Garage conversion rules in Surprise, AZ — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Converting a garage to living space in Surprise requires building permits and must comply with zoning and building codes. The converted space must meet residential building standards. Replacement parking may be required. HOA communities generally prohibit garage conversions.
Garage conversions in Surprise require building permits from Community Development at (623) 222-1200. The converted space must meet the International Residential Code for habitable rooms, including requirements for minimum ceiling height, natural light, ventilation, emergency egress, insulation, and electrical upgrades. The zoning code may require that the lost garage parking be replaced with additional off-street parking spaces to maintain the required number of parking spaces per dwelling unit. If replacement parking cannot be provided, the conversion may be denied. Converted garages must maintain the overall exterior appearance of the dwelling; garage door openings must be properly infilled with matching materials. HOA communities in Surprise generally prohibit garage conversions through CC&Rs as they change the appearance of the home and eliminate covered parking. The city may also have concerns about garage conversions creating unpermitted secondary dwelling units.
Unpermitted garage conversions are serious code violations that may require reversal of the conversion. Failure to provide replacement parking violates zoning requirements. Habitability deficiencies create building code violations.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle garage conversions.
See how Surprise's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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