Accessory Structures in Tempe, AZ (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Tempe allows one attached and one detached ADU on any residential lot under an acre, capped at 1,000 square feet of habitable area or 75 percent of the main house, whichever is smaller. Larger lots get a bigger unit and a possible third ADU tied to affordability.
Tempe Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsTempe Zoning and Development Code § 3-402(C)
C.Standards and restrictions. ADUs are allowed subject to the following requirements:1.Density.A.One (1) attached and one (1) detached ADU are allowed on any lot that is less than one (1) acre.B.One (1) additional ADU is allowed on a lot that is one (1) acre or more in size if at least one (1) ADU on the lot is a restricted-affordable dwelling unit, pursuant to Section 3-402(g).2.Size.A.The gro...
ADU Rental Restrictions
A third ADU on a Tempe lot of an acre or more is allowed only if one of the three units is deed-restricted to renters earning up to 80 percent of area median income. The owner must record the restriction before permits issue and file an annual compliance report or face civil sanctions or forfeiture.
Tempe ADU Affordable Rental Rules
Significant RestrictionsTempe Zoning and Development Code § 3-402(G)
G.Restricted-affordable dwelling unit.1.A lot one (1) acre or more in size may have one (1) additional ADU (3rd ADU), as long as one of the three ADUs is identified as a restricted-affordable dwelling unit through a deed restriction, in a form reviewed and authorized by the City.2.The restricted-affordable dwelling unit shall only be rented to households earning up to eighty percent (80%) of ar...
Shed & Carport Rules
Tempe draws the line between a permit-free accessory structure and a regulated accessory building at 200 square feet or 8 feet in height. Anything larger must sit at least 3 feet from side and rear lines, gain a foot of setback for every foot of height above 9 feet, and top out at 15 feet.
Tempe Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsTempe Zoning and Development Code § 3-401(C)-(D)
C.Accessory Building. Buildings that exceed two hundred (200) square feet in area or eight (8) feet in height are accessory buildings (e.g., freestanding garages, large sheds, workshops, etc.). Such buildings are permitted on properties in single-family residential districts or with a single-family use, subject to the following:1.Accessory buildings shall not be used as a dwelling, except where...
Tiny Homes
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code lets homeowners build a tiny home as an accessory dwelling unit under Section 3-402(F)(4), as long as it sits on a permanent foundation and meets the city's adopted building code for tiny houses. That building code, at Section 8-300, caps a qualifying tiny house at 120 to 400 square feet.
Tempe Tiny Home ADU Construction Rule
Some RestrictionsTempe Zoning and Development Code § 3-402(F)(4)
4.Tiny home construction is permissible for an ADU, when built on a permanent foundation, and compliant with tempe's adopted building code for tiny homes.
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Accessory Structures in Maricopa County →