ADU Permits: Chandler vs Surprise
How do adu permits rules compare between Chandler, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Chandler and Surprise 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 →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Surprise must allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single-family residential zones under Arizona HB 2720 (2024), codified at ARS § 9-461.18. With a population near 143,000 the city exceeds the 75,000 threshold and is preempted from prohibiting one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. The Surprise Zoning Ordinance Section 106-10.2 (ADUs) within Chapter 106 (Zoning and Use Standards) implements the state mandate, and building permits issue through the Community Development Department.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chandler | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) | ARS § 9-461.18 (HB 2720) |
| City Code | Chandler Code Chapter 35 (amended 2024) | - |
| 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 | - |
| Code Section | - | Surprise Zoning § 106-10.2 |
| Population Trigger | - | Surprise > 75k (by-right) |
| Permitted Zones | - | RR, R-1, R-2, R-3 (by right) |
| Min Detached Size | - | 1,000 sq ft (state floor) |
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.
Surprise FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Surprise by right?
Yes. Arizona HB 2720 (ARS § 9-461.18) requires Surprise to permit one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot by right because the city exceeds 75,000 population. File for a building permit with Surprise Community Development under Zoning § 106-10.2.
Does the Sun City Grand HOA affect my ADU rights?
Yes. ARS § 9-461.18 binds the city but does not override private HOA covenants. Sun City Grand (The Grand), Sun Village, and similar age-restricted communities can restrict or prohibit ADUs through CC&Rs. Read your HOA documents before applying.
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