ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated PolkTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Polk, IA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
11,841
Owner-occupied
82%
Zoning districts
33
Avg Home Value
$353,147
Median Lot Size
1.00 acres
Avg Income
$114,379
Residential Types:
11,841 housing units
Single Family
7%
Other
93%
Zoning Districts:
21,465 parcels · 33 districts
AG
24%(5,109)
LDR
22%(4,761)
RR
22%(4,761)
AT
7%(1,497)
Other
25%(5,337)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Polk, IA?
Unincorporated Polk, 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 internal ADU size is 1,200 sq ft of gross floor area, excluding garage, porch, or deck areas.
- –Internal ADU may not be larger than the existing principal residence’s gross floor area.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 1,200 sq ft of gross floor area for a detached accessory dwelling unit (excluding garage, porch or deck).
- –A detached accessory dwelling unit may not be larger than the existing principal residence.
Max Units
- –1 ADU per property
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the ADU
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; in addition to 1 space for the primary dwelling; no ADU-specific waivers; shared/off-site parking may be approved per provisions
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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Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
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ADU rules in other Iowa municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Polk County
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