Tiny Homes: Peoria vs Tempe
How do tiny homes rules compare between Peoria, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Peoria and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Peoria, AZ
Maricopa County
Tiny homes on permanent foundations may qualify as ADUs in Peoria under the recently updated Section 21-316 (Accessory Dwelling Units). Peoria updated its ADU regulations in late 2024 to comply with Arizona HB 2720. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot be permanent residences. Foundation-based tiny homes must meet all building code requirements.
View full Peoria rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tiny homes on permanent foundations may be permitted in Tempe as ADUs under the city's Zoning and Development Code. Tempe allows both attached and detached ADUs on single-family lots. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent residences. Arizona HB 2720 (2024) expanded ADU rights statewide, and Tempe updated its ADU ordinance accordingly.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Peoria | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| On Foundation | Permitted as ADU under Section 21-316 | Permitted as ADU, must meet IRC standards |
| On Wheels | Classified as RV, no permanent residence | Classified as RV, no permanent residence allowed |
| State Law | AZ HB 2720 expanded ADU rights | AZ HB 2720 expanded ADU rights |
| Permit | Building permit required | - |
| Updated | Late 2024 ADU regulation update | - |
| Building Code | International Residential Code | - |
| ADUs Allowed | - | 1 attached + 1 detached per single-family lot |
| Height | - | Regulated by zoning district standards |
| Popular Use | - | Student housing near ASU, multigenerational living |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Peoria FAQ
Can I put a tiny house on my Peoria property?
Foundation-based tiny homes may qualify as ADUs under Section 21-316. Tiny homes on wheels are RVs and cannot be permanent residences.
Did Peoria recently change its ADU rules?
Yes. Peoria updated Section 21-316 in late 2024 to comply with Arizona HB 2720, expanding ADU rights on single-family lots.
Can my HOA prevent an ADU?
Arizona law limits HOA restrictions on ADUs. However, some HOA design review requirements may still apply. Check your CC&Rs.
Tempe FAQ
Can I put a tiny house on my property in Tempe?
Foundation-based tiny homes may qualify as ADUs. Tempe allows one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. Tiny homes on wheels cannot be permanent residences.
How does Tempe's ADU ordinance work?
Tempe allows one attached and one detached ADU on single-family lots. Height and setbacks follow zoning district standards. A building permit is required.
Is there minimum square footage for an ADU in Tempe?
ADUs must meet International Residential Code minimums for habitable rooms. Contact Community Development for current specific size requirements.
Compare other topics
See how Peoria 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