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Ames Council passes first reading of ADU zoning changes and approves a wording clean-up
Summary
Council passed first reading of a zoning-text amendment to implement state ADU requirements, added two local clarifications for height/setback measurement, and approved a late-day cleanup amendment to the ordinance language.
On June 9 the Ames City Council voted on the first passage of an amended ordinance updating accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules to comply with recent state law changes and to add two local clarifications.
Staff said the local clarifications would allow an ADU’s height to be measured based on the ADU itself (so a one-story ADU on a two-story house could use the one-story setback) and would restore limited flexibility (a 20% rule) for side/rear setbacks and lot coverage in specific circumstances. Staff noted there have been few ADU permit applications to date.
Councilmember Gloria introduced and the council approved a late-day cleanup amendment to simplify and correct the ordinance language (clarifying how the list of permitted/forbidden ADU locations is presented). After the amendment was adopted, the council approved first passage of the ordinance as amended and staff said it would return for later readings to meet the July 1 state-law publication schedule.
Planning staff and councilmembers discussed outreach options to increase public awareness of ADU rules and the removal of a parking requirement under state law; staff suggested a fall outreach push when more staff capacity is available.
