Bowling Green, KY Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

The Warren County/Joint Zoning Ordinance Section 4.4.5.E(5) sets the rules for what most jurisdictions call an ADU but Bowling Green labels an 'Accessory Apartment.' It may be attached or detached: if attached, any entrance to the apartment must be on the side or rear facade and the apartment must not alter the residential character of the primary dwelling; if detached, it must sit in a side or rear yard meeting all building setbacks (no variances or waivers permitted). The floor area may not exceed 50 percent of the floor area of the principal structure. One additional off-street parking space (beyond the parking required for the principal dwelling) must be provided. Occupancy is the local hallmark restriction: per § 4.4.5.E(5)(e)–(g) the primary residence must be occupied by the property owner, AND the accessory apartment may only be occupied by 'persons related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship or other duly-authorized custodial relationship' to those living in the principal structure. A single live-in caretaker/caregiver is allowed for the sole purpose of providing care to a resident. Bedrooms in the accessory apartment cannot exceed two. The apartment counts toward the lot coverage cap (30% in RR, 30% in R-E, 50% in RS-1A, 60% in RS-1B, 70% in RS-1C, 75% in RS-1D). Kentucky has no statewide ADU preemption (proposed HB 576 of 2025 stalled), so Bowling Green's family-member restriction stands.