ADUs are allowed in Cedar RapidsTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Cedar Rapids, IA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
54,105
Owner-occupied
86%
Zoning districts
39
Avg Home Value
$302,539
Median Lot Size
0.22 acres
Avg Income
$82,696
Residential Types:
54,105 housing units
Residential
100%
Zoning Districts:
55,538 parcels · 39 districts
S-RL1
22%(12,468)
T-R1
20%(10,911)
S-RM1
19%(10,472)
S-RMF
9%(5,039)
Other
30%(16,648)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids, 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 greater of 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the single-family residence’s gross floor area (excluding garages, exterior-accessed storage, and uncovered porches/decks).
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU floor area is the greater of 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the single-family residence’s gross floor area.
Max Units
- –SF detached or attached lots: up to 2 ADUs per lot (1 detached + 1 attached/internal). Urban Residential townhouse (U-NR/U-VR): 1 ADU (internal or at rear/over garage). Duplex/multifamily: 0 ADUs.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner occupancy not required.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; max = greater of 6 or 150% of required spaces (site <50 total); Downtown SSMID: no parking; Traditional/Urban: one adjacent on-street space may count toward minimum; Urban: 0.25 District Shared space per DU (may be waived for small projects); tandem parking allowed with at least one unblocked space per DU; 5% reductions near bus routes.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals (<30 days) prohibited; ADUs may be rented only for 30-day (or longer) terms.
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.
Linn County