Tucson permits ADUs (casitas) under the Unified Development Code as amended November 21, 2024 to comply with Arizona HB 2720. Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) issues permits ministerially in single-family zones without discretionary hearings. Maximum 75% of primary dwelling gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, with a 650 sq ft floor regardless of primary size.
On October 22, 2024 the Mayor and Council adopted UDC amendments to comply with Arizona House Bill 2720, which required cities over 75,000 residents to allow ADUs ministerially by January 1, 2025. The Tucson amendments became effective November 21, 2024. Key features: at least one ADU permitted per single-family lot; up to two ADUs per lot with an existing single-family home; a third ADU allowed on lots over one acre if deed-restricted as affordable to households at 80% AMI. Maximum size is 75% of the primary dwelling gross floor area, capped at 1,000 sq ft, with a 650 sq ft minimum allowance regardless of primary size. Vehicular parking is not required for ADUs. Minimum side and rear setbacks are 5 feet. Maximum height matches the single-family height in the underlying zone (typically 25 feet) under UDC 6.3 Dimensional Standards. Tucson requires cool roofs on new ADUs reflecting local climate policy. Applications file through PDSD's online permitting portal. Historic and neighborhood preservation zones receive additional design review but ADUs are not required to replicate the primary home's appearance.
Building an ADU without permit triggers stop-work orders, double permit fees, and civil penalties under UDC enforcement. Continued violation may face daily fines through PDSD code enforcement. Liens may attach to the property. Construction without inspection voids certificates of occupancy and may impact future financing or sale.
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