Accessory Structures in Surprise, AZ (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Surprise, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Surprise are regulated through the zoning code. ADUs may be permitted on certain residential lots depending on zoning district, lot size, and specific development standards. Arizona has been expanding ADU allowances through recent legislation.
Surprise ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Surprise must allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single-family residential zones under Arizona HB 2720 (2024), codified at ARS § 9-461.18. With a population near 143,000 the city exceeds the 75,000 threshold and is preempted from prohibiting one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. The Surprise Zoning Ordinance Section 106-10.2 (ADUs) within Chapter 106 (Zoning and Use Standards) implements the state mandate, and building permits issue through the Community Development Department.
Surprise ADU Permit Requirements
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Under ARS § 9-463.05 and the ADU preemption at ARS § 9-461.18, Surprise cannot charge development impact fees on ADUs under 1,000 square feet, and fees on larger ADUs must be proportionate to the unit's actual demand on infrastructure. The Surprise Development Services Fee Schedule sets building permit and plan-check fees through the Community Development Department. Water and wastewater capacity fees apply only when a new tap is installed.
Surprise ADU Impact and Permit Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Under Arizona's ADU statute (ARS § 9-461.18) Surprise cannot require owner occupancy of the principal dwelling or the ADU for long-term rental purposes. The statute also prohibits any familial, marital, or employment relationship requirement between owner and occupant. The only owner-occupancy authority remaining is for ADUs built after September 14, 2024, that are used as short-term rentals — Surprise can require the owner to live on-site in that narrow scenario.
Surprise ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rental of a Surprise ADU (90+ days) is fully protected under ARS § 9-461.18 and cannot be restricted by the city. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are governed by ARS § 9-500.39, which preempts most local prohibitions but allows Surprise to require STR registration, impose health-safety standards, and apply an owner-occupancy condition on ADUs built after September 14, 2024. Surprise requires STR registration through its short-term rental permit program.
Surprise ADU Rental and Short-Term Rental Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Surprise regulates storage sheds through its building and zoning codes. Small sheds under a certain square footage may be exempt from building permits but must still comply with setback and placement requirements. Larger sheds require permits. All sheds must meet zoning district standards.
Surprise Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Surprise requires building permits and must comply with zoning and building codes. The converted space must meet residential building standards. Replacement parking may be required. HOA communities generally prohibit garage conversions.
Surprise Garage Conversion Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCarport Rules
Surprise requires building permits for carport construction. Carports must meet zoning setback requirements and may be limited in size relative to the primary structure. Carports are popular in Surprise for vehicle shade in the extreme desert heat.
Surprise Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes in Surprise must comply with the adopted International Residential Code (IRC) and city zoning requirements. Tiny homes on foundations may be permitted as ADUs in qualifying zones. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot serve as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
Surprise Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Surprise city rules.
Accessory Structures in Maricopa County →