Accessory Structures in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
9 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 allows up to 2 ADUs per property (one attached, one detached) under Arizona HB 2720 (2024, effective January 2025). A third detached unit is permitted on lots of 1+ acre if one is designated affordable. Each ADU cannot exceed 75% of the main house floor area. On lots up to 10,000 sq ft, ADUs are capped at 1,000 sq ft; larger lots allow up to 3,000 sq ft or 10% of net lot area. Setbacks cannot exceed 5 feet. No additional parking required.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Phoenix processes ADU permits through Planning and Development under PZC Section 608 (Casita Ordinance) and 2024 Phoenix ADU updates. Arizona HB 2928 (effective 2025) preempts local restrictions in cities over 75,000 residents, requiring ministerial approval for ADUs meeting state standards.
Phoenix ADU Permits Under HB 2928
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Phoenix charges modest development impact fees on ADUs under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-463.05. HB 2928 caps ADU impact fees in cities over 75,000 at 50 percent of single-family rates. Phoenix water and wastewater capacity charges apply where new meters are installed.
Phoenix ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Phoenix had a long-standing owner-occupancy requirement for casitas under PZC Section 608, but Arizona HB 2928 (2025) preempts this restriction for cities over 75,000 population. Phoenix cannot now require owner-occupancy as a condition of ADU permits or use.
Phoenix ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Phoenix permits long-term ADU rentals without registration or licensing. Short-term ADU rentals (under 30 days) require a state vacation rental license under ARS 9-500.39 and Phoenix STR registration. HB 2928 (2025) prohibits Phoenix from banning ADU rentals or imposing minimum-lease terms.
Phoenix ADU Rental Restrictions
Few RestrictionsShed Rules
Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 706 regulates accessory structures including sheds. Accessory buildings must comply with setback requirements for the zoning district. In residential districts, accessory structures are typically allowed in rear yards with minimum setbacks. Building permits are required for structures over a certain size threshold. Sheds must not be used as dwelling units.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Phoenix require building permits and must meet residential building code standards for habitable space. Converted garages may qualify as ADUs under HB 2720. The conversion must include proper insulation, egress windows, electrical, ventilation, and plumbing (if applicable). No additional replacement parking is required under state ADU law.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Sections 701 and 706 regulate carports as accessory structures. Open carports may project into required front yards up to 5 feet, into side yards to within 3 feet of the lot line, and into rear yards to within 3 feet of a common rear lot line. Detached ADUs may include an integrated carport.
Phoenix Carport Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Phoenix allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under Zoning Ordinance Section 706, which can function as tiny homes. Up to 2 ADUs are permitted per single-family lot (one attached, one detached). ADUs are capped at 75% of the primary dwelling's floor area, with a 1,000 sq ft maximum on lots up to 10,000 sq ft. HOAs may impose additional restrictions.
Phoenix Tiny Home & Small Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Phoenix city rules.
Accessory Structures in Maricopa County →