Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

The Scottsdale City Council adopted Ordinance No. 4652 and Resolution No. 13255 on November 25, 2024, allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and establishing requirements for ADUs in the city. The requirements outline specific qualifications, property development standards, and application requirements to construct an ADU on a single-family residential property in Scottsdale.

Three types of ADUs are permitted in Scottsdale: Attached ADU, Detached ADU, and Restricted-Affordable Detached ADU. Each type of ADU has specific requirements.

To construct an ADU on a property in Scottsdale, the property owner must meet the following:

Qualifications

• The ADU can only be located on a single-family residential lot and the lot must have an existing main single-family residential dwelling
  
• The ADU cannot be located within a designated traffic pattern airspace in Scottsdale (refer to map for location of designated traffic pattern airspaces in Scottsdale)
  
• The property owner must provide separately metered utilities (electrical, gas, water, and sanitary sewer) connections to the ADU
  
• The ADU cannot be sold separately from the main single-family residential dwelling on the same lot and a lot may not be subdivided to exclusively accommodate an ADU
  
• The property owner must reside on the premise for any ADU that is rented, leased, offered for rent or lease, or occupied as a Vacation Rental or Short-term Rental
  

Property Development Standards

• Only one (1) Attached ADU and one (1) Detached ADU may be constructed on a lot
  If the property is 1 acre or larger in size, one (1) Restricted-Affordable Detached ADU may also be constructed on the property, subject to additional requirements
  
• The first ADU constructed on a property is limited to a size of 1,000 square feet or 75% of the size of the existing main single-family residential dwelling on the same lot, whichever is less
  
• The second and third (if applicable) ADU constructed on a lot is limited to a size of 500 square feet
  
• No more than six (6) adults in cumulative total may occupy the main single-family residential dwelling and any ADUs constructed on the same lot
  
• Building height maximum is that of the underlying zoning district
  
• Building setbacks for an Attached ADU are the same of the underlying zoning district
  
• A Detached ADU or Restricted-Affordable Detached ADU may not be constructed in a required front yard or side yard, including the required front yard on the longer street frontage of a corner lot
  
• A Detached ADU or Restricted-Affordable Detached ADU that is constructed in the rear yard, as defined by the Zoning Ordinance, may be constructed as close as five (5) feet to a side or rear yard
  
• The minimum distance between an ADU and the main single-family residential dwelling or another ADU on the lot is ten (10) feet
  
• Private outdoor living space must be provided for each ADU – minimum of five (5) feet deep and fifty (50) square feet in area
  
• Parking for the main single-family residential dwelling on the property shall be maintained at all times
  
• Each ADU is required a separate exterior entrance from that of the main single-family residential dwelling on the same lot or another ADU on the same lot
  
• A path of ingress and egress travel from any ADU to the main street frontage of lot shall be provided
  
• Each ADU shall provide a unique address and display that address in a prominent location near the entrance to the ADU
  

The process to receive a permit to construct an ADU is a multi-step process as outlined below:

1. Pre-Application 
   The application process begins with the online submittal of a Pre-Application request. To assist with the Pre-Application process, an applicant is encouraged to submit any information available regarding the proposed ADU, including a site plan, building elevations, and any utility information.
   
2. Pre-Application Meeting 
   After the Pre-Application request is submitted, city staff will schedule a Pre-Application meeting to allow the applicant to discuss requirements for the proposed ADU with city staff.
3. Formal Submittal of Administrative Application 
   After the Pre-Application process, the applicant will be provided direction on how to make a formal application for administrative review of the proposed ADU. Staff may request additional information be provided to assist with review of the formal application.
4. Permit Review 
   After the applicant has submitted a formal application for review and received administrative approval of the formal application, then the property owner or designee can submit construction documents and plans for the proposed ADU for permit review. A permit can then be issued after all applicable code requirements have been reviewed and met.

The Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance makes a land use distinction between a Guest House and an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). While both types of land uses are generally permitted in most residential zoning districts, there are important requirements that are specific to each type of land use.

• Zoning Ordinance:  Sec. 7.900. Accessory Dwelling Units.
  
• Zoning Ordinance:  Sec. 7.203. Vacation rentals or Short-term rentals.
  
• Definitions – Accessory Dwelling Unit, Accessory Dwelling Unit (Attached), Accessory Dwelling Unit (Detached), Accessory Dwelling Unit (Restricted-Affordable Detached), Building, Dwelling