This bill mandates that counties and cities in Iowa must allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the same lot as a single-family residence, subject to specific conditions. The ADU must comply with applicable building regulations, cannot exceed 1,000 square feet or 50% of the size of the primary residence (whichever is larger), and can only be restricted by state historic building codes, deed restrictions, or common interest community rules. Additionally, if a manufactured or mobile home is used as an ADU, it must be converted to real property and placed on a permanent foundation.

The bill also prohibits counties and cities from imposing various limitations on ADUs, such as more restrictive placement or appearance requirements compared to single-family residences, additional parking requirements, and restrictions on occupancy based on owner residency or relationships between occupants. Furthermore, it requires that ADU permit applications be approved without discretionary review and within the same timeframe as single-family residence approvals. Any conflicting local ordinances are rendered void, although more permissive regulations are allowed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 331.301, 103A.43