Accessory Structures in Kentucky (2026)
14 rules on the books across Kentucky, 7 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
ADU Rules
Rules for building accessory dwelling units (granny flats, in-law suites) including size limits, parking requirements, and owner-occupancy rules.
Louisville
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot in most residential districts, capped at 800…
Read full rule →Owensboro
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Owensboro, an accessory dwelling unit above or behind a business in the P-1, B-1, B-2, B-3, or B-4 zones…
Read full rule →ADU Owner Occupancy
Whether the property owner must live on-site to operate an ADU, deed-restriction requirements, and recent state-law changes lifting owner-occupancy rules.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Whether an ADU can be rented short-term (Airbnb), 30-day minimums, separate rental licenses, and long-term lease requirements.
Campbell County
Heavy RestrictionsCampbell County's A-1 Agriculture Zone allows one accessory dwelling unit per farm lot under § 154.076(C)(19), capped…
Read full rule →Louisville
Significant RestrictionsLouisville Metro's Land Development Code allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zoning districts, but any…
Read full rule →Shed & Carport Rules
When a storage shed or carport needs a permit, the square-footage exemption thresholds, and the setback and height limits that apply either way.
Boone County
Some RestrictionsBoone County, Kentucky charges a specific permit fee for a deck or storage shed under § 150.34(C): $30 for up to 200…
Read full rule →Campbell County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated Campbell County, a shed or other accessory structure cannot sit in the required front or side yard…
Read full rule →Franklin County
Some RestrictionsFranklin County Code § 155.217 lets unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky owners build customary accessory uses in…
Read full rule →Kenton County
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Kenton County requires a zoning permit before building a storage shed, deck, detached garage, or similar…
Read full rule →Louisville
Some RestrictionsIn Louisville Metro's suburban form districts, a carport counts as an accessory structure: it must sit at least 5 feet…
Read full rule →Mccracken County
Some RestrictionsIn the county's AG Agricultural District, accessory buildings like sheds may sit closer to property lines than the main…
Read full rule →Owensboro
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Owensboro, a shed or other accessory building on a lot under one-half acre cannot exceed the…
Read full rule →Garage Conversions
Rules for converting a garage into living space, including whether you need to replace the lost parking and what building codes apply.
Tiny Homes
Zoning rules for tiny houses on wheels and foundations, including minimum square footage requirements and where they can be placed.