ADU Permits: Glendale vs Surprise
How do adu permits rules compare between Glendale, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Glendale and Surprise 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 →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Surprise must allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single-family residential zones under Arizona HB 2720 (2024), codified at ARS § 9-461.18. With a population near 143,000 the city exceeds the 75,000 threshold and is preempted from prohibiting one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. The Surprise Zoning Ordinance Section 106-10.2 (ADUs) within Chapter 106 (Zoning and Use Standards) implements the state mandate, and building permits issue through the Community Development Department.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) | ARS § 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 | - |
| Code Section | - | Surprise Zoning § 106-10.2 |
| Population Trigger | - | Surprise > 75k (by-right) |
| Permitted Zones | - | RR, R-1, R-2, R-3 (by right) |
| Min Detached Size | - | 1,000 sq ft (state floor) |
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.
Surprise FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Surprise by right?
Yes. Arizona HB 2720 (ARS § 9-461.18) requires Surprise to permit one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot by right because the city exceeds 75,000 population. File for a building permit with Surprise Community Development under Zoning § 106-10.2.
Does the Sun City Grand HOA affect my ADU rights?
Yes. ARS § 9-461.18 binds the city but does not override private HOA covenants. Sun City Grand (The Grand), Sun Village, and similar age-restricted communities can restrict or prohibit ADUs through CC&Rs. Read your HOA documents before applying.
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