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Georgetown Zoning & Land Use Guide

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Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
Georgetown-Scott County Planning Commission(502) 867-3702
Building Code Edition
Kentucky Building Code (2018 IBC)
ADUs Allowed
No
Primary District
R-1 Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Georgetown Zoning Overview

Georgetown is the county seat of Scott County and one of Kentucky's fastest-growing cities, located just north of Lexington along Interstate 75. The city is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, one of the largest automobile manufacturing plants in North America, which has driven substantial residential and commercial growth since its opening in 1988.

Georgetown's planning framework manages rapid suburban growth while preserving its historic downtown and the surrounding horse farm landscape. The Georgetown-Scott County Planning Commission coordinates zoning for both the city and unincorporated Scott County, addressing the growth pressures generated by proximity to Lexington and the Toyota plant.

Key Zoning Districts

Georgetown's zoning includes single-family (R-1, R-2), multi-family (R-3), business (B-1, B-2, B-3), and industrial (I-1, I-2) districts. The city has a historic overlay for downtown Georgetown and planned development zones for larger residential communities.

ADU Regulations

Georgetown does not currently have specific ADU provisions. Kentucky has no statewide ADU mandate. Property owners should consult the Planning Commission for information about accessory structures.

Development Process

Development proposals go through the Georgetown-Scott County Planning Commission. Building permits enforce the Kentucky Building Code (2018 IBC). Zone changes require Planning Commission recommendation and City Council approval.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Georgetown

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 — Scott 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

R-1Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
10,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
30 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
R-3Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
B-2General Business
Min Lot
None
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
0 ft

ADU Rules in Georgetown

ADUs:Not Allowed
Max Size
N/A
Max Height
N/A
Rear Setback
N/A
Side Setback
N/A
Parking
N/A
Owner Occupancy
N/A
Permit Timeline
N/A

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Georgetown are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Georgetown permit fees →

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Georgetown?
Georgetown does not currently have specific ADU provisions. Contact the Georgetown-Scott County Planning Commission for options.
How do I find the zoning for my property in Georgetown?
Contact the Planning Commission at (502) 867-3702 or use the online zoning map.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Georgetown?
Multi-family housing is permitted in R-3 districts and certain planned developments.