ADU Permits: Gilbert vs Scottsdale
How do adu permits rules compare between Gilbert, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Scottsdale 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 →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale permits accessory dwelling units by-right under Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024 and effective January 1, 2025 for cities over 75,000 population. Scottsdale (population approximately 241,000) qualifies. The City of Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance was amended to comply. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third detached ADU. Permits are issued through Planning & Development Services.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gilbert | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | ARS §9-461.18 (HB 2720) | - |
| City Code | Gilbert LDC Chapter 5 | Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance (amended 2024) |
| 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) |
| Units Allowed | - | 1 detached + 1 attached (3 if 1+ acre) |
| Permit Authority | - | Scottsdale Planning & Dev Services |
| ESLO Constraints | - | Apply in north Scottsdale |
| 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.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Scottsdale by-right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18), Scottsdale 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, mechanical, and electrical permits through Planning & Development Services are still required.
Does the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance affect my ADU?
Yes if your lot is in the ESLO overlay (most of north Scottsdale). HB 2720 does not exempt ADUs from generally applicable slope, native-vegetation salvage, grading, and view-corridor requirements. Detached ADU placement and pad design must still comply with the ESLO.
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