ADU Permits: Chandler vs Scottsdale
How do adu permits rules compare between Chandler, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Chandler and Scottsdale 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 →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
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.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chandler | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) |
| City Code | Chandler Code Chapter 35 (amended 2024) | Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance (amended 2024) |
| Units Allowed | 1 detached + 1 attached (3 if 1+ acre) | 1 detached + 1 attached (3 if 1+ acre) |
| Permit Authority | Chandler Development Services | Scottsdale Planning & Dev Services |
| Building Code | 2024 IRC / IFGC as adopted | - |
| By-Right Standard | Yes on single-family lots | Yes on single-family lots |
| ESLO Constraints | - | Apply in north Scottsdale |
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.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Scottsdale by-right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18), Scottsdale 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, mechanical, and electrical permits through Planning & Development Services are still required.
Does the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance affect my ADU?
Yes if your lot is in the ESLO overlay (most of north Scottsdale). HB 2720 does not exempt ADUs from generally applicable slope, native-vegetation salvage, grading, and view-corridor requirements. Detached ADU placement and pad design must still comply with the ESLO.
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