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 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 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
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...
Carport 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 →