ADU Permits: Peoria vs Tempe
How do adu permits rules compare between Peoria, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Peoria and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Peoria, AZ
Maricopa County
Peoria permits accessory dwelling units (often locally called casitas) 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. Peoria (population approximately 190,000) is subject to the mandate. The Peoria Zoning Ordinance (PZO) Article 14-2 (Residential Districts) was amended to comply. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third detached unit.
View full Peoria 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 | Peoria | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) | - |
| City Reference | Peoria Zoning Ordinance Article 14-2 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Permit Authority | Peoria Development and Engineering | - |
| By-Right Standard | Yes on single-family lots | - |
| 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.
Peoria FAQ
Can I build a casita ADU in Peoria by-right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18), Peoria 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 Peoria Development and Engineering are still required.
How big can my Peoria ADU be?
Under ARS 9-461.18, your ADU may not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. Setback, height, and lot-coverage standards from Peoria's residential zoning district still apply to the structure itself.
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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