ADU rules in Jefferson County, KY — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) allows ADUs on single-family lots under LDC § 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 § 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.
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See how Jefferson County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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