Accessory Structures in Scottsdale, AZ (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Scottsdale, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Scottsdale adopted Ordinance 4687 (September 2025) establishing ADU regulations under HB 2928. Up to 2 ADUs per lot (3 on 1+ acre with restricted-affordable unit). Owner must reside on-site for STR use. Separately metered utilities required. 500 sq ft cap on second/third ADUs. Six-adult occupancy cap across all dwellings.
Scottsdale Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Scottsdale permits accessory dwelling units by-right under Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024 and effective January 1, 2025 for cities over 75,000 population. Scottsdale (population approximately 241,000) qualifies. The City of Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance was amended to comply. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third detached ADU. Permits are issued through Planning & Development Services.
Scottsdale ADU Permits (HB 2720 By-Right + Zoning Ordinance)
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Scottsdale does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 limits the fees Scottsdale may charge on accessory dwelling units, preventing fees that would effectively prohibit ADU construction. Standard building permit and plan-review fees through Planning & Development Services apply, calculated on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees may apply only when new utility connections are installed.
Scottsdale ADU Impact Fees (HB 2720 Caps)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Scottsdale may not require owner-occupancy as a condition of building or operating an accessory dwelling unit. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) preempts owner-occupancy mandates for cities over 75,000 population. Scottsdale's ADU code amendments adopted in 2024 removed any prior owner-occupancy condition. Investor-owned ADUs are permitted on single-family lots, although ESLO and HOA constraints remain.
Scottsdale ADU Owner-Occupancy (Preempted by HB 2720)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Scottsdale ADUs may be rented for long-term and short-term stays. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 prohibits Scottsdale from banning short-term rental of ADUs as a category. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a Scottsdale STR license under Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 16, with mandatory neighbor notification, an emergency contact reachable within 60 minutes, and Transaction Privilege Tax registration. License fee is capped at $250 per state law.
Scottsdale ADU Rental and Short-Term Rental Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Storage sheds in Scottsdale are regulated as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance. Sheds 200 square feet or less require only a site plan (no full building permit). Sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit. All sheds must comply with setback and height requirements for the zoning district.
Scottsdale Storage Shed Regulations
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Scottsdale allows garage conversions to ADUs under Ordinance 4687, provided the structure meets habitation standards including egress, ventilation, and utility connections. A building permit is required. Guest houses constructed after January 1, 2025 require a private deed restriction distinguishing them from ADUs.
Scottsdale Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
The City of Scottsdale regulates carports as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance. Carports must comply with setback requirements based on the underlying zoning district. In most single-family residential zones (R1-R5), accessory structures require a minimum 2-foot setback from side and rear property lines, with an additional foot of setback for every foot of height above 10 feet.
Scottsdale Carport Regulations
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Scottsdale regulates tiny homes primarily through its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance adopted in November 2024 pursuant to Arizona HB 2570 (ARS §9-462.01). ADUs between 200 and 750 square feet are permitted on single-family lots. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
Scottsdale Tiny Home and ADU Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Scottsdale city rules.
Accessory Structures in Maricopa County →