ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Scottsdale (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Scottsdale, AZ. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Scottsdale, AZ.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Scottsdale, AZ. The Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services handles permit applications for Scottsdale. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Scottsdale.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Scottsdale: All ADU construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Scottsdale: $2,500–$12,000 total. Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Scottsdale
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Scottsdale: All ADU construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services at https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/building for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://etrakit.scottsdaleaz.gov/ or in person at the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services.
Pay the permit fee: $2,500–$12,000 total.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/building/inspections. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Ministerial approval within 60 days per HB 2297. DRB design review may apply in some Scottsdale districts. ESLO analysis required if lot has desert wash or sensitive vegetation. Scottsdale Water connection fees. Premium construction market — ADU construction costs typically $200-400/sqft vs $100-200/sqft in Mesa.
Additional Requirements
- DRB design review in applicable districts
- ESLO analysis for environmentally sensitive lots
- Scottsdale Water connection fees
Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services
Phone: (480) 312-5750
Website: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/building
Online Permits: https://etrakit.scottsdaleaz.gov/
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00am-5:00pm (7447 E. Indian School Rd)
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 Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source