The city of Iowa City is proposing several changes to its current zoning codes in an effort to increase housing supply, improve housing choice, and encourage housing affordability.
Part of the effort is a proposal to modify the regulation of accessory apartments, also known as accessory dwelling units.
“(We want) to remove barriers for housing types that generally cost less than detached single family homes, so things like accessory dwelling units, duplexes…those types of housing,” said Anne Russet, Iowa City’s senior planner.
What are ADUs?
ADUs are small, self-contained dwelling units that are located on the same lot as a primary home and can be attached or detached. They can be rented separately from the primary home, but not sold separately. Since the 1990s, only 52 ADUs have been constructed in Iowa City.
“We’re hoping to see more units get built,” Ms. Russet said. ”we’re seeing smaller household sizes. You know, our Fair Housing Choices Study says that we need more affordable rentals. So if we can get some more rentals on the market that are smaller, the price point’s probably a little bit lower. That could be a benefit for our community.” A 2023 SmartAsset study showed that Johnson County ranked among the top ten places in Iowa where financing a home was most expensive.
Some proposed changes to ADU requirements are increasing the floor area from 650 square feet to 1,000 square feet; limit from one bedroom and two occupants to having limitations set by the rental permits; and removing the requirement to have the owner live on-site.
Concerns
On social media, some concern arose on whether or not the zoning changes would encourage ADUs to be constructed for Airbnbs, eliminating affordable options for local long-term renters. Iowa cities have a difficult time regulating short-term rentals because of amendments to Iowa Code Section 414.1 in 2020, which state that “A city shall not adopt or enforce any regulation, restriction, or other ordinance, including a conditional use permit requirement, relating to short-term rental properties within the city” and “A city shall not require a license or permit fee for a short term-rental property in the city.”
Iowa City will hold two open houses to gain input from residents: Sept. 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Terry Trueblood Park Lodge, 579 McCollister Blvd., and Sept. 14 from 5-7 p.m. at Iowa City Public Library’s Meeting Room A, 123 S. Linn St.
