Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Ames, IA (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Ames, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
The City of Ames grants a 15% density bonus, rounded up to the next whole unit, to Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay projects that set aside at least 10% of units as affordable housing for moderate- or low-income households under HUD income limits for Ames. Developers must submit a binding affordable housing plan with every PUD application.
Ames PUD Density Bonus for Affordable Housing
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 29.1114(5)
Zoning district density requirements shall apply subject to the allowances of this section. Where a development encompasses more than one zoning district, each area of the PUD development shall comply with the density requirements that are set by the zone for that area. Density transfer is not permitted. Developments with a minimum of 10% affordable housing units made available for sale or rent...
Downtown Design Guide
In the City of Ames, Iowa, Sec. 29.808 of the Ames Municipal Code sets the design framework for the Downtown Service Center (DSC) zone: dense, high-coverage development with buildings placed close together and a strong pedestrian emphasis. The zone carries a baseline minimum 1.0 floor area ratio and two-story building requirement, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment may grant an exception only where a proposed building meets specific Main Street style urban design standards.
Ames Downtown Service Center Zone Design Standards
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 29.808
Sec. 29.808. "DSC" DOWNTOWN SERVICE CENTER. ... (1) Purpose. ... The Downtown Service Center (DSC) zone is intended to provide for high-density development within the City's Urban Core. ... Development is intended to be very dense with high building coverage, large buildings in scale with the predominant building pattern in the Downtown commercial area, and buildings placed close together. Deve...
Looking for Story County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ames city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Story County →