ADU Impact Fees: Chandler vs Surprise
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Chandler, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Chandler and Surprise have similar restriction levels.
Chandler, AZ
Maricopa County
Chandler does not impose dedicated ADU impact fees. Ariz. Rev. Stat. section 9-461.18 limits the fees cities may charge on accessory dwelling units to ensure compliance with the state by-right mandate. Standard building permit and plan review fees through Chandler Development Services apply, calculated on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees may apply only when new utility connections are installed.
View full Chandler rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
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.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chandler | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated ADU Impact Fee | None in Chandler | - |
| State Cap | ARS 9-461.18 limits excessive ADU fees | - |
| Permit Fee Basis | Construction valuation | - |
| Utility Fees | Only if new connections required | - |
| Transportation Impact Fee | Not applied to ADUs | - |
| Park Impact Fee | Not applied to ADUs | - |
| State Exemption | - | ADUs < 1,000 sq ft exempt (ARS § 9-461.18) |
| Impact Fee Authority | - | ARS § 9-463.05 |
| Permit Fee Range | - | ~$500–$2,000 typical |
| Water/Sewer SDF | - | Only on new tap |
| Fee Schedule | - | Surprise Development Services |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chandler FAQ
Does Chandler charge an ADU impact fee?
No. Chandler does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. You pay standard building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permit fees through Development Services based on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees apply only if a new meter or service connection is installed.
Can Chandler impose excessive ADU fees?
No. Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.18 limits the fees Chandler may impose on accessory dwelling units to prevent the state by-right mandate from being undermined. Fees must reasonably reflect the actual cost of services provided and cannot effectively prohibit ADU construction.
Surprise FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Surprise?
Yes for ADUs under 1,000 square feet. ARS § 9-461.18 prohibits Surprise from charging impact fees on small ADUs. Larger ADUs pay proportional fees based on the principal dwelling's square footage under ARS § 9-463.05.
What does an ADU permit cost in Surprise?
Building permit and plan-check fees typically total $500–$2,000 for a small ADU sharing the main house's utilities. New water/sewer tap System Development Fees add several thousand dollars. Check the Surprise Development Services Fee Schedule for current rates.
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