ADU rules in Scottsdale, AZ — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Scottsdale adopted Ordinance 4687 (September 2025) establishing ADU regulations under HB 2928. Up to 2 ADUs per lot (3 on 1+ acre with restricted-affordable unit). Owner must reside on-site for STR use. Separately metered utilities required. 500 sq ft cap on second/third ADUs. Six-adult occupancy cap across all dwellings.
Scottsdale City Council adopted Ordinance 4687 on September 30, 2025 to comply with state law HB 2928. ADUs have been allowed since January 1, 2025 under prior HB 2720. Three types are permitted: Attached, Detached, and Restricted-Affordable Detached. A qualified single-family lot may have one attached and one detached ADU. Lots of one acre or more may add a third detached ADU if it is a Restricted-Affordable unit. The lot must have an existing main single-family dwelling. ADUs require separately metered electrical and gas connections (water and sewer branch from existing tap on private property). The ADU cannot be sold separately from the main dwelling, and the lot cannot be subdivided for an ADU. The property owner must reside on-site for any ADU used as an STR. Scottsdale's ordinance has a 500 sq ft cap on second and third ADUs, notably stricter than other Arizona cities. A six-adult total occupancy cap across all dwellings on a lot is unique among major Arizona cities. Existing guest houses may be converted to ADUs with approval. State law prohibits requiring commercial building codes or fire sprinklers for ADUs.
Building code violations for unpermitted construction. Zoning violation for non-compliant ADU. STR without owner-occupancy: STR license violation.
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