Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units
Sponsored by the House Local Government Committee
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 22, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 22, 2026
- Done: House committeeJanuary 29, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 5, 202685–1
- Skipped: Senate committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the SenateMarch 2, 202644–0
- Done: To the GovernorApril 9, 2026
- Done: Signed into lawApril 9, 2026
SF 2369 became law → The same legislation passed as SF 2369, so this version was set aside. Go to SF 2369 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Cities and counties must allow at least one small extra house, called an accessory dwelling unit, on lots that already have a single-family home. When figuring out how big this extra unit can be, officials will no longer count unfinished basements as part of the main house's size. Local governments can also only limit these extra units in historic areas if they can prove the new building doesn't fit the look or culture of the neighborhood.1
Read the official explanation
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 50 percent of the size of the single family residence, whichever is larger. 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.
Why it matters. Cities and counties would be required to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit on lots where single-family homes are permitted. This change would allow homeowners to calculate the permitted size of these units by excluding unfinished basements, garages, decks, and unheated porches from the total living area. Local historic preservation commissions would only be able to regulate these units if they determine the structure is incongruous with the historical or architectural aspects of a designated district.2
House subcommittee
Named January 22, 2026 (as HSB 618). On January 28, 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
Lobbying
12 for · 0 against · 20 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly