ADU rules in Lafayette Parish, LA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) regulates accessory dwelling units through the Unified Development Code (UDC). After a 2023 amendment, ADUs are permitted citywide in residential districts where they were previously limited to the Old Town Residential (OT) district. ADU size is capped at the greater of 500 square feet or 25% of the primary home's footprint. Louisiana has no statewide ADU mandate; authority flows from La. R.S. 33:101 et seq. (zoning enabling).
The UDC defines an ADU as a small independent living space on the same lot as a primary residence, requiring a full kitchen with both stovetop and oven; microwaves or toaster ovens do not qualify. Size limit: greater of 500 sq ft or 25% of the primary dwelling footprint. ADUs are now allowed by right in single-unit detached residential zones citywide following the 2023 UDC amendment, expanding from the prior OT-only rule. Detached ADUs outside Old Town are limited to 16 feet in height; Old Town allows higher limits. Detached ADUs require a 5-foot minimum rear setback. Interior or attached ADUs follow the primary structure's height limit (typically 27 feet) and the underlying district's rear setback (20-30 feet). Recent amendments eliminated the parking requirement and removed certain design standards. Permits are issued by LCG Planning, Zoning & Development; contact (337) 291-8461. Louisiana has no equivalent of California's ADU preemption - local UDC standards control. Properties must be single-unit detached homes to add an ADU.
Building or operating an unpermitted ADU is a violation of the UDC and may result in stop-work orders, civil fines, and required corrective work or removal before final approval is granted. Continued violations may be enforced through the Lafayette City Court.
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