Accessory Structures in Mesa, AZ (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Mesa, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Mesa allows ADUs by right in all single-residence districts under MZO Section 11-31-3 (updated by Ordinances 5883 and 5950). No minimum lot size. Maximum 1,000 sq ft or 75% of primary residence. Garage conversion parking replacement eliminated.
Mesa Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Mesa permits ADUs by right in all single-residence districts under Mesa Zoning Ordinance Title 11, Section 11-31-3, as updated by Ordinances 5883 and 5950 to comply with Arizona HB 2720. Internal, attached, and detached ADUs are allowed. Maximum 75% of the primary residence interior habitable area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. No minimum lot size and no additional parking required.
Mesa ADU Permits Under HB 2720
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Mesa charges development impact fees under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-463.05 for water, wastewater, parks, and public safety. HB 2720 requires that ADU impact fees be proportional to the ADU's service demand, not the full single-family rate. Mesa Utilities capacity fees apply when a new water meter is installed for an ADU.
Mesa ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Mesa does not require owner occupancy for ADUs under MZO Section 11-31-3, as updated by Ordinance 5883 to comply with HB 2720. Arizona HB 2720 prohibits cities over 75,000 from imposing owner-occupancy requirements. Both the primary residence and ADU may be rented to separate tenants. HOA CC&Rs in Mesa's many master-planned communities may still impose occupancy rules subject to ARS 33-1817 limits.
Mesa ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Mesa permits long-term ADU rentals without registration. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a state TPT license and a Mesa STR permit under Mesa City Code regulating vacation rentals consistent with ARS 9-500.39. HB 2720 prohibits ADU-specific bans on rental. HOA CC&Rs in Mesa's master-planned communities may further restrict STR use.
Mesa ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Mesa regulates detached accessory buildings under the zoning ordinance, as updated by Ordinance No. 5883 (2024). Building permits may be required depending on size. Structures must meet setback requirements for the zoning district.
Mesa Shed & Detached Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Mesa's 2025 amendments (Ordinance No. 5950) eliminated the requirement to build replacement covered parking for garage conversions to ADUs, making conversions significantly more feasible across the city.
Mesa Garage Conversion Regulations
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Mesa require a building permit and must comply with zoning setbacks and height limits. Mesa recently eliminated covered parking replacement requirements for ADU garage conversions.
Mesa Carport Permit and Zoning Requirements
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Mesa permits accessory dwelling units up to 1,200 sq ft or 75% of the primary dwelling in single-residence districts under Ordinance 5883. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot serve as permanent residences.
Mesa Tiny Home and ADU Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mesa city rules.
Accessory Structures in Maricopa County →