Lexington Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Lexington Zoning Overview
Lexington, operating as the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, is Kentucky's second-largest city and the heart of the Bluegrass Region. The city's zoning is uniquely shaped by the Urban Service Boundary, a growth management tool that separates the urban development area from the surrounding horse farm and agricultural landscape that defines the Bluegrass. This boundary has been a cornerstone of Lexington's planning since 1958 and is among the most well-known growth management tools in the United States.
The city's zoning code manages development within the Urban Service Boundary while protecting the iconic horse farms and agricultural land outside it. Lexington is home to the University of Kentucky, the thoroughbred horse industry, and a growing technology and healthcare sector, all of which influence land use patterns.
Key Zoning Districts
Lexington's Zoning Ordinance includes residential zones from R-1A (estate) through R-5 (high-density apartment), business districts (B-1 through B-6P), industrial zones (I-1, I-2), and agricultural zones (A-R, A-B, A-U). The city also uses planned unit development and overlay zones for specific areas including the downtown core and university area.
ADU Regulations
Lexington permits accessory dwelling units in select residential zones with restrictions on size, height, and owner-occupancy. Kentucky does not have a statewide ADU law, so Lexington's Zoning Ordinance sets all applicable standards. Recent policy discussions have explored expanding ADU eligibility to address housing affordability.
Development Process
Development proposals go through the Division of Planning for review. The Lexington-Fayette Planning Commission reviews zone changes and subdivision plats. The Board of Adjustment handles variances and conditional use permits. The Kentucky Building Code (2018 IBC) is enforced by the Division of Building Inspection.
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
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
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
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 4,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Lexington
- 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
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Lexington are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Lexington permit fees →