ADU Permits: Glendale vs Tempe
How do adu permits rules compare between Glendale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Glendale and Tempe 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 →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe permits accessory dwelling units by right on lots zoned for single-family use under Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024. Tempe (population approximately 185,000) is well over the 75,000 threshold that triggers the state by-right mandate. Tempe's Zoning and Development Code was amended to comply, allowing at least one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. Building permits issue through Tempe Community Development.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 1 attached + 1 detached by right |
| Maximum Size | 75% of primary or 1,000 sq ft | - |
| Separate Water Meter | Required (Glendale rule) | - |
| Building Code | 2024 IRC / IFGC as adopted | - |
| State Law | - | ARS 9-461.18 (HB 2720) |
| City Code | - | Tempe ZDC + City Code Ch. 8 |
| Max Side/Rear Setback | - | 5 ft (state cap) |
| Population Threshold | - | Tempe ~185k qualifies (over 75k) |
| Review | - | Tempe Community Development |
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.
Tempe FAQ
Can I build a casita in Tempe by right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (ARS 9-461.18), Tempe must allow one attached and one detached ADU by right on any single-family lot. Discretionary use permits and public hearings are preempted. You still need building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through Tempe Community Development.
How close to my property line can the ADU sit in Tempe?
The state statute caps the side and rear yard setbacks Tempe can impose at no more than 5 feet. Tempe's Zoning and Development Code was updated to comply. Front yard setbacks follow the underlying single-family district standards.
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