ADU rules in Lexington, KY — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government permits one accessory dwelling unit per lot on single-family residential properties under Zoning Ordinance Section 3-12. ADUs are capped at 800 square feet with an owner-occupancy requirement for either the primary dwelling or the ADU.
The LFUCG Zoning Ordinance Section 3-12 regulates ADUs in Lexington. One ADU is allowed per single-family dwelling per lot. Maximum size is 800 square feet, except that basement conversions have no separate size limit beyond the existing building footprint. Four types are permitted: converted garages, basement or attic conversions, attached additions, and detached structures. The property owner must reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU. Maximum occupancy is two persons and any children related to them or under their authorized custodial care. A pre-application conference with the Division of Planning staff is required before filing for a building permit. No additional off-street parking spaces are required for an ADU. Long-term rentals are permitted by right, but short-term rentals (platforms like Airbnb or VRBO) require a conditional use permit from the Board of Adjustment. A deed restriction is recorded to notify future property purchasers of ADU limitations. The ADU must comply with all applicable height restrictions and lot coverage limits for the zoning district. The Urban County Council approved ADU regulations following a September 2021 public hearing. Kentucky has no statewide ADU mandate, so these are locally adopted rules under KRS Chapter 82 home-rule authority.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lexington, KY
Lexington imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The Zoning Ordinance ...
Lexington, KY
Lexington has no ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, motor noise, and lighting hours are not capped by city code...
Lexington, KY
Lexington has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting on private property. The Zoning Ordinance Article 17 (...
Lexington, KY
An outdoor kitchen in Lexington typically requires a building permit when the structure exceeds 200 sq ft, is attached to the house, or includes a roof or pe...
Lexington, KY
Lexington has no code section specifically targeting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens beyond the general Kentucky Fire Code open-flame...
Lexington, KY
Lexington adopts the Kentucky Fire Code, which is based on NFPA 1 (2018 edition with Kentucky amendments), via LFUCG Code Chapter 9 (Fire Prevention). NFPA 1...
See how Lexington'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.