ADU Permits: Gilbert vs Glendale
How do adu permits rules compare between Gilbert, AZ and Glendale, AZ?
Glendale has fewer restrictions than Gilbert.
Gilbert, AZ
Maricopa County
Gilbert processes ADU permits through Development Services. Arizona HB 2720 (signed May 2024, effective January 1, 2025) preempts most local ADU restrictions in cities over 75,000 residents and codifies ADU rules at ARS 9-461.18. Gilbert (population over 280,000) must allow at least one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot by right.
View full Gilbert rules →Glendale, AZ
Maricopa County
Glendale 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. Glendale (population approximately 250,000) is subject to the mandate. Glendale City Council adopted ADU amendments to the Uniform Development Code (Chapter 35) on December 10, 2024. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third.
View full Glendale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gilbert | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | ARS §9-461.18 (HB 2720) | - |
| City Code | Gilbert LDC Chapter 5 | - |
| Review Type | By right (no Use Permit) | - |
| Max Side/Rear Setback | 5 ft | - |
| Review Time | 10-20 business days | - |
| State Mandate | - | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) |
| City Ordinance Adopted | - | Dec 10, 2024 (Ch. 35 UDC) |
| Units Allowed | - | 1 detached + 1 attached (3 if 1+ acre) |
| Maximum Size | - | 75% of primary or 1,000 sq ft |
| Separate Water Meter | - | Required (Glendale rule) |
| Building Code | - | 2024 IRC / IFGC as adopted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gilbert FAQ
Do I need a Use Permit for a Gilbert casita?
No, not since January 1, 2025. ARS 9-461.18 (HB 2720) preempted Gilbert's prior Use Permit requirement. ADUs are now a permitted use by right on single-family lots, though you still need building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through Development Services.
How many ADUs can I have on my Gilbert lot?
At least one attached and one detached ADU on any single-family lot. Lots one acre or larger qualify for a third detached ADU if one of the units is designated as a restricted-affordable dwelling unit under ARS 9-461.18.
Glendale FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Glendale by-right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18) and Glendale's December 10, 2024 amendments to the Uniform Development Code (Chapter 35), Glendale 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, electrical, and fuel-gas permits through Glendale Building Safety are still required.
Does my Glendale ADU need a separate water meter?
Yes. Glendale requires all accessory dwelling units to have separate utility meters including a separate city water meter, which requires a new water tap to the city water main in the street or right-of-way. The ADU shares the primary address with a Unit 1 and Unit 2 suffix rather than receiving a new address.
Compare other topics
See how Gilbert and Glendale compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool