Lasting Legacy

The actions we take to address climate change now will make Cedar Rapids a safer, more inclusive, healthier, and more desirable place to live, for current residents and for generations to come. The future of Cedar Rapids is bright, and the projects we complete in the next few years — such as Flood Control, ReLeaf, water quality initiatives, and development policies — will leave a lasting legacy on the City and future Cedar Rapidians.

To help with lowering living costs, many families are considering moving older family members into their homes. This may mean renovating a garage, side room, or attic so a grandparent can be close to family, save money on rent, and have quicker access to local amenities.

This is the vision the City has for investing in sustainability for many neighborhoods within the community. By adding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Missing Middle Developments into neighborhoods, Cedar Rapids residents will drive 20 to 40 percent less compared to more sprawling communities. The City’s Zoning Ordinance encourages Missing Middle Housing and ADUs, concepts that are supported by EnvisionCR, the Age-Friendly Action Plan, and the Community Climate Action Plan.

ADUs are self-contained homes with their own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area on the same lot as the main house. Some people might recognize ADUs by their other commonly known names, such as granny flats, backyard bungalows, guest houses, in-law suites, basement apartments, carriage houses, and casitas. ADUs can be an important source of affordable housing to keep housing costs down for both owners and renters. ADUs are permitted by right in all zoning districts that allow residential uses.

A dwelling unit that is considered part of the primary structure but results in an expansion of the primary structure’s footprint.

A dwelling unit that is separate from the primary structure (e.g. garage apartment or a standalone structure).

A dwelling unit that is located within the primary structure without expansion of the footprint (e.g. basement or attic units).

Though similar, Missing Middle Housing is a range of house-scale buildings with multiple units located within walkable neighborhoods. There are several types of housing options for diverse populations, such as duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, and multiplexes. Most of the Missing Middle Housing types include four to eight units per building with one off-street parking space per unit.

These housing options increase active mobility and access to basic needs, improve air quality, and increase financial resiliency — meeting goals in the Community Climate Action Plan, and making it easier for residents to have a happier, healthier life.

To help raise awareness around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) this year, the City of Cedar Rapids and AARP Iowa partnered to create an ADU gingerbread contest. Community members picked up free gingerbread house kits to create their own versions of ADUs and were encouraged to upload photos to the Cedar Rapids Public Library website for voting. Gift cards were given out to the 11 finalists.