ADU rules in Glendale, AZ — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Glendale permits accessory dwelling units on single-family residential lots under its Unified Development Code (Chapter 35). Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 square feet. Attached ADUs cannot exceed half the size of the primary dwelling or 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller. ADUs must meet the same setback requirements as the primary single-family dwelling on the lot. Arizona HB 2720 (2024) further codified statewide ADU rights, limiting local barriers to ADU construction.
Glendale's ADU regulations, updated in 2025 to align with state law, allow one ADU per eligible single-family lot. Detached ADUs have a maximum size of 1,200 square feet, while attached ADUs are limited to the lesser of 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. Setbacks mirror those of the primary residence in the applicable zoning district. A building permit is required, and the ADU must comply with the International Residential Code as adopted by Glendale. The city's Development Services division handles ADU permit applications and plan review. ADUs are intended for residential occupancy only and cannot be used as short-term rentals unless the owner complies with all STR regulations separately. Parking requirements follow the underlying zoning district standards.
Building an ADU without a permit or outside code specifications may result in stop-work orders, fines, and mandatory removal or modification to comply with code.
Glendale, AZ
Glendale regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. ARS §13-2916 applies.
Glendale, AZ
Luke Air Force Base is located 7 miles west of downtown Glendale and is the largest fighter wing in the US Air Force, operating F-35A and F-16 aircraft. Mili...
Glendale, AZ
Smoke detector requirements in Glendale come from Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-1637 (state law) and the International Residential Code as adopted unde...
Glendale, AZ
Glendale Fire adopts IFC Ch. 61. Residential: two 20-lb cylinders max outdoors; indoor storage prohibited. State Farm Stadium and Westgate events trigger spe...
Glendale, AZ
Glendale may protect native desert trees (palo verde, ironwood, saguaro). Street trees are city property. Proper pruning preserves shade in extreme heat.
Glendale, AZ
Glendale allows backyard composting; no permit required. City does not offer curbside organics. Yard-waste drop-off at Glendale's Transfer Station. Commercia...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle adu rules.
See how Glendale's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.