Accessory Structures in Louisville, KY (2026)
6 verified accessory structures rules for Louisville, Kentucky, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Louisville Metro allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot in most residential districts, capped at 800 square feet or 30% of the main home's floor area.
Louisville ADU Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro Land Development Code § 4.3.27 (Ch. 4 Part 3)
Accessory dwelling units may be permitted in the R-R, R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and U-N zoning districts that permit residential use in accordance with the following standards: A. One ADU, either attached or detached is permitted per single family dwelling per lot. B. Maximum ADU Size: 800 square feet or 30 percent of the gross floor area of the principal structure, whichever is greater.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Louisville Metro requires the property owner to live in either the main house or the accessory dwelling unit, and bars ADUs from short-term rental use.
Louisville ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro Land Development Code, Ch. 4 Part 3, § 4.3.27.J (and .F)
J. The owner of the property shall reside within either the principal or the accessory dwelling unit. ... F. ADUs approved under this provision shall not be used as a short term rental.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Louisville Metro's Land Development Code allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zoning districts, but any ADU approved under that section cannot be used as a short-term rental once built.
Louisville ADUs Barred From Short-Term Rentals
Significant RestrictionsLouisville Metro Land Development Code, Ch. 4 Part 3, LDC 4.3.27.F
4.3.27 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Accessory dwelling units may be permitted in the R-R, R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and U-N zoning districts that permit residential use in accordance with the following standards: ... F. ADUs approved under this provision shall not be used as a short term rental.
Shed & Carport Rules
In Louisville Metro's suburban form districts, a carport counts as an accessory structure: it must sit at least 5 feet off the rear line and 2 feet off the side line, and stay out of the required front yard.
Louisville Carport Setback and Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro Land Development Code, Ch. 5 Part 4 (Sec. 5.4.2.C.3.a)
3. Accessory Structures/Uses in a Required Rear or Side Yard – Accessory structures and uses for residential buildings may be permitted in a required side or rear yard setback when the following standards are met: a. The minimum setback from a rear property line shall be 5 feet. The minimum setback from side property lines shall be 2 feet except that accessory structures and uses shall observe ...
Garage Conversions
Louisville Metro lets you convert a garage into an accessory dwelling unit under LDC § 4.3.27, capped at 800 square feet with an owner-occupancy requirement.
Louisville Garage Conversion to ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro Land Development Code, Ch. 4 Part 3, § 4.3.27(A)-(B); ADU definition, Ch. 1 Part 2
One ADU, either attached or detached is permitted per single family dwelling per lot. ... Maximum ADU Size: 800 square feet or 30 percent of the gross floor area of the principal structure, whichever is greater. ... Detached ADUs which are separate accessory structures from the principal dwelling. Examples include converted garages or new construction.
Tiny Homes
Louisville Metro's Land Development Code caps a tiny home at 400 square feet and regulates it as a Factory Built Home when used as a principal residence, requiring a permanent foundation and set design standards.
Louisville Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro Land Development Code, Ch. 4 Part 1, Sec. 4.1.2 (Factory Built Home)
A factory built home may be placed on a lot zoned for residential use, in accordance with applicable zoning and form district requirements and provided that the standards of this section are met. ... The structure shall be attached to a permanent foundation system and shall be installed and inspected in accordance with the state standards set forth in KRS Chapter 227. Masonry skirting or a peri...