Accessory Structures in Dubuque, IA (2026)
2 verified accessory structures rules for Dubuque, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Dubuque allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot as a conditional use in the R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, OR, OC and C-1 zoning districts under City Code section 16-8-5-10. The unit must sit on the same lot as an owner-occupied single-family home, stay under 600 square feet or half the main home's footprint, and provide one off-street parking space.
Dubuque Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Significant RestrictionsDubuque City Code § 16-8-5-10
16-8-5-10: LIST OF CONDITIONAL USES: Accessory dwelling unit. One accessory dwelling unit may be allowed on a lot in the R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, OR, OC, and C-1 districts in accordance with the following conditions: A. Shall be located on the same zoning lot as the principal dwelling; B. Either the principal dwelling or the accessory dwelling shall be owner-occupied; C. Shall be incidental an...
Shed & Carport Rules
Dubuque caps every detached accessory structure, including storage sheds, at 15 feet in height and counts its footprint toward a 1,000 square foot aggregate lot-coverage ceiling shared with the house. Small sheds of 120 square feet or less get a reduced 3-foot side and rear setback instead of the standard 6-foot rear line, as long as the shed sits at least 6 feet from the primary structure.
Dubuque Accessory Structure and Shed Size Rules
Some RestrictionsDubuque City Code § 16-3-7-2
16-3-7-2: BULK REGULATIONS: ... Accessory Use/Structure Coverage: The lot coverage of permitted accessory uses and/or structures and the principal structure it serves shall be calculated together for the purpose of complying with the specified lot coverage as a percent of lot area. The maximum lot coverage shall not be exceeded within the district in which it is located and in no case shall per...