ADU Rules in Scottsdale, AZ (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Scottsdale, AZ. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Scottsdale, AZ.
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 seventy-five percent of the gross floor area of the single-family dwelling on the same lot or parcel or one thousand square feet, whichever is less (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source. 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.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | seventy-five percent of the gross floor area of the single-family dwelling on the same lot or parcel or one thousand square feet, whichever is less · Verified June 6, 2026 · Source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | See official source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Scottsdale: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | See official source |
| Building Permit | See official source |
| Impact Fees | See official source |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | See official source |
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.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: No municipality may require that a lot or parcel have additional parking to accommodate an accessory dwelling unit or require payment of fees instead of additional parking
Restrictions & Requirements
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.
- Single-Family Lots
- See official source
- Multifamily Properties
- See official source
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
Arizona state law preempts local ADU rules — local governments cannot impose stricter standards.
View Arizona preemption detailsState Law & Preemption
State Preemption: Arizona House Bill 2297 (HB 2297, effective September 14, 2024) requires Scottsdale to allow ADUs on single-family lots and removes owner-occupancy requirements. Scottsdale updated its Zoning Ordinance Article 3.200 to comply with HB 2297. Scottsdale's high-end residential market makes ADU compliance particularly notable — even luxury R1-190 estate lots must allow ADUs under state law.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Scottsdale has 3 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Scottsdale has the Old Town Scottsdale Historic District (one of Arizona's most active arts and restaurant districts with 1940s-1960s commercial buildings), the McCormick Ranch Historic District (1960s pioneering master-planned community), and the Fort McDowell area on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community boundary. The Historic Preservation Commission reviews exterior alterations in these districts. Scottsdale's 'West's Most Western Town' brand has resulted in active preservation of its 1950s-1960s commercial architecture in Old Town. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Scottsdale?
Yes. Scottsdale, AZ allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per single-family lot per Arizona HB 2297.
How big can an ADU be in Scottsdale?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Scottsdale is seventy-five percent of the gross floor area of the single-family dwelling on the same lot or parcel or one thousand square feet, whichever is less square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Scottsdale?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Scottsdale is 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.. Total estimated permit fees are $2,500–$12,000 total fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale parking rules for ADUs: No municipality may require that a lot or parcel have additional parking to accommodate an accessory dwelling unit or require payment of fees instead of additional parking
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Scottsdale?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Scottsdale: 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.
Source: Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance Article 3.200 — Accessory Dwelling Units; Arizona HB 2297 (Laws 2024). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source