News : In-Law Suites now legal across iowa

As of July 1, 2025, Iowa counties and cities are required to allow at least one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) - also known as an "in-law suite" - on the same lot as a single-family home. The law standardizes and simplifies the approval process and restricts local governments from imposing overly burdensome rules.

Key provisions include:

✅ Minimum Allowance

• At least one ADU must be allowed per single-family lot.

• ADUs can be attached to the primary home or detached (e.g., above a garage or as a stand-alone structure).

✅ Size Limits

• ADUs may be up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main home's size, whichever is larger.

✅ Permitting & Process

• Applications must follow the same review timeline and process as a single-family home.

• No discretionary hearings or special approvals are allowed if the application meets requirements.

• If denied, the city/county must provide written reasons and explain how to fix them.

✅ Prohibited Restrictions by Cities/Counties
Local governments cannot impose rules on ADUs that are stricter than those for single-family homes, including:

• Building height, lot size, setbacks, density, architectural style, or materials.

• Requiring the ADU to match the main house's design or roof pitch.

• Requiring additional parking beyond what is required for a single-family home.

• Requiring the owner to live on the property.

• Restricting occupancy based on family relationship, income, age, or employment of residents.

• Charging higher impact fees or requiring extra street/sidewalk improvements.

• Imposing stricter rental regulations than those already in state law.

✅ Utility Connections

• Separate utility lines cannot be required unless separate metering cannot be provided.

✅ Exceptions

• Restrictions in historic districts, private deed restrictions, and homeowners' association rules still apply.

✅ Manufactured or Mobile Homes

• If used as an ADU, they must be placed on a permanent foundation and taxed as real estate.

In short, this law is designed to make it much easier and faster for Iowans to add ADUs to their properties, increasing housing options and flexibility while limiting the ability of cities and counties to impose extra barriers.