Des Moines, IA

Change City

---

• Back to News Feed

Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa

Posted on 12/31/24 by The AARP Bulletin

For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build accessory dwelling units.

ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.

But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition.

“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.

To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, AARP Iowa’s advocacy director.

AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.

State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.

For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.

Go to aarp.org/ia to learn more.

—David Lewellen

This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the AARP Iowa page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

AARP Events for Des Moines

AARP Events for Des Moines

• Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion

  Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit

  Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

• CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort

  Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal

• Immediate access to your member benefits
• Discounts on travel and everyday savings
• Subscription to AARP The Magazine
• FREE second membership

Join AARP

Already a member? Renew or Print Card

Facebook

Contact AARP
in Des Moines

• IAAARP@aarp.org
• AARP Iowa
• Contact Us

     

Return to top

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/31/24 
				by <b>The AARP Bulletin</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make it easier to build <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2019/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accessory dwelling units</a></span></span>.<br><br>ADUs are small residences, such as backyard cottages or basement apartments, built on existing single-family home lots. They can be an affordable option to allow older Iowans to live in their communities as they age.<br><br>But not all cities allow them, and in those that do, the rules and restrictions around building ADUs can vary from place to place. It makes the process confusing for residents and developers, says Andino, executive director of the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.jcaffordablehousing.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFk39leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVSsB1Pc6t-SaKIHvIqmxgb_0Py2l6PnjgxJhMdrZ3BeTScztPqZeFRDGQ_aem_NrFyYYRjMx-ScOvs9T5UYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition</a></span></span>.<br><br>“It would be easier to build ADUs if we had a similar code across the state,” she says.<br><br>To that end, AARP Iowa this year is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would establish statewide parameters for building ADUs. It would create uniform expectations—what’s permissible and what’s not—and allow more Iowans to build ADUs, says Paige Yontz, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Iowa</a></span></span>’s advocacy director.<br><br>AARP has successfully championed zoning changes to make it easier to build ADUs in some localities, including Des Moines and Iowa City. “We are really looking to take it to the next level,” Yontz says.<br><br>State laws should set minimum standards to ensure ADUs can be built in any community, while also allowing flexibility at the local level for size and other details, says Eli Spevak, an affordable housing developer in Portland, Oregon, who has worked on ADU legislation across the country.<br><br>For instance, those wanting to build an ADU shouldn’t be required to provide additional parking, Yontz says.<br><br>Go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/ia</a></span></span> to learn more. <br><br><b>—David Lewellen</b></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Iowa. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank">AARP Iowa</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-flowstate-fitness-with-nate-01062025-7xn3djf69f6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-QIGONG-WITH-NATE-A-GENTLE-PRACTICE-FOR-BODY-MIND-AND-SPIRIT">Qigong with Nate: A Gentle Practice for Body, Mind and Spirit</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mjn8hlhnpds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>


<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
</div>

 
</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make" name="description"/>
<meta content="Making, It, Easier, Build, Accessory, Dwelling, Units, in, Iowa" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/iowa/making-easier-build-accessory-dwelling-units-iowa" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/making-it-easier-to-build-accessory-dwelling-units-in-iowa-ia-2024-12-31.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Making It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units in Iowa"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="For nearly two years, Jessica Andino and her fellow affordable housing advocates have been making the rounds in Johnson County, urging local leaders to make"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9395f02/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1708x1098+119+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc5%2F5d%2Fe17e53f142f3b1dd255cd00e54a1%2Fcombined-graphics-11.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118