Louisville, KY Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Required before any driveway work
- Parking pad ban
- Banned in right-of-way or abutting roadway
- Civil penalty
- $250 per day
- Enforcement
- Code Enforcement Board; unapproved work removed
- Scope
- Metro-maintained streets only
Summary
Metro Government requires a permit before any driveway is installed or modified, and bans parking pads or parking areas within the public right-of-way or abutting a roadway on every street Metro maintains.
Parking pads and parking areas within the public right-of-way or abutting a roadway are prohibited along all classifications of roads maintained by Metro Government. (1999 Lou. Code, § 78.02) (Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 194-2004, approved 12-28- 2004; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 129-2015, approved 8-17-2015)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Before installing or modifying a driveway that abuts a Metro-maintained street, you must get plans approved by the Departments of Public Works and Inspections, Permits and Licenses under Chapter 75 of the Metro Code. Design must follow the Land Development Code's form-district specifications, the Access Management Design Manual, and Public Works design standards, including AASHTO/ITE sight-distance rules at driveway approaches. Separately, § 75.02(E) bans parking pads and parking areas within the public right-of-way or abutting any roadway Metro maintains, regardless of road classification. This applies only within Metro's own jurisdiction: home rule cities inside Jefferson County, like Anchorage or St. Matthews, set their own driveway standards.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 75 is a civil offense before the Code Enforcement Board, carrying a $250 penalty per day. Unapproved driveways, parking pads, or parking areas must be removed by the owner or Metro will remove them and lien the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a gravel or paved parking pad in my front yard in Louisville?
What happens if I build a driveway without a permit in Louisville Metro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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