Owensboro Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Owensboro Zoning Overview
Owensboro is the fourth-largest city in Kentucky and the county seat of Daviess County, situated on the Ohio River in western Kentucky. The city has undergone significant riverfront revitalization with a new convention center, parks, and mixed-use development along the waterfront. Owensboro's economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and bourbon distilling, with several bourbon distilleries operating in the area.
The Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission jointly administers zoning for the city and surrounding Daviess County. The city's zoning code manages a traditional river town layout with a historic downtown, established residential neighborhoods, and newer commercial and residential development along the city's southern and eastern growth corridors.
Key Zoning Districts
Owensboro's zoning includes single-family (R-1A through R-1C), multi-family (R-3MF), business (B-1 through B-4), and industrial (I-1, I-2) districts. The city has overlay districts for the riverfront area and downtown.
ADU Regulations
Owensboro does not currently have specific ADU provisions. Kentucky has no statewide ADU mandate. Property owners should consult the Metropolitan Planning Commission for accessory structure options.
Development Process
Development applications go through the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission. Building permits enforce the Kentucky Building Code (2018 IBC). Zone changes require Planning Commission recommendation and City Commission approval.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Owensboro
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 — Daviess 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
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 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
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Owensboro
- 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 Owensboro are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Owensboro permit fees →