Cedar Falls is gearing up for significant changes to its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations following recent state law updates. During the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 19, 2025, city officials discussed the implications of these changes, which aim to streamline the approval process for ADUs and enhance housing options in the community.

The new state law, effective July 1, mandates that local jurisdictions allow at least one ADU per single-family residence, including townhomes and twin homes. This legislation limits local authority over ADU regulations, prohibiting restrictions on size below 1,000 square feet and eliminating owner occupancy requirements. As a result, property owners will have greater flexibility to rent out both their primary residence and the ADU.

Chris Seve, who presented the proposed changes, highlighted that the city’s current ordinance requires two egress windows for basement ADUs and limits their size to 50% of the principal dwelling or 800 square feet, whichever is less. Under the new law, however, the size limit will increase to 1,000 square feet, allowing for larger ADUs in certain scenarios.

The council also discussed the necessity of revising existing codes to align with state requirements, including the removal of design standards that mandate ADUs match the principal dwelling's exterior. This change could lead to a more diverse range of ADU designs throughout Cedar Falls.

As the city prepares to implement these changes, officials emphasized the importance of ensuring compliance with the new state law while also considering the community's needs. The council plans to review the proposed ordinance revisions in future meetings, aiming to finalize updates that will facilitate the development of ADUs and address housing shortages in the area.