Accessory Structures in Lexington, KY (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Lexington, Kentucky, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
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.
ADU Rules in Lexington
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government regulates accessory dwelling units under Zoning Ordinance Section 3-12 (General Regulations for ADUs), adopted by ZOTA in October 2021 and updated in 2023. ADUs are permitted by right on most single-family residential lots through an administrative process. The applicant must hold a pre-application meeting with the Division of Planning and then submit a Residential ADU permit through the Division of Building Inspection's online portal. Kentucky has no statewide ADU preemption, so Lexington's local rules govern.
ADU Permits in Lexington
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Lexington-Fayette does not levy a general municipal impact fee on residential development; Kentucky law (KRS 65.7625 etc.) gives local governments narrow impact-fee authority that LFUCG has not expanded for ADUs. ADUs pay standard building permit fees under LFUCG Code Section 5-29 ($0.10 per square foot, $150 minimum), plus Lexington-Fayette Urban County Water and Sewer connection fees, electrical permit fees, and any HVAC permit fees. No transportation, parks, or school impact fee applies.
ADU Impact Fees in Lexington
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Lexington requires owner-occupancy on every ADU. Under Zoning Ordinance Section 3-12, either the main residence or the ADU must be the property owner's primary residence. The rule is enforced by the Division of Building Inspection and the Division of Planning. Kentucky has no statewide ADU preemption analogous to Colorado HB24-1152 or California Government Code 65852.2, so Lexington's owner-occupancy condition remains fully effective.
ADU Owner Occupancy in Lexington
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rental of a Lexington ADU is allowed only when the owner-occupancy rule in Zoning Ordinance Section 3-12 is satisfied - meaning the owner must live in either the main house or the ADU - and the ADU's occupancy is capped at two persons plus related children. Short-term rental of an ADU requires a conditional use permit from the Board of Adjustment under the December 2024 STR ordinance, with strict density caps: no permit if 2% of homes within 1,000 feet are already STRs or any unhosted STR exists within 600 feet.
ADU Rental Restrictions in Lexington
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds in Lexington are regulated as accessory buildings under Zoning Ordinance Section 15-6. Total accessory building area cannot exceed 50 percent of the primary dwelling footprint or 625 square feet, whichever is greater. Maximum height is 20 feet at mid-gable.
Shed Rules in Lexington
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Lexington requires a building permit and must meet Kentucky Residential Code standards. Garage-to-ADU conversions are one of four permitted ADU types under Zoning Ordinance Section 3-12, subject to the 800 sq ft maximum and owner-occupancy rules.
Garage Conversions in Lexington
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Lexington are regulated by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Zoning Ordinance as accessory structures. Attached carports count as part of the primary dwelling and must meet principal building setbacks, while detached carports follow accessory structure setbacks (typically 3 feet from side and rear lot lines in most residential zones). Building permits are required for any carport with a permanent foundation or attached to the dwelling, and structures must comply with the Kentucky Residential Code for wind and snow loads.
Carport Rules in Lexington
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Lexington allows tiny homes on permanent foundations as primary dwellings if they meet the Kentucky Residential Code minimum of 120 square feet for the first habitable room and comply with LFUCG zoning minimum dwelling size requirements. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under Kentucky law and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted in limited circumstances on larger lots, and all tiny homes require standard building permits, plumbing connections, and zoning approval.