Tiny home rules in Scottsdale, AZ — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Scottsdale regulates tiny homes primarily through its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance adopted in November 2024 pursuant to Arizona HB 2570 (ARS §9-462.01). ADUs between 200 and 750 square feet are permitted on single-family lots. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
In November 2024, the Scottsdale City Council adopted an ADU text amendment to comply with state law (ARS §9-462.01). Detached ADUs may be 200-750 square feet and must maintain a 5-foot setback from rear and side property lines, with a minimum 10-foot separation from the main dwelling. ADUs cannot be in the front or side yard. The property owner must reside on the premises if the ADU is rented. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the main dwelling. Separately metered electrical and gas utilities are required. Tiny homes on permanent foundations that meet building code requirements are treated as ADUs or guest houses. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under Scottsdale code and cannot serve as permanent residences; they are subject to RV parking and storage rules.
Unpermitted ADUs or tiny homes may face code enforcement citations, fines, and orders to remove or legalize the structure. Using a tiny home on wheels as a permanent residence violates zoning ordinances.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle tiny homes.
See how Scottsdale's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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