Building Setbacks & Zoning in Ames, IA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Ames, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In the City of Ames, Iowa, Sec. 29.402(1) of the Zoning Ordinance requires every building and structure to meet the minimum and maximum Building Setbacks listed in its zone's Development Standards Table. In the Residential Low Density (RL) zone, Table 29.701(3) sets a 25-foot front setback, a 6-foot side setback (8 feet for a 2-story wall, 15 feet on a corner lot's street side), and a 20-foot rear setback for both single- and two-family homes.
Ames Yard Setback Minimums by Zone
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 29.402(1); Table 29.701(3)
(1) Building Setback Standard. Except as provided below, all buildings and structures, Principal and Accessory, shall be located to comply with the minimum and maximum Building Setbacks established for Principal and Accessory Buildings listed in each Zone Development Standards Table, Supplemental Development Standards Table, condition, or other regulation applicable to the lot or the use bein...
Structure Height Limits
In the City of Ames, Iowa, Sec. 29.401(4) of the Zoning Ordinance sets maximum structure heights in each zone's Development Standards Table and lists narrow exceptions for rooftop features. In the Residential Low Density (RL) zone, Table 29.701(3) caps a Principal Building at 40 feet or 3 stories, whichever is lower, for both single-family and two-family dwellings, with accessory building height governed separately under Sec. 29.408(7)(a)(ii).
Ames Residential Building Height Limit
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 29.401(4); Table 29.701(3)
(4) Maximum Height Exceptions. Maximum heights for structures are listed in the individual Zone Development Standards Tables. Exceptions to the maximum heights are set forth below. (a) Projections allowed. Chimneys, flag poles, radio and television antennae, satellite receiving dishes, and other similar items with a width, depth, or diameter of 5 feet or less may rise above the height limit...
Lot Coverage Limits
In the City of Ames, Iowa, Sec. 29.401(2) of the Zoning Ordinance caps how much of a lot principal and accessory buildings, plus outdoor storage, may cover, with exact percentages set zone by zone in each Zone Development Standards Table. In the Residential Low Density (RL) zone, Table 29.701(3) limits building coverage to 35% for single-family homes and 40% for two-family dwellings, and caps total site coverage, including all paving and sidewalks, at 60%.
Ames Maximum Building and Site Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 29.401(2); Table 29.701(3)
(2) Maximum Building Coverage. Maximum Building coverage standards apply to Principal and Accessory Buildings and to areas used for outdoor storage. The Maximum Building Coverage permitted for Principal and Accessory buildings is listed in the Zone Development Standards Table applicable to each Base Zone. In some zones, Minimum Building Coverage standards may also apply. In the case of Overla...
Looking for Story County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ames city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Story County →