Louisville, KY Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- ADUs per lot
- One per single-family lot
- Short-term rental use
- Prohibited under LDC 4.3.27.F
- Owner-occupancy
- Owner must live on-site (4.3.27.J)
- Max ADU size
- 800 sq ft or 30% of home
- Fine range
- $10-$500 per day
Summary
Louisville Metro's Land Development Code allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zoning districts, but any ADU approved under that section cannot be used as a short-term rental once built.
4.3.27 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Accessory dwelling units may be permitted in the R-R, R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and U-N zoning districts that permit residential use in accordance with the following standards: ... F. ADUs approved under this provision shall not be used as a short term rental.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
LDC 4.3.27 permits one attached or detached ADU per single-family lot in the R-R, R-E, R-1 through R-5, and U-N districts, subject to size, setback, access, and height standards. Subsection F is explicit: an ADU approved under this provision shall not be used as a short-term rental. Subsection J separately requires the property owner to live in either the principal home or the ADU. The general short-term-rental permit process in LDC 4.3.23 covers other dwelling types, but does not override this ADU-specific ban. The rule applies within Louisville Metro's zoning jurisdiction; home rule cities inside Jefferson County (Anchorage, Jeffersontown, St. Matthews, etc.) set their own ADU rules.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Enforcement Officers can issue a stop order and citation for a violation; LDC Ch. 7 Part 10.E sets a fine of $10 to $500 per violation, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I list my Louisville ADU on Airbnb?
Does a Louisville ADU owner have to live there?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
Compare Louisville to another location·View the Kentucky accessory structures overview
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