Accessory Structures in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Phoenix, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Phoenix permits up to two accessory dwelling units (one attached, one detached) on a single-family detached lot, with a third allowed on lots of one acre or more when one ADU is affordable housing. A detached ADU may sit as close as 5 feet from a street side property line and 3 feet from an interior side or rear line under Zoning Ordinance Section 706.A.
Two ADUs allowed per single-family lot; 5 ft setbacks
Few RestrictionsCity of Phoenix Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 706.A (Accessory Dwelling Units), as amended by Text Amendment Z-TA-2-24-Y (Sept. 30, 2024, Exhibit A) to comply with A.R.S. 9-461.18
A. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). 1. In zoning districts where accessory dwelling units are a permitted use, this section applies to accessory dwelling units when a lot having no more than one single-family dwelling unit is permitted one or more ADUs per the underlying zoning district. 2. An ADU may be either attached to or detached from the primary dwelling unit, subject to the following: a. ...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Phoenix requires a notarized owner-occupancy attestation before renting a short-term rental in an accessory dwelling unit whose certificate of occupancy issued on or after September 14, 2024.
Phoenix ADU Owner-Occupancy Attestation for STRs
Some RestrictionsPhoenix City Code § 10-197.A.11
If the application is for operation of a short-term rental on a property which has an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for which a certificate of occupancy was issued on or after September 14, 2024, a notarized attestation that the property owner will reside on the same property. 12. Any other information as the Planning and Development Department may require to verify information provided by...
Shed & Carport Rules
In Phoenix, one-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses do not require a building permit if their aggregate floor area does not exceed 200 square feet, per Phoenix Building Construction Code Section 105.2.1. Sheds must still meet zoning setbacks of at least 3 feet from a side or rear property line under Zoning Ordinance Section 706.B.
Sheds up to 200 sq ft permit-exempt; 3 ft setback
Few RestrictionsPhoenix Building Construction Code (PBCC), Administrative Provisions, Section 105.2.1, Item 1 (Work Exempt from Permit, TRT/DOC/00618, rev. 07/14)
Section 105.2.1 Building. Permits shall not be required for the following: 1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the aggregate floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 square meters). Commentary: Additional similar uses include, but are not limited to, ramadas and gazebos. If utilities are provided to a detached...
Garage Conversions
Phoenix allows converting an existing garage or carport into an Accessory Dwelling Unit, but the conversion must establish new equivalent off-street parking elsewhere on the lot in dustproof condition, and that replacement parking may not be placed in the front-yard setback. A converted garage ADU is regulated under Zoning Ordinance Section 706.A and requires building permits.
Garage-to-ADU allowed; replacement parking required
Some RestrictionsCity of Phoenix Planning & Development Department, 'Welcome to the City of Phoenix's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guide,' Types of ADUs and ADU from an Existing Structure sections
Types of ADUs: Accessory Dwelling Units come in many shapes and styles. The most common are Attached and Detached units. Garage or carport conversions require establishing new equivalent parking locations elsewhere on the lot, not in the front setback area. ... ADU from an Existing Structure: If you plan to convert an existing garage or carport to ADU, you will need to create off-street parking...
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Phoenix city rules.
Accessory Structures in Maricopa County →