Phoenix, AZ Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Phoenix, AZ, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Garage conversion to ADU
- Allowed (attached or detached)
- Replacement parking
- Required, dustproof, not in front setback
- ADU size cap
- 75% of primary dwelling, max 1,000 sq ft (small lots)
- Permit
- Construction permit + 2 sets of plans
- Code Section
- Zoning Ordinance 706.A; A.R.S. 9-461.18
Summary
Phoenix allows converting an existing garage or carport into an Accessory Dwelling Unit, but the conversion must establish new equivalent off-street parking elsewhere on the lot in dustproof condition, and that replacement parking may not be placed in the front-yard setback. A converted garage ADU is regulated under Zoning Ordinance Section 706.A and requires building permits.
Types of ADUs: Accessory Dwelling Units come in many shapes and styles. The most common are Attached and Detached units. Garage or carport conversions require establishing new equivalent parking locations elsewhere on the lot, not in the front setback area. ... ADU from an Existing Structure: If you plan to convert an existing garage or carport to ADU, you will need to create off-street parking spaces in dustproof conditions. These parking spaces must not be located in the front yard setback.
Full Breakdown
A, a garage or carport may be converted into an attached or detached ADU. S. B) prohibits the city from requiring additional parking solely to accommodate an ADU; however, when an existing garage or carport that provided required parking is converted, equivalent replacement off-street parking spaces must be created elsewhere on the lot in dustproof conditions and must not be located in the front-yard setback. A size limit (75 percent of the primary dwelling's gross floor area, capped at 1,000 sq ft on lots up to 10,000 sq ft) and design guidelines, and a detached ADU may sit 5 feet from a street side line and 3 feet from an interior side or rear line.
Garage/carport construction or conversion requires a construction permit; applicants submit two sets of building plans with a Construction Permit/Plan Review Application to the residential permit counter.
Violations & Fines
Converting a garage to living space without permits, or failing to provide compliant replacement parking, is a zoning and building-code violation. The Planning and Development Department may deny final approval, issue a notice of violation, and require permits or restoration of parking; persistent violations are subject to code-enforcement penalties under the Phoenix City Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my garage into an apartment in Phoenix?
Does Phoenix require extra parking for a garage-conversion ADU?
What permits do I need to convert a garage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona accessory structures overview
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Garage Conversions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle garage conversions.