It’s 6AM somewhere — in fact, if you’re reading this at 9 a.m. local time, it’s 6 a.m. in our sister market SEAtoday. Which brings us to our main point: Did you know there are newsletters just like LOUtoday across the country, providing the same need-to-know local news and events for their communities?
The Imagine This ADU is a pre-approved plan for a single-story, 1-bedroom, 760 sqft cottage. | Photo via Louisville Metro.
If you’ve ever wanted to build an extra apartment in your basement or above your garage, you’re not alone. Louisville has some specific rules + regulations when it comes to putting up an Accessory Dwelling Unit, aka ADU. So here’s what you need to know before you a-d-d an A-D-U.
What is an ADU?
Any smaller, secondary residential unit located on the same lot as a main residence qualifies as an ADU. They can be attached to the main dwelling, like a “mother-in-law” suite or a garden apartment, or detached, like a carriage house or a renovated garage. Either way, ADUs have to follow some rules:
ADUs can’t exceed the height of the main dwelling.
The maximum square footage is 800 sqft or 30% of the main dwelling, whichever is greater.
ADUs cannot be used as short term rentals — no Airbnb or VRBOs.
You can rent out your ADU, but the owner of the property must reside in the main dwelling.
You’ll want to make time this holiday season to catch this enchanting spectacle. | Photo provided by Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Now in its sixth year, Gardens Aglimmer is returning to the Waterfront Botanical Gardens Friday, Nov. 28 through Tuesday, Dec. 30. Visitors can look forward to:
Dazzling light displays
Stroll through garden pathways illuminated with shimmering snowflakes, twinkling archways, and more.
Sips and snacks
Stop by the outdoor Jingle All the Way Café for warm drinks and sweet treats. Inside the Graeser Family Education Center, adults can purchase beer, wine, and signature cocktails.
Holiday festivities
Kids can write letters to Santa, take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and make a festive craft.
Special events
Sensory-Friendly Night | Monday, Dec. 15 | A calm and welcoming environment for all
Date Night | Wednesday, Dec. 17 | A romantic evening for guests 21 and older
Tickets — $17 for adults ($12 for members), $10 for children 3-12 ($8 for members), and free for children 2 and under — are available online. Note: Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Louisville Orchestra will host a free concert tomorrow in honor of the victims of this month’s UPS plane crash. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. in Whitney Hall, with free parking in the North Sixth Street garage. Officials are encouraging attendees to register ahead of time. (Louisville Public Media)
Shop
Fleur de Flea will host its annual holiday pop-up market at Germantown Gables on Saturday, Nov. 29. Admission is $5, which will benefit a local nonprofit.
Biz
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence announced this week that it will close down after 25 years in operation. (Louisville Business First)
Try This
Holiday World’s 2025 souvenier cup art contest is now open. Submit your design by Monday, Dec. 15 for a chance to have your art featured + win two season tickets. (WHAS11)
Travel
Allegiant has announced a new direct flight from SDF to Gulf Shores, AL starting next May. The twice-weekly flight starts at $49 before fees. (WHAS)
Sports
The Louisville Cardinals’ offense faces a pivotal crossroads. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Meet DUER jeans — aka the world’s most comfortable pants. Each pair blends classic denim with 360-degree stretch, moisture-wicking fibers, and antibacterial treatment. DUER jeans are made to move, not constrict, dig in, or pinch. Explore the collection.*
The Word
Contribution: a gift or payment to a common fund or collection. Your contribution to our giving campaign supports more than LOUtoday — it supports our colleagues in other cities, our account managers, and everyone who helps keep this newsletter coming to your inbox each morning. If you support our hardworking team, donate.
Try This
Beach house? Mountain retreat? If it’s vacant, it’s vulnerable. Vacation smart and insure smarter with Higginbotham.*
Seasonal
Got something big happening this winter? From new menus to limited-time promos, make sure your message lands in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers. Get started on our business promo portal with zero long-term contract.
Home
Your home equity is yours. With Unison’s Equity Sharing Agreement, you can turn it into cash without monthly payments or interest. Use the funds to renovate, travel, pay off debt, or invest in your future.*
Health
Worried about hearing clearly at upcoming holiday gatherings? Try this best-selling hearing aid with dual processors for outstanding speech clarity. See if you qualify for the 45-day no-risk trial + experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
The Buy
Dinner for two for less than delivery? A spa facial for the price of a sheet mask? With Groupon, these aren’t fantasies — they’re today’s deals waiting for you to claim. Discover up to 70% off restaurants, salons, and adventures near you, so you can try more, spend less, and fall in love with your city all over again.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Louisville’s newest park, LOUMED Commons, is open as of today. We covered this project way back in August 2024 when it was announced, and now it’s officially here. Curious about the status of any other developments? Drop us a line and we’ll do the digging for you.
}})
