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Tama County reviews zoning changes to allow accessory dwelling units after Iowa code update
Summary
The Tama County zoning commission recommended adding accessory dwelling unit provisions to County Ordinance 6.1-1998 to comply with a 2025 change to Iowa Code Chapter 335 that requires counties to allow at least one ADU per parcel. The board discussed setbacks, 911 addressing and whether to bundle ordinance updates into one recodification.
County staff presented a letter and draft ordinance changes from the Tama County Zoning Commission recommending an amendment to Ordinance 6.1-1998 to incorporate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and to update related definitions. Staff explained that "Code of Iowa revised chapter 335 in 2025 requiring every county to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit per parcel," and said the zoning commission voted 3-0 to recommend the draft to the board with clarifying language about setbacks and size limits.
Supervisors discussed whether to bundle multiple ordinance updates to reduce publishing costs and how to handle 911 addressing for ADUs on large parcels. One supervisor urged that setbacks and emergency addressing be spelled out in the county code so county permitting and first responders have clear guidance. No final ordinance vote was taken; the board agreed to follow state law where applicable and to schedule a public hearing and further legal review before adopting a formal amendment.
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