Tiny home rules in Jefferson County, KY — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Louisville Metro regulates tiny homes via 2018 Kentucky Residential Code Appendix Q for units under 400 sq ft. THOWs typically classified as RVs and restricted to RV parks. ADU ordinance (2020) allows tiny accessory dwellings.
Tiny home regulation in Jefferson County depends on construction type. Foundation-built tiny homes under 400 sq ft may use 2018 Kentucky Residential Code Appendix Q (Tiny Houses) provisions, which relax ceiling heights and loft access requirements while maintaining safety. Units over 400 sq ft must meet standard residential code including minimum room dimensions. Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles or park-model RVs under Kentucky Transportation Cabinet rules and cannot serve as permanent residences in most LMCO zones — permitted only in licensed RV/mobile home parks. Louisville's 2020 ADU ordinance (Louisville Metro Planning Commission) permits accessory dwelling units in R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-5B, R-6, and R-7 zones subject to size limits (typically 800-1,000 sq ft maximum or 40% of primary dwelling), owner-occupancy of one unit, and one additional parking space. MSD connection fees apply. Ohio River floodplain zones impose elevation requirements per FEMA.
Unpermitted tiny home dwelling: occupancy prohibited, removal or retroactive permitting required. Zoning violations: fines $100-$500 per day. THOW used as permanent residence outside permitted park: code enforcement action. Floodplain non-compliance: mandatory elevation or removal.
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 § 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 tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.