ADUs are allowed in AmesTypes:Detached
Types:Detached
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Ames, IA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
15,746
Owner-occupied
62%
Zoning districts
28
Avg Home Value
$294,415
Median Lot Size
0.26 acres
Avg Income
$81,566
Residential Types:
15,746 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
20,870 parcels · 28 districts
RL
37%(7,766)
RH
18%(3,855)
F-PRD
9%(1,808)
FS-RL
8%(1,601)
Other
28%(5,840)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Ames, IA?
Ames, IA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Not permitted
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size of 900 sq ft of gross floor area.
Max Units
- –1 ADU per single-family lot (detached); 0 ADUs on lots with two or more dwellings; attached/internal ADUs not permitted.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside on the property as their primary residence
Parking
- –3 total spaces on the lot (1 ADU + 2 for the principal); no max; exceptions: no tandem stacking; spaces must be paved; sidewalk must connect ADU entrance to parking or principal building
Rental Restrictions
- –Only one of the two dwelling units on the lot may be rented; ADU rentals require registration and a valid permit and compliance with Rental Code. A rental letter of compliance will not be issued for an ADU unless the titleholder resides on the property as their primary residence.
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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