Accessory Structures in Ames, IA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Ames, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In the City of Ames, Iowa, an Accessory Dwelling Unit is permitted on any lot with a single-family residence under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 29.409, capped at 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the primary home's size, whichever is larger, and limited to one bedroom. The ADU must sit on a permanent foundation, function independently with its own bathroom and kitchen, and match the primary home's height, setback, and lot coverage standards.
Ames Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 29.409
Sec. 29.409. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) STANDARDS. An ADU is a newly constructed additional residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a single-family residence as defined by state law. ... (1) Where Permitted. (a) An ADU is permitted on any lot with only a single-family residence. ... (2) Independent Dwelling Unit. (a) Location. An ADU may be: (i) Attached to the single-...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In the City of Ames, Iowa, an Accessory Dwelling Unit or single-family residence intended for rental use must be registered with the city and hold a valid rental permit under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 29.409(6)(b), which incorporates all requirements of Chapter 13, the Rental Code. Near Campus Neighborhoods face added occupancy limits under the same Rental Code.
Ames ADU Rental Registration Rule
Significant RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 29.409(6)(b)
(6) Occupancy. (a) Occupancy limitations may apply to Near Campus Neighborhoods, as defined within Chapter 13, Rental Code. (b) Any ADU or single-family residence that is intended for use as a rental must be registered with the city and have a valid rental permit. All requirements of Chapter 13, Rental Code apply.
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Ames, Iowa, detached garages and accessory buildings on single-family lots are capped at 900 square feet under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 29.408(7), rising to 1,200 square feet for two-family lots. Setbacks run as tight as 3 feet from rear and side lot lines in Agricultural, Residential, and Hospital/Medical districts, subject to height and coverage limits.
Ames Shed and Garage Size Rules
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 29.408(7)(b)
(7) Requirements for Private Garages and Other Accessory Buildings. ... (b) The following requirements apply to private garages and accessory buildings in Agricultural, Residential and Hospital/Medical districts: (i) Location Within Setbacks. (a) No detached garage or accessory building is allowed in the front yard, or within the side yard setback adjacent to public right-of-way in the ...
Garage Conversions
In the City of Ames, Iowa, converting a contributing garage inside a designated historic district into an Accessory Dwelling Unit needs approval from the Historic Preservation Commission rather than routine administrative sign-off, and the resulting Certificate of Appropriateness expires after one year.
Historic Garage Conversion Rules in Ames
Significant RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Section 31.11(1)(a); Sec. 31.18
(1) Administrative Approval Process. (a) A Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to the principal structure, garages and other accessory buildings, and the new construction of fences and retaining walls may be approved by the Planning and Housing Director, provided the alterations or new construction meet the adopted Design Guidelines and Design Criteria, and substitute materials a...
Looking for Story County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ames city rules.
Accessory Structures in Story County →