Accessory Structures in Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
An accessory dwelling unit in Cedar Rapids must sit on the same lot as an existing single-unit home and is capped at 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main house's floor area, whichever is larger.
Cedar Rapids ADU Size And Eligibility Rules
Some RestrictionsCedar Rapids Zoning Ordinance § 32.03.04.C.1
Accessory dwelling units are only permitted on lots with single unit detached or single unit attached dwellings and must be built on the same lot as the primary structure... The maximum gross floor area of an accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the single-family residence, whichever is greater.
Shed & Carport Rules
In Cedar Rapids, a shed or detached garage can't go up before the house does, must stay out of every required yard setback, and needs at least five feet of separation from any other building on the lot.
Cedar Rapids Accessory Structure & Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsCedar Rapids Zoning Ordinance § 32.03.04.B
No accessory structure shall be constructed or maintained in any residentially zoned district without a primary structure, unless as specifically allowed by this chapter. [Note 2] Location a. The accessory use or structure shall be conducted or located on the same lot(s) as the principal use. b. No accessory building shall be erected in any required setback nor within five feet of any other bui...
Garage Conversions
Cedar Rapids lets an existing garage or other accessory structure that doesn't meet current height or setback rules be converted into an accessory dwelling unit, as long as the conversion doesn't make the nonconformity worse.
Cedar Rapids Garage-To-ADU Conversion Rule
Some RestrictionsCedar Rapids Zoning Ordinance § 32.03.04.C.1.e
An existing primary or accessory structure whose height or setback(s) does not meet the requirements for a dwelling in the zone district may be converted into an accessory dwelling unit but the structure may not be altered in any manner that would increase the degree of non-compliance. f. One detached and one attached or internal accessory dwelling unit is permitted per lot. g. Home occupations...
Looking for Linn County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cedar Rapids city rules.
Accessory Structures in Linn County →