Glendale permits accessory dwelling units by-right under Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024 and effective for cities over 75,000 population on or before January 1, 2025. Glendale (population approximately 250,000) is subject to the mandate. Glendale City Council adopted ADU amendments to the Uniform Development Code (Chapter 35) on December 10, 2024. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third.
Arizona HB 2720, codified at Ariz. Rev. Stat. section 9-461.18, requires Glendale (population over 75,000) to allow accessory dwelling units by-right on lots zoned for single-family use. The Glendale City Council adopted amendments to the Uniform Development Code (Chapter 35) on December 10, 2024 to implement the state mandate. Lots are entitled to one detached ADU and one attached or internal ADU as a matter of right; lots exceeding one acre may add a second detached unit (three total). An ADU may not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, per ARS 9-461.18. Applicants submit through Glendale Building Safety for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fuel-gas permits, with all work subject to the 2024 International Residential Code and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code as adopted in Glendale's 2024 Building Code Amendments. ADUs in Glendale must have separate utility meters, including a separate city water meter requiring a new tap to the city water main; ADUs share the principal address with Unit 1 and Unit 2 suffixes. State law preempts most prior local restrictions on design-match, parking, and short-term rental of ADUs.
Constructing or occupying an ADU without permits from Glendale Building Safety violates the City building code and Chapter 35 (Uniform Development Code), triggering stop-work orders, daily fines, and required removal or legalization. Unpermitted electrical, plumbing, or gas work creates safety risk and can void homeowner insurance. Failure to install required separate water and utility meters violates Glendale's ADU ordinance. Failure to obtain a final certificate of occupancy prevents lawful habitation and complicates future sale.
Glendale, AZ
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Glendale, AZ
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