ADU Impact Fees: Mesa vs Tempe
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa and Tempe 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 →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Standard building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permit fees through Tempe Community Development apply based on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees apply only when a new utility connection is installed. Arizona HB 2720 (ARS 9-461.18) limits fees that would effectively prohibit ADU construction.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Authority | ARS §9-463.05 | 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 |
| State Cap | - | ARS 9-461.18 limits punitive fees |
| Utility Fees | - | Only if new meter or connection |
| Permit Fee Basis | - | Construction valuation |
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.
Tempe FAQ
How much are impact fees for a Tempe ADU?
Tempe does not charge a dedicated ADU impact fee. You pay standard building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permit fees based on construction valuation, plus water and sewer development fees only if a new meter or service is installed. Request a written fee estimate from Tempe Community Development before submittal.
Can Tempe charge me the full single-family impact fee for an ADU?
No. Under ARS 9-461.18 (HB 2720), fees that would effectively prohibit ADU construction are barred. Tempe applies its standard transportation, parks, and public safety impact fees to new principal-unit construction, not as a duplicate charge on accessory dwelling units sharing the existing lot.
Compare other topics
See how Mesa and Tempe compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool