Richmond Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Richmond Zoning Overview
Richmond is the county seat of Madison County and home to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), located along Interstate 75 in central Kentucky. The university's presence drives student housing demand and shapes commercial activity near campus. Richmond has experienced significant growth as a bedroom community for Lexington, located 25 miles to the north.
The city's planning framework manages growth along the I-75 corridor while maintaining the character of established neighborhoods and the historic downtown. Richmond coordinates planning with Madison County through a joint planning commission.
Key Zoning Districts
Richmond's zoning includes low-density residential (R-1, R-2), high-density residential (R-3), business (B-1, B-2, B-3), and industrial (I-1, I-2) districts. University-area zoning addresses specific issues related to student housing density.
ADU Regulations
Richmond does not currently have dedicated ADU provisions. Kentucky has no statewide ADU law. Property owners should consult Planning & Zoning about options for secondary structures.
Development Process
Development applications go through the Richmond-Madison County Joint 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 Richmond
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 — Madison County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area 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
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 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
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Richmond
- 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 Richmond are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Richmond permit fees →