Bills › 91st General Assembly

Relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units

Topics:Housing & propertyCities & counties

Same legislation: SSB 3070, HF 2252, SF 2369

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedJanuary 22, 2026
  2. Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 22, 2026
  3. Done: House committeeJanuary 29, 2026
  4. Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2252
  5. Next: Senate committee
  6. Next: Passes the Senate
  7. Next: To the Governor
  8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2252 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2252 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. This change means that when calculating how big the extra house can be, officials cannot count unfinished basements. It also changes how local commissions can limit these extra houses in historic areas.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 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. _____ 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.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed2

House subcommittee

Named January 22, 2026. 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

Amends§331.301§364.3

How the Code works3

Lobbying

12 for · 0 against · 20 undecided · Who →

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