Zoning Guide

Louisville Metro Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
Louisville Metro Planning & Design Services(502) 574-6230
Building Code Edition
Kentucky Building Code (2018 IBC)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Yes
Example District
R-4 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Louisville Metro

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 — Jefferson County

  • Role: Merged with Louisville Metro Government; unified planning and zoning

City / Municipal

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

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-4Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
R-6Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
50 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
30 ft
C-1Commercial
Min Lot
None
Max Height
50 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
0 ft

ADU Rules in Louisville Metro

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
Greater of 800 sq ft or 30% of the principal structure (per Land Development Code §4.3.27)
Rear Setback
5 ft (typical accessory-structure setback)
Side Setback
2 ft (typical accessory-structure setback)
Owner Occupancy
Owner must reside in either the principal dwelling or the ADU (LDC §4.3.27)
Full ADU rules for Louisville Metro →

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Louisville Metro permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

Louisville Metro Planning & Design Serviceslouisvilleky.govOfficial sourceLouisville Metro Code of Ordinanceslibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Louisville Metro?
Yes, Louisville Metro allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones subject to size limits, setbacks, and owner-occupancy requirements. Contact Planning & Design Services for your specific zoning district.
How do I find the zoning for my property in Louisville Metro?
Use Louisville Metro's LOJIC online mapping system or contact Planning & Design Services at (502) 574-6230.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Louisville Metro?
Multi-family housing is permitted in R-5 through R-8 districts and in certain commercial and mixed-use zones throughout the metro area.