ADU Impact Fees: Mesa vs Scottsdale
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Mesa and Scottsdale have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa charges development impact fees under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-463.05 for water, wastewater, parks, and public safety. HB 2720 requires that ADU impact fees be proportional to the ADU's service demand, not the full single-family rate. Mesa Utilities capacity fees apply when a new water meter is installed for an ADU.
View full Mesa rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 limits the fees Scottsdale may charge on accessory dwelling units, preventing fees that would effectively prohibit ADU construction. Standard building permit and plan-review fees through Planning & Development Services apply, calculated on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees may apply only when new utility connections are installed.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Authority | ARS §9-463.05 | - |
| HB 2720 | Proportional ADU fees required | - |
| Water Meter | Capacity fee if new meter | - |
| Permit Fee | $500-$2,000 typical | - |
| Dedicated ADU Impact Fee | - | None in Scottsdale |
| State Cap | - | ARS 9-461.18 limits excessive ADU fees |
| Permit Fee Basis | - | Construction valuation |
| Utility Fees | - | Only if new connections required |
| Transportation Impact Fee | - | Not applied or reduced for ADUs |
| Reassessment | - | Maricopa County Assessor |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
How much are impact fees for a Mesa ADU?
Mesa impact fees vary by area and ADU size. Under HB 2720, fees must be proportional to the ADU's service demand, not the full single-family rate. Request a fee estimate from Mesa Development Services before submitting permits.
Do I need a separate water meter for my Mesa ADU?
Not required. Sharing the primary dwelling's water meter avoids Mesa Utilities capacity fees. A separate meter is optional but triggers a new meter installation fee plus capacity charges. Most homeowners share the meter unless they plan to rent the ADU separately.
Scottsdale FAQ
Does Scottsdale charge an ADU impact fee?
No. Scottsdale does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. You pay standard building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permit fees through Planning & Development Services based on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees apply only if a new meter or service connection is installed.
Can Scottsdale impose excessive ADU fees?
No. Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 9-461.18 limits the fees Scottsdale may impose on accessory dwelling units to prevent the state by-right mandate from being undermined. Fees must reasonably reflect the actual cost of services provided and cannot effectively prohibit ADU construction.
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