Louisville ADU Permit Guide

Louisville ADUs require careful planning for site placement, owner occupancy, setbacks, floodplain, utilities, preservation, and building permit submittal.

Permit takeaway

Louisville defines an ADU as a smaller secondary residential unit on the same lot as the main residence with independent living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation facilities.

Zoning and placement

ADU review can involve owner occupancy, setbacks, floodplain, slope, soils, access, preservation districts, and whether the city with zoning authority has adopted the ADU standards.

Building and trade review

Pre-approved ADU plans still require a site plan and building permit application, and utilities are not pre-approved.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the ADU is detached, near a property line, in a floodplain, in a preservation district, uses pre-approved plans, or needs utility review.

Documents to prepare

• ADU application
• Fully dimensioned site plan
• Building permit application
• Selected plan information if using a pre-approved plan

Inspection planning

• Submit building permit application
• Complete agency reviews
• Schedule building and trade inspections
• Keep final approval records

Official sources

• Louisville Accessory Dwelling Units
• Louisville Building Permit

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.