ADU rules in Jefferson County, KY β also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances β cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) allows ADUs on single-family lots under LDC Β§ 4.3.27 (2021 amendment). ADUs are limited to 800 sq ft or 30% of the main home. Owner occupancy of the main home or ADU is required. ADUs under this provision cannot be used as short-term rentals. Most approvals are administrative.
Since Louisville Metro Council adopted LDC Β§ 4.3.27 in 2021, ADUs are permitted on single-family residential lots in Jefferson County's unincorporated areas. Key standards: max size 800 sq ft or 30% of the principal structure (whichever is greater); detached ADUs require 5-foot rear setback and 2-foot side setback; attached ADUs must be to the side or rear and meet setbacks of the principal structure; only one ADU per lot; owner must live in either the main home or the ADU; ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals; the property must not have code violations in the prior 12 months. Most applications are reviewed administratively (no public hearing). Note: HOA deed restrictions override Metro ADU permissions. The 12 independent suburban cities within Jefferson County may have different ADU rules under their own LDCs.
ADUs built without approval: code enforcement, removal order. ADUs used as short-term rentals: dual violation (STR + zoning). Properties with violations in past 12 months may be ineligible.
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) regulates barking dogs under LMCO Chapter 91. Dogs that bark, howl, or whine persistently in a manner unreasonably distur...
Jefferson County, KY
As part of Louisville Metro Government since 2003, Jefferson County follows LMCO Β§ 99.03. Exterior construction within 100 feet of residential property is pr...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County and Louisville merged in 2003 to form Louisville Metro Government, so all unincorporated Jefferson County areas fall under LMCO Chapter 99 (...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC requires residential driveways in front or street-side yards to be no wider than 20 feet and surfaced with a hard or ...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC restricts RV and trailer parking in residential districts. RVs/boats over 25 feet or trailers over 16 feet are classi...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC restricts large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Heavy Trucks (multi-axle vehicles, trailers over 16 feet) a...
See how Jefferson County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.