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Lexington Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Building Code Edition
Kentucky Building Code (2018 IBC)
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
R-1D Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Lexington

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Kentucky

  • Building Code: Kentucky Building Code (2018 IBC)
View Kentucky zoning overview

County — Fayette County

  • Role: Merged with Lexington as urban county government; unified planning

City / Municipal

The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

District CodeNameMin LotMax HeightFront SetbackSide SetbackRear SetbackFAR
R-1DSingle-Family Residential6,000 sq ft35 ft25 ft5 ft25 ft
R-3Planned Neighborhood Residential4,000 sq ft45 ft20 ft8 ft25 ft
B-1Neighborhood BusinessNone35 ft10 ft0 ft0 ft

ADU Rules in Lexington

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
800 sq ft
Max Height
25 ft
Rear Setback
5 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Parking
1 off-street space required
Owner Occupancy
Owner must occupy primary dwelling
Permit Timeline
6-10 weeks
Full ADU rules for Lexington

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Lexington?
Yes, Lexington permits accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones. Contact the Division of Planning for specific requirements in your zoning district.
How do I find the zoning for my property in Lexington?
Use Lexington's online GIS mapping system or contact the Division of Planning at (859) 258-3160.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Lexington?
Multi-family housing is permitted in R-3, R-4, R-5 and higher-density residential zones, as well as in certain business and mixed-use districts.