ADU Permits: Chandler vs Tempe
How do adu permits rules compare between Chandler, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Chandler and Tempe 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 →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe permits accessory dwelling units by right on lots zoned for single-family use under Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024. Tempe (population approximately 185,000) is well over the 75,000 threshold that triggers the state by-right mandate. Tempe's Zoning and Development Code was amended to comply, allowing at least one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. Building permits issue through Tempe Community Development.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chandler | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) | - |
| City Code | Chandler Code Chapter 35 (amended 2024) | Tempe ZDC + City Code Ch. 8 |
| Units Allowed | 1 detached + 1 attached (3 if 1+ acre) | 1 attached + 1 detached by right |
| Permit Authority | Chandler Development Services | - |
| Building Code | 2024 IRC / IFGC as adopted | - |
| By-Right Standard | Yes on single-family lots | - |
| State Law | - | ARS 9-461.18 (HB 2720) |
| Max Side/Rear Setback | - | 5 ft (state cap) |
| Population Threshold | - | Tempe ~185k qualifies (over 75k) |
| Review | - | Tempe Community Development |
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.
Tempe FAQ
Can I build a casita in Tempe by right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (ARS 9-461.18), Tempe must allow one attached and one detached ADU by right on any single-family lot. Discretionary use permits and public hearings are preempted. You still need building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through Tempe Community Development.
How close to my property line can the ADU sit in Tempe?
The state statute caps the side and rear yard setbacks Tempe can impose at no more than 5 feet. Tempe's Zoning and Development Code was updated to comply. Front yard setbacks follow the underlying single-family district standards.
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