Can I Build ADU in Scottsdale, AZ? (2026)
Find out if you can build a adu in Scottsdale, AZ. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Scottsdale, AZ. California state law ensures by-right approval.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a residential lot — also called a granny flat, in-law suite, or backyard cottage. In Scottsdale, AZ, ADUs are permitted by right under state law, making them one of the most accessible ways to add housing on your property. ADUs can be detached, attached to the main home, or created by converting an existing garage or accessory structure.
ADU Rules in Scottsdale
ADU Rules in Scottsdale: Detached ADU max size: 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 1,200 sqft, whichever is less. Attached ADU max size: 50% of primary dwelling floor area. Setbacks: 5 ft side, 5 ft rear. Owner-occupancy: No owner-occupancy requirement per Arizona HB 2297. Scottsdale's local owner-occupancy requirement was removed in 2024. Scottsdale's high-end rental market makes investment ADUs on non-owner-occupied properties financially attractive.. State preemption applies: AZ law requires Scottsdale to approve compliant ADUs by right.
Costs & Fees
ADU permits in Scottsdale: Total estimated permit cost: $2,500–$12,000 total fees. Contact the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services for current fee schedule.
Timeline
Scottsdale Building Services processes ADU permits through the online eTrakit portal. Standard ADU: 4-8 weeks plan review — Scottsdale has a thorough review process reflecting its design standards. Design review by Development Review Board (DRB) may be required for ADUs visible from public right-of-way in some districts. Construction typically 4-12 months.
Next Steps
Next steps for building an ADU in Scottsdale: 1. Review full ADU rules including size limits, setbacks, and parking. 2. Apply for an ADU permit through the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services at https://etrakit.scottsdaleaz.gov/. 3. Hire a licensed contractor familiar with AZ ADU requirements.
Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services
Phone: (480) 312-5750
Website: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/building
Online Permits: https://etrakit.scottsdaleaz.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Scottsdale estate property?
Yes. Arizona HB 2297 (effective September 2024) requires Scottsdale to allow ADUs on all single-family lots regardless of size — including large estate lots (R1-190, R1-70, R1-35). The law limits ADUs to 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 1,200 sqft. No owner-occupancy is required. Scottsdale may require design review for ADUs visible from public right-of-way in some districts. Contact Scottsdale Building Services at (480) 312-5750 or apply through eTrakit.
What is Scottsdale's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance and how does it affect ADU development?
Scottsdale's ESLO (Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance) protects desert washes, significant natural vegetation (Saguaro, Ironwood, Palo Verde), hillside areas with 15%+ slopes, and ridgelines. If your property has ESLO-designated areas, ADU construction cannot disturb those areas without mitigation. Many North Scottsdale lots have substantial ESLO-protected portions that reduce the buildable area. An ESLO analysis (typically done by an environmental consultant) will identify developable vs. protected areas on your lot before you design your ADU.
Can my Scottsdale HOA restrict my solar installation?
No. Arizona ARS Section 33-1816 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. Scottsdale's upscale HOAs frequently try to impose strict solar placement requirements — while they can require rear-facing or non-street-visible placement (within reason), they cannot ban solar installations entirely. The Development Review Board (DRB) may also apply design standards for solar in some Scottsdale overlay zones. Arizona has one of the strongest HOA solar protection laws in the nation — your solar installation is protected.
What are short-term rental rules for Scottsdale properties near the resort district?
Scottsdale is one of Arizona's most active STR markets due to its resort destinations, spring training baseball, golf courses, and Old Town nightlife. STR registration ($250/year) is required for all rentals of 30 days or fewer. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional. Scottsdale actively enforces STR regulations — nuisance complaints receive prompt response. HOA CC&Rs in many Scottsdale communities may further restrict STRs (unlike ADU CC&Rs, STR CC&R restrictions are currently enforceable). Check your specific HOA rules before listing.
How does Scottsdale's R1-190 zone compare to R1-7 for ADU development?
R1-190 is a very large estate lot zone (190,000 sqft minimum — approximately 4.4 acres) found in North Scottsdale near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Front setbacks are 50 feet and coverage is limited to 15%. R1-7 is a standard smaller residential lot (7,000 sqft minimum) common in south Scottsdale near Tempe with 20-foot front setbacks and 50% coverage. In both zones, ADU setbacks follow HB 2297 — maximum 5 feet rear and side. In practice, large-lot R1-190 estates easily accommodate a detached ADU (guest house/casita) given the abundant developable area. Smaller R1-7 lots have less room but can still accommodate a modest ADU in the rear yard.
Source: Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services — Building Regulations. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source