ADU Permits: Glendale vs Scottsdale
How do adu permits rules compare between Glendale, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Glendale and Scottsdale have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Glendale | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) | 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) | 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 | - |
| City Code | - | Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance (amended 2024) |
| 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.
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.
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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