Guest Houses

The Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance allows Guest Houses on single-family residential properties throughout Scottsdale, subject to certain requirements. A Guest House is defined as a detached, subordinate, accessory building used to accommodate guest of the occupants of the main single-family residence on a property. A Guest House is not a dwelling unit or an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). A Guest House may not be rented separately from the main single-family residence on a property. 

As an accessory building, a Guest House is subject to the setback and lot coverage requirements of Sec. 7.200.A. of the Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance. While there is no limit to the number of Guest Houses that may be constructed on a property, the cumulative gross floor area of all Guest Houses on a property shall be no greater than one-half (1/2) the gross floor area of the main single-family residence on the same property. Other requirements may be applicable depending upon the zoning classification of the property where the Guest House is to be located.

Any Guest House constructed after 1/1/2025 must be restricted to only a Guest House use through a private deed restriction recorded against the property by the property owner. The property owner must record the private deed restriction prior to receiving approval for a permit of a Guest House.

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. 5.012. and Sec. 5.102.
  
• Zoning Ordinance:  Sec. 7.200.A. Accessory buildings and structures.
  
• Definitions – Building, Dwelling Unit, Guest House