An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, self-contained living unit located on the same lot as a single-family home. An ADU may be attached to or detached from the main house and must include its own sleeping area, bathroom, and kitchen (or partial kitchen).

An ADU must have a separate entrance and cannot be internally connected to the primary residence. Structures without kitchen, bathroom, or sleeping facilities are not considered ADUs.

An ADU may be up to 75% of the primary home’s interior habitable area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.

A property owner may request approval for one larger ADU that exceeds 1,000 square feet. In this case, the total ADU size (including attached garages, porches, and patios) may be up to 50% of the total square footage of the primary residence, provided the ADU:

• Meets all setback and development standards for a single-family home, and
• Matches the exterior design, colors, materials, and roof design of the primary residence.

For questions about requesting a larger ADU or setback requirements, please contact Planning Staff at 480-358-3092.

• The ADU must be at least 5 feet away from the side and rear property lines.
• The front of the ADU must follow the same front setback requirement as the primary home.  
• The height of the ADU shall comply with the primary residence height requirements for the underlying zoning district, which is typically 30 feet. 
• All ADUs shall comply with all lot coverage requirements of the underlying zoning district
• For questions on the maximum allowed height or lot coverage for a property, please contact the Planning Staff at 480-358-3092.

Only one attached ADU or one detached ADU is permitted per single-family lot.

For ADUs that are 1,000 square feet or less (or up to 75% of the primary home), the ADU is not required to match the exterior design, colors, materials, or roof pitch of the primary residence.

However, if approval is requested for an ADU larger than 1,000 square feet (or up to 75% of the primary home), the ADU must match the exterior design, colors, materials, and roof design of the primary residence.

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) may have separate design standards or additional requirements.

No. Mobile homes, recreational vehicles (RV), trailers or other movable habitable space may not be used as an ADU.

No. Parking is not required for an ADU.

Yes.  Familial, marital, employment or other preexisting relationships between the owner or occupant of a single family dwelling and an ADU on the same lot or parcel is not required. 

Yes. An ADU shall comply with all with all applicable building code requirements for residential dwellings. 

Yes. A building permit is required for an ADU. 

For questions on building permit requirements, please contact the Building Safety Division at 480-358-3050. 

No. An ADU must be provided with water, sewer, and electric utilities. 

An ADU may be connected to or separate from the utilities serving the primary residence. 

No. The ADU may not be sold separately from the primary residence.