Bowling Green Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Bowling Green Zoning Overview
Bowling Green is the third-largest city in Kentucky and the county seat of Warren County, located along Interstate 65 in south-central Kentucky. The city is home to Western Kentucky University and a major General Motors Corvette assembly plant, both of which significantly influence local land use and development patterns. Bowling Green's rapid growth has made it one of Kentucky's fastest-expanding communities.
The Bowling Green-Warren County Planning Commission jointly administers zoning for both the city and unincorporated Warren County. The city's zoning code addresses diverse development needs ranging from student housing near the university to industrial sites along major transportation corridors and growing suburban residential areas.
Key Zoning Districts
Bowling Green's zoning includes single-family districts (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C), multi-family districts (R-3, R-4), commercial districts (C-1 through C-4), and industrial zones (I-L, I-G). The city also has planned development and overlay zones for downtown and the university area.
ADU Regulations
Bowling Green allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential districts with local restrictions. Kentucky has no statewide ADU law, so local regulations govern all ADU development. Property owners should check with the Planning Commission.
Development Process
Development applications go through the Bowling Green-Warren County Planning Commission. Building permits enforce the Kentucky Building Code (2018 IBC). Zone changes and conditional use permits require Planning Commission review and City Commission approval.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bowling Green
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Warren County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, joint planning with city
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
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Bowling Green
- 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
- 4-8 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Bowling Green are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bowling Green permit fees →