ADU rules in Louisville, KY — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Louisville Metro's 2021 LDC amendments (LDC § 4.3.27) allow ADUs on single-family lots with administrative approval. ADUs are limited to 800 sq ft or 30% of the principal structure (whichever is greater). Owner occupancy of either the main home or ADU is required. ADUs approved under this provision cannot be used as short-term rentals.
Following 2020 listening sessions and adoption by Louisville Metro Council in 2021, ADUs are now permitted on single-family residential lots under LDC § 4.3.27. Key standards: maximum size 800 sq ft or 30% of the principal structure's size (whichever is larger); attached ADUs must meet the same setbacks as the principal structure and be located to the side or rear; detached ADUs require 5-foot rear setback and 2-foot side setback; only one ADU is permitted per lot; the property owner must reside in either the main home or the ADU; ADUs may not be used as short-term rentals; the property must not have had zoning/property maintenance/building code violations in the prior 12 months (unless waived by directors); and no ADU is permitted in areas with environmental constraints under LDC § 4.6.2.A. Most ADU applications are reviewed administratively rather than through the CUP process. HOA deed restrictions and CC&Rs may override ADU allowances.
ADUs built without zoning approval or permits: code enforcement citation, potential removal order. ADUs used as short-term rentals: STR registration violation plus zoning violation. Violations within 12 months prior to application may bar ADU approval.
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