Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 22, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 22, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 17, 2026
- Skipped: Passes the SenateContinued as SF 2369
- Next: House committee
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became SF 2369 → Its progress continues under the new number. 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. This change means the size of these extra units will no longer include unfinished basements when calculating how big they can be. It also changes how local governments can limit these units in historic areas, requiring them to provide specific reasons if they decide a new unit doesn't fit the neighborhood's character.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.
Senate subcommittee
Named January 22, 2026. 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
Lobbying
12 for · 0 against · 20 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly