three significant limitations. A city may exercise any power or perform any function that is:

1) Within the boundaries of the city;

2) In furtherance of a public purpose of the city; and

3) Not in conflict with a constitutional provision or statute.