ADU Rules in Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Scottsdale, AZ permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Scottsdale.

ADU Size Limits

ADU Size Limits in Scottsdale: Detached ADU: up to 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 1,200 sqft, whichever is less (max height: 24 feet). Attached ADU: 50% of primary dwelling floor area. Arizona does not use California's JADU concept. Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance limits ADU to 50% of primary dwelling or 1,200 sqft. Scottsdale's large estate-lot homes (R1-190, R1-70) often have 4,000-8,000+ sqft primary dwellings — a 1,200 sqft guest house would qualify as an ADU in many cases.

Permit Fees

ADU Permit Fees in Scottsdale: Plan check fee: $300–$2,500. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $1,000–$5,000. Impact fees: Scottsdale infrastructure development fees apply for new dwelling units. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $2,500–$12,000 total fees. Scottsdale Water connection fees for new services. Transportation, Parks, and other development fees apply. Scottsdale's permit fees are generally higher than Mesa or Tucson, reflecting the city's premium service level. DRB design review adds $200–$500 in review fees. Fee schedule: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/building/fee-schedule

Permit Timeline

Scottsdale ADU Permit 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. Apply through the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services online permit portal. Phone: (480) 312-5750.

Setback Requirements

ADU Setback Requirements in Scottsdale: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Per Arizona HB 2297, Scottsdale cannot require rear or side setbacks greater than 5 feet for ADUs. Front setback follows the primary dwelling's zone standard — R1-190 zones may require 50+ ft front setbacks for primary structures. Corner lots: additional street-side setbacks apply per zone standard.

Parking Requirements

Parking Requirements: No additional off-street parking required for ADUs per Arizona HB 2297. Scottsdale cannot mandate additional parking as a condition of ADU approval.

Restrictions & Requirements

• •ADU must comply with Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance objective standards
• •Design review by Development Review Board (DRB) may apply for ADUs in certain districts
• •Scottsdale Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO) may restrict development on lots with desert washes, slopes, or significant vegetation
• •One ADU per single-family lot
• •Impervious coverage limits apply per zone
• •ADU must be compatible with desert design character of primary dwelling

How Many ADUs Are Allowed?

Number of ADUs Allowed in Scottsdale: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per single-family lot per Arizona HB 2297. Multifamily properties: ADUs permitted in RM zones per Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance. Scottsdale's large-lot estates often have existing guest houses or casitas that predate modern ADU law — these may be regulated separately as guest houses rather than ADUs. Consult Scottsdale Planning before treating an existing guest house as a rental ADU.

State Law & Preemption

Historic District Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions