Decorah Council Moves Toward Zoning Changes to Allow More Flexible Home Construction, ADUs

We cover Decorah because we love it. Show your love back — donate today. DECORAH — The Decorah City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution setting a public hearing on proposed changes to the city's residential zoning rules, aiming to give property owners more flexibility to build homes and accessory dwelling units while limiting overall lot coverage. The council scheduled the public hearing for Feb. 16. The proposed amendments to Title 17 of the Decorah Municipal Code were recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and respond in part to recent state legislation affecting accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ADUs. City Manager Travis Goedken said Iowa law now requires ADUs to meet the same zoning standards as principal structures, making Decorah's existing ADU ordinance difficult to apply in many cases, particularly for detached units on already developed lots. "To build a new detached ADU under the old rules was essentially impossible," Goedken said. Under the proposed changes, front-yard setbacks in residential zoning districts would be reduced to 10 feet from the right-of-way, and rear-yard setbacks would be reduced to 5 feet. The rear setback mirrors the current requirement for accessory buildings and is intended to open up more usable space for construction. The ordinance would also establish maximum lot coverage limits based on zoning district: 40% in R-1 districts, 50% in R-2 districts and 75% in R-3 districts. The limits would apply to the combined footprint of principal and accessory structures, including ADUs. Goedken said the percentages were developed using a model scenario that included a 2,000-square-foot home, a 1,000-square-foot accessory building and a 1,000-square-foot ADU, compared to minimum lot sizes in each district. Council members generally expressed support for the changes as a way to encourage additional housing options, including ADUs, while maintaining neighborhood standards. Some discussion focused on concerns about increased density and potential impacts on neighbors, such as noise from mechanical equipment, though no additional requirements were added at this stage. Several council members said those issues could be addressed later through separate zoning provisions or administrative discretion rather than as part of the setback changes. The Feb. 16 meeting will include both the public hearing and the first consideration of the zoning ordinance. If approved, the changes would apply citywide to residential zoning districts and reshape how homes and accessory units can be built on existing lots. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.