

ADUs are allowed in Cedar FallsTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Cedar Falls, IA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
14,937
Owner-occupied
73%
Zoning districts
25
Avg Home Value
$253,886
Median Lot Size
0.28 acres
Avg Income
$87,309
Residential Types:
14,937 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
18,495 parcels · 25 districts
R-1
31%(5,676)
R-2
23%(4,302)
RP
9%(1,585)
MU
7%(1,279)
Other
31%(5,653)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Cedar Falls, IA?
Cedar Falls, IA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size is the lesser of 800 sq ft or 50% of the principal dwelling’s floor area (garage area excluded when known).
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum ADU size is the lesser of 800 sq ft or 50% of the principal dwelling’s floor area.
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot for owner-occupied single-unit dwellings (detached; and in Character Districts for owner-occupied attached or detached single-unit dwellings). 0 ADUs for duplex and multi-unit principal structures.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy at least one unit as principal residence
Parking
- –ADU parking: no specific ADU requirement; general off-street parking applies; uses not listed determined by city planner; tandem spaces allowed for single-unit residences
Rental Restrictions
- –Only one dwelling unit on a lot may be rented at a time (ADU or principal); minimum rental term is 1 month; if rented, the ADU may house up to 2 adults.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Iowa municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Black Hawk County