How Chandler Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide
Chandler maintains 130 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Chandler falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
ADU Rules
Arizona HB 2720 (effective January 2025) allows ADUs by right on single-family lots in Chandler. Up to 2 ADUs per lot (1 attached, 1 detached). Maximum 1,000 sq ft or 75% of main dwelling. Chandler adopted Ordinance 5113 for compliance.
Key details: State Law: HB 2720 (Jan 2025). Max ADUs: 2 per lot (3 on 1+ acre). Size Limit: 1,000 sq ft or 75% of main. Setbacks: 5 ft side/rear minimum.
Building without permit: stop-work order and fines. ADUs exceeding size limits: zoning violation requiring modification or removal.
Garage Conversions
Chandler allows one attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit by right on any lot where a single-family dwelling is the principal use. Each ADU is capped at 75 percent of the house gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
Key details: Number allowed: One attached plus one detached. Maximum size: 75% of house or 1,000 sq ft. Rear/side setback: Five feet minimum. Extra parking: Cannot be required. Governing section: Code § 35-2202.2 (Ord. 5113).
Building an accessory dwelling unit without a permit is a code violation. The unit must also meet the five-foot rear and side setbacks and the size cap in § 35-2202.2.
Shed & Carport Rules
A detached one-story shed in Chandler skips a building permit only if it stays at or under 120 square feet and 7 feet tall (up to 9 feet if setback is increased 2 feet for every extra foot of height). Regardless of permit status, zoning caps every accessory building at 15 feet tall, requires district-standard side/rear setbacks, and limits a lot to one accessory building.
Key details: Permit-exempt shed size: ≤120 sq ft, ≤7 ft tall. Extended height option: Up to 9 ft with 2 ft added setback per extra ft. Max accessory building height (zoning): 15 feet. Max rear-yard coverage: 30 percent of rear area. Accessory buildings per lot: One (guest quarters, garage, or workshop).
Building a shed over the 120-square-foot/7-foot permit-exempt threshold without first obtaining a building permit is enforceable as a Class 1 misdemeanor under Section 29-1.3(B), with fines up to $2,500 for an individual, up to six months imprisonment, and each day of the unpermitted structure counted as a separate offense; zoning setback or count violations under Section 35-2202 are separately enforceable as code violations under Chapter 26.
The Bottom Line
Chandler's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Chandler is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Chandler can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.