Bill > SF592

This bill establishes statewide regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Iowa, requiring both counties and cities to allow at least one ADU on a single-family residential lot with specific guidelines. Counties and cities must permit ADUs that are up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary residence's size, comply with building regulations, and can only be limited by state historic building codes, deed restrictions, or common interest community rules. Local governments are prohibited from imposing restrictive requirements such as additional parking, special utility line mandates, occupancy restrictions based on familial relationships or income, or aesthetic standards that differ from those applied to single-family homes. The bill mandates that permit applications for ADUs must be processed with the same timeline and scrutiny as single-family home applications, and any local ordinances conflicting with these provisions are considered void. An accessory dwelling unit is defined broadly to include additional residential units that are either attached to or detached from the primary residence, including units in accessory structures like detached garages. The bill aims to streamline ADU development by reducing local regulatory barriers and providing clear, consistent standards across Iowa, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Local Government (Senate)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF592