Mesa permits ADUs by right in all single-residence districts under Mesa Zoning Ordinance Title 11, Section 11-31-3, as updated by Ordinances 5883 and 5950 to comply with Arizona HB 2720. Internal, attached, and detached ADUs are allowed. Maximum 75% of the primary residence interior habitable area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. No minimum lot size and no additional parking required.
Mesa City Council adopted Ordinance 5883 in 2024 amending Title 11 (Zoning Ordinance), Chapters 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 30, 31, 32, 34, 86, and 87 to comply with Arizona House Bill 2720. The ordinance was made a public record on September 23, 2024 after a 5-0 Planning and Zoning Board recommendation. Internal, attached, and detached ADUs are permitted by right in all single-residence districts (RS, RSL, R1, R2, R3, R4) subject to use-specific standards in MZO Section 11-31-3. Key features: at least one attached ADU and one detached ADU permitted on every lot where a single-family dwelling is permitted; a third ADU (second detached) allowed on lots over one acre only if deed-restricted as affordable to households at 80% AMI; no minimum lot size to establish an ADU; interior habitable area limited to 75% of the primary residence or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less; separate and independent entrance required; manufactured homes, RVs, and trailers may not serve as ADUs. Applications are filed through Mesa Development Services. Ministerial (over-the-counter) review without discretionary hearings is required under HB 2720.
Building an ADU without permit triggers stop-work orders, double permit fees, and civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation under MZO enforcement. Continued violations may face daily fines through Mesa Code Enforcement and the City Prosecutor. Liens may attach to non-compliant properties.
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