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Council adopts zoning changes that loosen ADU rules and set new small‑animal limits
Summary
Oskaloosa approved amendments to zoning code to implement state ADU requirements and modify site and accessory-structure standards; changes raise maximum ADU size, remove certain parking and site-plan requirements, and set new bird limits and setbacks for small animals.
The Oskaloosa City Council voted March 16 to adopt zoning amendments that change rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), animal setbacks and supplemental site standards.
The chair summarized several changes: language required by Senate File 592 will be incorporated to allow ADUs with fewer placement restrictions; the maximum ADU size will increase from 800 square feet to either 1,000 square feet or 50% of the principal residence, whichever is larger; the city will remove the parking-space requirement and eliminate the Planning & Zoning site-plan application for ADUs so those permits can be handled at the staff level.
The ordinance also adjusts rules for livestock and small animals. Setbacks for horses and larger equines were revised; small-animal and fowl setbacks were reduced, and the proposed bird limit in a typical yard was clarified in the ordinance language to permit up to 4 birds plus an additional bird per 1,000 square feet of lot area over 4,000 square feet, with a maximum of 12 birds. Council members asked whether current properties with larger flocks would be forced into compliance immediately; staff and commissioners said existing approved properties would be grandfathered and that increased staff-level permitting should encourage registration.
Council opened and closed the public hearing with no public speakers, then moved, seconded and adopted the ordinance on its third reading (roll call recorded). The ordinance also changes accessory-structure height and size standards in R-1 and R-2 districts and eliminates some site-plan requirements for residential accessory structures.
What happens next: the ordinance was adopted and will take effect according to the city's normal ordinance schedule; staff said they will provide outreach to property owners to encourage registration where appropriate.
