Housing (Historic Preservation)

This bill requires Iowa counties and cities to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or secondary home, on the same lot as a single-family residence in areas where single-family homes are permitted. It sets clear size limits: ADUs cannot exceed 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main home’s size (excluding unfinished basements), and defines "size" to exclude garages and decks. The bill also restricts local governments from banning ADUs solely due to historic preservation rules - ADUs in historic districts can only be limited if a commission documents they clash with the area’s historical character. This directly affects homeowners in single-family zones seeking to build or rent out secondary living spaces.

This bill (HSB 730) amends Iowa's workforce housing tax incentive program to specifically include rehabilitation projects. It defines a "rehabilitation project" as one rehabilitating dilapidated housing (with minimum unit requirements) for resale as primary residences, and sets aside $5 million annually for such projects - $2.5 million reserved for small cities. The bill increases the annual tax incentive cap from $35-$36.5 million to $40 million, limits total incentives per housing business to $1 million, and removes first-come, first-served allocation. It directly affects developers of workforce housing rehabilitation projects, particularly those in small cities seeking tax incentives.

HF 2252 requires Iowa counties and cities to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU), like a backyard cottage or basement apartment, on single-family residential lots where such homes are permitted. The bill sets size limits (max 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main house, excluding unfinished basements) and prohibits local governments from imposing stricter rules on ADUs in communities with shared ownership (like condos) than on standard single-family homes. It also modifies historic district regulations, requiring preservation commissions to formally justify any ADU restrictions based on historical significance. This directly affects homeowners seeking to build ADUs, local zoning authorities, and historic preservation boards.

This bill requires Iowa counties and cities to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) - a secondary home on the same lot as a primary residence - in zoning districts where single-family homes are permitted. It sets size limits (max 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the main house size, excluding unfinished basements, garages, decks, and unheated porches) and restricts local governments from banning ADUs solely due to historic preservation rules unless a commission documents specific historical incompatibility. Homeowners seeking to build ADUs and local governments creating zoning rules are directly affected. The bill clarifies that historic district restrictions must be justified by a commission’s written determination, replacing prior broad exemptions.

SF 622 modifies several state economic development and tax credit programs managed by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. It directly affects developers, investors, and communities seeking financial assistance or tax credits for infrastructure, redevelopment, tourism, and historic preservation projects. The bill streamlines the administration and review processes for brownfield, grayfield, and redevelopment tax credits, centralizing some functions within the economic development authority. It also adjusts eligibility requirements for the historic preservation tax credit, particularly for single-family residential projects. Additionally, the bill modifies how review committees are appointed for community attraction and sports tourism programs and removes a section regarding required benefits for certain tourism program applicants.

SF 642 modifies several programs under the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. The bill adjusts application review processes for programs like strategic infrastructure, community attraction and tourism, and sports tourism. It also alters the administration and eligibility criteria for various tax credits, including brownfield, grayfield, redevelopment, and historic preservation tax credits. For instance, it limits the historic preservation tax credit for single-family dwellings unless a project creates multiple new units. These changes primarily affect businesses, developers, and communities seeking state financial assistance or tax incentives for development and preservation projects.

HF 975 amends multiple economic development and community programs in Iowa, affecting local governments, businesses, and residents participating in initiatives like brownfield redevelopment, historic preservation, tourism marketing, and homelessness services. It modifies tax credit programs for brownfields, grayfields, and historic preservation, adjusts funding for tourism and community attraction, and updates the Iowa Reinvestment Act. The bill also clarifies applicability and retroactive provisions for these programs. Signed into law by the Governor on June 6, 2025, it updates existing frameworks rather than creating new programs.