Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units
Sponsored by the Senate Local Government (companion To Hf 2252 By Committee on Local Government) Committee
Topics:Cities & counties
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 22, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 22, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 17, 2026
- Done: Passes the SenateMarch 2, 202644–0
- Skipped: House committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 5, 202685–1
- Done: To the GovernorApril 9, 2026
- Done: Signed into lawApril 9, 2026
Signed into law What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
Under current law, a county or city shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the same lot as a single family residence in accordance with certain conditions. This bill specifies that a county or city shall allow a minimum of one ADU on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use. Under current law, an ADU shall not exceed 1,000 square feet or percent of the size of the single family residence, whichever is larger.
Read the full explanation
The bill specifies that the size calculation of an ADU shall exclude unfinished basements.43, would prohibit or limit the ADU. The bill strikes this condition.459, shall be regulated only to the extent that the historic preservation commission or city determines that the proposed ADU would be incongruous with the historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural aspects of the district, and enters into its records the reasons for such determination. The bill defines “size” to mean the gross living area of the primary dwelling unit excluding garages, decks, and unheated porches.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text · What changed before it passed
Senate subcommittee
Named January 22, 2026 (as SSB 3070). On February 5, 2026 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
12 for · 0 against · 20 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
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91st General Assembly
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