ADU Permits: Gilbert vs Peoria
How do adu permits rules compare between Gilbert, AZ and Peoria, AZ?
Peoria 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 →Peoria, AZ
Maricopa County
Peoria permits accessory dwelling units (often locally called casitas) 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. Peoria (population approximately 190,000) is subject to the mandate. The Peoria Zoning Ordinance (PZO) Article 14-2 (Residential Districts) was amended to comply. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third detached unit.
View full Peoria rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gilbert | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Reference | - | Peoria Zoning Ordinance Article 14-2 |
| Units Allowed | - | 1 detached + 1 attached (3 if 1+ acre) |
| Maximum Size | - | 75% of primary or 1,000 sq ft |
| Permit Authority | - | Peoria Development and Engineering |
| By-Right Standard | - | Yes on single-family lots |
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.
Peoria FAQ
Can I build a casita ADU in Peoria by-right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18), Peoria 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 Peoria Development and Engineering are still required.
How big can my Peoria ADU be?
Under ARS 9-461.18, your ADU may not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. Setback, height, and lot-coverage standards from Peoria's residential zoning district still apply to the structure itself.
Compare other topics
See how Gilbert and Peoria 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