How many ADUs can I build on my Chandler property?

Chandler City Code Section 35-2202.2 permits a maximum of one attached and one detached ADU on any lot where a single-family dwelling is the principal use. A second detached ADU is permitted on lots of 1 acre or more if at least one ADU is deed-restricted as an affordable unit (80% of area median income or less). ADUs must use the same utility meters as the primary residence and may not exceed 75% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. Source: Chandler Homeowner's Building Permit Manual (Rev. 4/09/26), ADU section (City Code 35-2202.2).

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in Chandler, Arizona

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Chandler are permitted on any single-family lot where a single-family dwelling is the principal use, subject to Chandler City Code Section 35-2202.2. A maximum of one attached and one detached ADU is allowed per lot. An ADU may not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. ADUs must use the same utility meters as the primary residence, have a separate and independent entrance, comply with front yard setbacks, and maintain minimum 5-foot rear and side yard setbacks. Exterior design must use stucco or EIFS wall cladding and a concrete tile roof with 4:12 slope (or match the primary dwelling's design). A building permit is required.

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

Allowed on lots where a single-family dwelling is the principal use; maximum one attached + one detached ADU per lot (a second detached ADU may be permitted on lots of 1 acre or more if one ADU is deed-restricted as affordable)
ADU may not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less
Rear and side yard setbacks no less than 5 feet; must comply with front yard setbacks and building height limits of the zoning district
Must be served by the same water, sewer, and electric-utility providers and meters as the primary residence (separate meters not permitted)
Must have a separate and independent entrance from the primary residence
Exterior design: stucco or EIFS wall cladding; concrete tile roof with 4:12 slope; additional accent material consistent with primary dwelling; OR design may be commensurate with primary dwelling in materials, colors, and architectural style
Contact City Planner (480-782-3050) before submitting to verify zoning requirements, setbacks, and lot coverage
Apply through Citizen Access portal; submit completed Building Permit Application, plot plan, structural drawings, and trade plans
ADU shall not be constructed in advance of the principal structure

Required documents

Req
Building Permit Application
Chandler permit application; available at Citizen Access portal
Req
Plot Plan
Showing primary dwelling, proposed ADU location, distances to all property lines, total lot square footage, and all building footprints
Req
Construction Drawings
Floor plan, exterior elevations, structural details, and trade plans (electrical, plumbing, mechanical); must show ADU is architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling per City Code 35-2202.2(f)

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
ADU building permit — valuation-based fee table	Per valuation-based fee table (§4.6.1); plan review 65% of permit fee. Typical ADU values fall in the $50,001–$100,000 range: $580.50 for first $50,000 plus $6.25 per additional $1,000.	City of Chandler Fee Schedule §4.6.1 (Res. 4703). No separate ADU-specific fee; ADUs are permitted as residential construction under the standard valuation-based table.
Administrative fee for permits from approved standard plans	$75.00	City of Chandler Fee Schedule, Section 4.6.4(n): 'Administrative fee for permits from approved standard plans — $75.00.' Applicable if using a city-approved standard plan for the ADU.

Review timeline

~10–20 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Chandler building department

Inspection process

1
Footings / foundation
All forms, reinforcing steel and UFER ground in place before concrete is poured.
2
Rough trades and framing (concurrent)
Rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough HVAC, and framing inspected concurrently before cover.
3
Wallboard
Wallboard installed and nailed but not filled or taped.
4
Final inspection
ADU completed to requirements of approved plans and city codes.

Tips

Chandler allows a maximum of one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot — updated to comply with Arizona ADU laws.
ADU cannot exceed 75% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less.
ADUs must use the same utility meters as the primary residence — separate utility meters are not permitted under Chandler City Code 35-2202.2(e).
Contact a City Planner (480-782-3050) before submitting to confirm setbacks, lot coverage, and architectural compatibility for your subdivision.
The ADU must have stucco or EIFS exterior cladding and a concrete tile roof at 4:12 slope, or match the primary dwelling's exterior design.

Frequently asked questions

How many ADUs can I build on my Chandler property?: Chandler City Code Section 35-2202.2 permits a maximum of one attached and one detached ADU on any lot where a single-family dwelling is the principal use. A second detached ADU is permitted on lots of 1 acre or more if at least one ADU is deed-restricted as an affordable unit (80% of area median income or less). ADUs must use the same utility meters as the primary residence and may not exceed 75% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. Source: Chandler Homeowner's Building Permit Manual (Rev. 4/09/26), ADU section (City Code 35-2202.2).

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.

Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Chandler building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Other permits in Chandler

Residential Building Permit (New Home / Addition / Remodel)Electrical Permit Plumbing Permit Mechanical / HVAC Permit Roofing Permit Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permit Residential Pool / Spa Permit Fence / Wall / Retaining Wall Permit Demolition Permit

Get the AI compliance checklist

Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.

We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.