ADU Permits: Chandler vs Mesa
How do adu permits rules compare between Chandler, AZ and Mesa, AZ?
Chandler and Mesa have similar restriction levels.
Chandler, AZ
Maricopa County
Chandler permits accessory dwelling units by-right under Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024 and effective for cities over 75,000 population on or before January 1, 2025. Chandler's Land Use and Zoning Code (City Code Chapter 35) was amended in late 2024 to comply. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third detached ADU.
View full Chandler rules →Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa permits ADUs by right in all single-residence districts under Mesa Zoning Ordinance Title 11, Section 11-31-3, as updated by Ordinances 5883 and 5950 to comply with Arizona HB 2720. Internal, attached, and detached ADUs are allowed. Maximum 75% of the primary residence interior habitable area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. No minimum lot size and no additional parking required.
View full Mesa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chandler | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) | - |
| City Code | Chandler Code Chapter 35 (amended 2024) | MZO §11-31-3 (Ord. 5883) |
| Units Allowed | 1 detached + 1 attached (3 if 1+ acre) | - |
| Permit Authority | Chandler Development Services | - |
| Building Code | 2024 IRC / IFGC as adopted | - |
| By-Right Standard | Yes on single-family lots | - |
| State Law | - | AZ HB 2720 (effective 2025) |
| Max Size | - | 75% primary or 1,000 sq ft |
| Min Lot Size | - | None |
| Parking | - | Not required |
| ADUs Per Lot | - | 1 attached + 1 detached by right |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chandler FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Chandler by-right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18), Chandler must allow one detached and one attached ADU by-right on every single-family lot. Lots over one acre may add a third detached unit. Building, plumbing, and electrical permits through Chandler Development Services are still required.
How long does ADU permitting take in Chandler?
Plan review for a standard residential ADU runs approximately two to six weeks at Chandler Development Services, depending on plan completeness and current workload. Construction inspections occur at standard milestones before final certificate of occupancy is issued.
Mesa FAQ
Do I need a permit for a Mesa ADU?
Yes. All ADUs require building permits through Mesa Development Services. Under HB 2720 and MZO Section 11-31-3, review is ministerial (over-the-counter) without public hearings. Full structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trade permits are required.
How many ADUs can I build on my Mesa lot?
At least one attached and one detached ADU are permitted by right on any lot where a single-family dwelling is permitted, with no minimum lot size. On lots of at least one acre, a third ADU (second detached) is permitted only if deed-restricted as affordable to households at 80% AMI.
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