

ADUs are allowed in Clear LakeTypes:Internal
Types:Internal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Clear Lake, IA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Parcels
4,508
Zoning districts
27
Avg Parcel Value
$392,200
Zoning Districts:
4,605 parcels · 27 districts
RS-8
42%(1,939)
RM-12
9%(400)
LR
7%(332)
RM-20
7%(328)
Other
35%(1,606)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Clear Lake, IA?
Clear Lake, 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: Not permitted
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size is the lesser of 30% of the principal dwelling’s total floor area or 800 sq ft
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy one unit as permanent resident.
Parking
- –1 space per ADU; tandem parking allowed for single-family dwellings; BOA may grant up to 50% reduction via conditional use; ADU defined as temporary in an owner-occupied single-family dwelling
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU cannot be rented as a dwelling.
- –Attached ADU: deed- or covenant-restricted affordable units may not be used as Vacation or Short-Term rentals.
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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ADU rules in other Iowa municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Cerro Gordo County