Accessory Structures in Tucson, AZ (2026)
7 verified accessory structures rules for Tucson, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Tucson allows up to two accessory dwelling units (casitas) per single-family lot under UDC §6.6.3, with a third permitted on lots one acre or larger if one unit is restricted-affordable. Amendments effective November 21, 2024 brought Tucson into compliance with Arizona HB 2720 (ARS §9-461.18) by eliminating parking requirements and reducing minimum side and rear setbacks to five feet.
ADU (Casita) Rules in Tucson
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Tucson permits ADUs (casitas) under the Unified Development Code as amended November 21, 2024 to comply with Arizona HB 2720. Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) issues permits ministerially in single-family zones without discretionary hearings. Maximum 75% of primary dwelling gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, with a 650 sq ft floor regardless of primary size.
Tucson ADU (Casita) Permits Under HB 2720
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Tucson charges development impact fees under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-463.05 for water, wastewater, parks, transportation, and police. Under HB 2720, impact fees on ADUs in cities over 75,000 must be proportional and may not exceed the impact attributable to the ADU. Tucson Water has separate capacity (hookup) charges where a new meter is installed.
Tucson ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Tucson does not require owner occupancy for ADUs (casitas) under the November 2024 UDC amendments. Arizona HB 2720 prohibits cities over 75,000 from imposing owner-occupancy requirements as a condition of ADU permits or use. HOA CC&Rs may still impose occupancy rules but are subject to ARS 33-1817 limits on unreasonable ADU restrictions.
Tucson ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Tucson permits long-term ADU rentals without registration. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a state TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue, registration with Pima County Assessor as a residential rental, and a Tucson business license. HB 2720 prohibits ADU-specific bans on rental, but Arizona's STR statute ARS 9-500.39 allows operational regulation.
Tucson ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Tucson Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 6.6.2 governs detached residential accessory buildings such as sheds. Detached accessory structures, except accessory dwelling units, may not exceed 12 feet in height. The total gross floor area of all accessory structures may not exceed 50% of the principal structure's gross floor area. A building permit through Planning and Development Services (PDSD) is required for sheds beyond the small unconditioned-storage exemption, and Tucson IRC adoption applies to construction.
Tucson Shed and Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Tucson must comply with the Building Code (IRC as adopted) and, if used as a separate dwelling, with UDC Section 6.6.3 (Accessory Dwelling Units), as amended October 22, 2024 (effective November 21, 2024) to comply with Arizona HB 2720. ADUs are limited to 75% of the principal dwelling's gross floor area, capped at 1,000 sq ft, with a 650 sq ft floor regardless of principal size. Minimum side and rear setbacks are 5 feet, no on-site parking is required, and the design need not match the principal dwelling.
Tucson Garage Conversion and ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Pima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tucson city rules.
Accessory Structures in Pima County →