Accessory Structures in Bowling Green, KY (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Bowling Green, Kentucky, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Bowling Green allows 'Accessory Apartments' in the RR, R-E, RS-1A, RS-1B, RS-1C, and RS-1D zones under Joint Zoning Ord. § 4.4.5.E(5), but with three significant local restrictions: occupancy is limited to family members of the principal residence (plus one caretaker), the owner must occupy the primary residence, and floor area is capped at 50 percent of the principal structure. Kentucky has no statewide ADU mandate.
Bowling Green Accessory Apartment Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Bowling Green Building Division does not require a residential building permit for a detached storage shed, playhouse, or similar accessory structure under 200 square feet unless electrical service is added. Under Joint Zoning Ord. § 4.4.5.E, all accessory structures must sit behind the front facade of the principal dwelling and meet the accessory structure setback for the zone (typically 5 feet from side and rear lot lines).
Bowling Green Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage into habitable space in Bowling Green requires a building permit and electrical permit from the Building Division because it is a change of occupancy under the Kentucky Residential Code. If the conversion creates a second dwelling unit it must meet the Accessory Apartment rules in Joint Zoning Ord. § 4.4.5.E(5) — family-member occupancy only, max 50% of principal floor area, owner must occupy main house.
Bowling Green Garage Conversion
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Detached carports in Bowling Green are accessory structures regulated by Joint Zoning Ord. § 4.4.5.E. A residential building permit is required from the Building Division for any carport 200 sq ft or larger. Carports must sit behind the front facade of the principal dwelling and meet the accessory structure setback (5 feet from side and rear lot lines in RS-1 zones).
Bowling Green Carport Rules
Few RestrictionsTiny Homes
A tiny home on a permanent foundation in Bowling Green is treated as either a single-family dwelling or an Accessory Apartment and must meet the Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125) and the Joint Zoning Ordinance. Tiny homes on wheels (RVs, trailers, park-model RVs) are expressly prohibited as residences in residential zones under Joint Zoning Ord. § 4.4.5.E(4).
Bowling Green Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Warren County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bowling Green city rules.
Accessory Structures in Warren County →