Goodyear's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Goodyear, Arizona, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tiny Homes

Goodyear adopted ADU regulations aligned with Arizona HB 2720, which permits accessory dwelling units on single-family lots. Tiny homes on permanent foundations qualify as ADUs. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent dwellings. Properties near Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR) and Luke AFB may have additional restrictions.

Key details: On Foundation: Permitted as ADU under HB 2720. On Wheels: RV classification, no permanent dwelling. ADU Limit: 1 attached + 1 detached per lot. HOA Override: HOAs can prohibit ADUs. Contact: (623) 932-3200 Development Services.

Building an ADU without permits violates the Zoning Ordinance and building code. Living in a tiny home on wheels as a permanent residence is a zoning violation. Development Services at (623) 932-3200 and Code Compliance enforce violations through notices to correct, stop-work orders, and administrative citations. Unpermitted structures must be retroactively permitted or removed.

Carport Rules

Goodyear's Zoning Ordinance Article 8-2 regulates carports as accessory structures. Building permits are required, and carports must meet the setback requirements of the underlying zoning district. Carports count toward maximum lot coverage calculations. Many master-planned communities have additional HOA architectural review requirements for carport construction.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes, building permit from Development Services. Setbacks: Must meet accessory structure setbacks. Lot Coverage: Counts toward maximum coverage. HOA Review: Required in most master-planned communities. Contact: (623) 932-3200 Development Services.

Building a carport without a permit is a code violation. Development Services at (623) 932-3200 enforces building permit requirements. Unpermitted carports may receive stop-work orders and must be brought into compliance through retroactive permitting or removal. Building in required setback areas requires correction or a variance.

ADU Rules

Arizona HB 2720 (2024) requires Goodyear (pop. ~100,000+) to allow at least one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. Maximum setbacks: 5 feet from side/rear property lines. Cities cannot require owner-occupancy or additional parking.

Key details: State Law: HB 2720 (2024). Minimum Size: 300 square feet. Setbacks: 5 feet max from side/rear lines. Parking: Cannot require additional parking. Owner Occupancy: Cannot be required.

Construction without permits subject to standard building code enforcement.

Shed Rules

In Goodyear, single-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical do not require a building permit. Larger structures require permits. Setback compliance is required for all sheds.

Key details: Permit Exempt: 200 sq ft or less, no utilities, one story. Over 200 sq ft: Permit required. Setbacks: Must comply. HOAs: May have additional rules.

Sheds exceeding exempt size without permits are subject to code enforcement.

Goodyear is more permissive than most cities when it comes to shed rules. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions require building permits and must meet habitable space standards. Lost parking may need to be replaced. HOAs in Goodyear communities typically prohibit garage conversions.

Key details: Permit: Required. Building Code: Must meet habitable space standards. Parking: May need replacement. HOAs: Typically prohibit conversions.

Unpermitted conversions result in code enforcement action and potential orders to restore.

The Bottom Line

Goodyear'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 Goodyear is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Goodyear's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.