Are ADUs allowed in Scottsdale?

Yes. Scottsdale adopted Ordinance 4687 on September 30, 2025 implementing AZ HB2928, allowing ADUs on single-family residential lots. Up to two ADUs per lot are permitted (up to three on 1+ acre lots with an affordable unit). The first ADU is limited to 1,000 sq. ft. or 75% of the main house. Property owners who rent ADUs must reside on the premises. Source: City of Scottsdale ADU page, scottsdaleaz.gov/codes-and-ordinances/accessory-dwelling-units.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale adopted Ordinance 4687 on September 30, 2025 to comply with Arizona state law HB2928, allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single-family residential lots. Three types are permitted: Attached ADU, Detached ADU, and Restricted-Affordable Detached ADU. ADUs must contain their own kitchen and sanitary facilities and may be rented separately from the main house. Key limits: up to two ADUs per single-family lot (up to three on lots one acre or more if one is affordable); first ADU limited to 1,000 sq. ft. or 75% of main dwelling (whichever is less); second/third ADU limited to 500 sq. ft. The property owner must reside on-premises for any ADU that is rented, leased, or offered as a short-term rental. Apply through the Scottsdale SPUR portal or contact the One Stop Shop.

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

Lot must have an existing single-family residential dwelling; ADU can only be on a single-family residential lot
First ADU: maximum of 1,000 sq. ft. or 75% of the existing main dwelling size, whichever is less
Second (and third, if on 1+ acre with one affordable unit) ADU: maximum 500 sq. ft.
Up to two ADUs per lot; up to three on lots one acre or more if at least one is affordable housing
Property owner must reside on the premises for any ADU that is rented, leased, or used as a short-term rental
ADU must have separately metered electrical and gas utility connections; water/sewer branch from existing tap on private property
ADU cannot be sold separately from the main dwelling; lot cannot be subdivided to exclusively accommodate an ADU
Detached ADU may not be in required front yard or side yard; in rear yard, minimum 5-foot side/rear setbacks apply
Minimum 10-foot separation between an ADU and the main dwelling or another ADU on the lot
Maximum 6 adults total (main dwelling + all ADUs combined)
Each ADU requires a separate exterior entrance and a unique address
Apply through Scottsdale SPUR portal; pre-application meeting available via eServices portal

Required documents

Req
Application for Single Family Residential (ADU scope)
SFR permit application used for ADU construction; submitted through SPUR
Opt
ADU FAQs (PDF)
City of Scottsdale ADU frequently asked questions document; available on the ADU page

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Single Family Detached Structure — permit fee (applies to detached ADU)	$237 base fee + $0.94/sq. ft. (livable area with A/C) + $0.54/sq. ft. (covered area non-A/C) + $195 Certificate of Occupancy + $379 GIS fee	Permit Fee Schedule – Single Family Residential, Resolution No. 13661 (FY 2026/27). Scottsdale does not publish a separate ADU-specific fee; detached ADUs are permitted as single-family detached structures. Attached ADUs are permitted under the addition/remodel fee structure. Source: scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development/fees.

Review timeline

~10–30 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Scottsdale building department

Inspection process

1
Foundation inspection
Footings completed with steel reinforcement in place before concrete is placed.
2
Framing inspection
All walls, fire blocking, electrical, plumbing and mechanical rough-in completed before work is covered.
3
Final inspection / Certificate of Occupancy
All work complete per approved plans; Certificate of Occupancy issued when all inspections pass.

Tips

Scottsdale adopted ADU rules under Ordinance 4687 (effective September 30, 2025) pursuant to AZ HB2928 — ADU rules changed significantly from prior guest house regulations.
ADUs may be rented as long-term or short-term rentals, but the property owner must reside on the premises.
Attached ADUs share the same setbacks as the main dwelling's zoning district; detached ADUs in the rear yard may be as close as 5 feet to side/rear property lines.
Maximum of 6 adults in total across the main dwelling and all ADUs on a lot.
ADU requires separate exterior entrance and unique street address.

Frequently asked questions

Are ADUs allowed in Scottsdale?: Yes. Scottsdale adopted Ordinance 4687 on September 30, 2025 implementing AZ HB2928, allowing ADUs on single-family residential lots. Up to two ADUs per lot are permitted (up to three on 1+ acre lots with an affordable unit). The first ADU is limited to 1,000 sq. ft. or 75% of the main house. Property owners who rent ADUs must reside on the premises. Source: City of Scottsdale ADU page, scottsdaleaz.gov/codes-and-ordinances/accessory-dwelling-units.

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 Scottsdale building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

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