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Commission backs ADU ordinance changes to conform with new state law; retains one‑bedroom limit
Summary
The commission recommended approval of zoning-code changes implementing recent state ADU law: ADUs must be allowed where single-family dwellings are permitted, size capped at 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling (unfinished basements excluded), and the city will preserve a one-bedroom limit and a 20% alternative-design flexibility for setbacks/lot coverage.
The Ames City Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend amendments to the city’s ADU (accessory dwelling unit) standards that implement recent changes in state law while preserving select local limits.
City planning staff explained the state clarified municipalities must permit ADUs on lots where single-family dwellings are an allowed principal use and revised how ADU size is calculated. Under the revisions discussed, an ADU is limited to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the size of the primary dwelling; the state language excludes unfinished basements when computing ADU size and excludes garages, decks and unheated porches from the primary dwelling’s gross living area. Staff emphasized those exclusions may complicate later decisions if basements are finished after initial approval.
A city planner (staff member) responded to commissioners’ questions about what constitutes a bedroom under building code definitions, explaining that a space exceeding about 70 square feet that is not a kitchen, bathroom or hall would be counted as a bedroom for the one-bedroom limit. The staff presenter also said the city’s proposed ordinance keeps a one-bedroom cap (a local regulation not barred by the state language) and clarifies side and rear setback calculations. The proposal also restores administrative flexibility similar to that allowed for primary dwellings: a 20% alternative-design allowance for side and rear setbacks and lot coverage may be applied with staff review.
On historic properties, staff told the commission that ADU proposals in the local Oldtown historic district would go to the local historic preservation board for design review but cannot be denied solely because they are ADUs; designers may be required to follow applicable design-review standards.
There were no public comments on the item. A motion to approve “alternative one” was moved, seconded and passed unanimously, forwarding the ordinance amendment to the Ames City Council for final action.
Next steps: The commission’s recommendation will be included in the referral packet to the city council, which will adopt or reject the text amendment.
