ADU Permits: Scottsdale vs Surprise
How do adu permits rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Scottsdale and Surprise have similar restriction levels.
Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale permits accessory dwelling units by-right under Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024 and effective January 1, 2025 for cities over 75,000 population. Scottsdale (population approximately 241,000) qualifies. The City of Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance was amended to comply. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third detached ADU. Permits are issued through Planning & Development Services.
View full Scottsdale rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Surprise must allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single-family residential zones under Arizona HB 2720 (2024), codified at ARS § 9-461.18. With a population near 143,000 the city exceeds the 75,000 threshold and is preempted from prohibiting one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. The Surprise Zoning Ordinance Section 106-10.2 (ADUs) within Chapter 106 (Zoning and Use Standards) implements the state mandate, and building permits issue through the Community Development Department.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | Ariz. Rev. Stat. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) | ARS § 9-461.18 (HB 2720) |
| City Code | Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance (amended 2024) | - |
| Units Allowed | 1 detached + 1 attached (3 if 1+ acre) | - |
| Permit Authority | Scottsdale Planning & Dev Services | - |
| ESLO Constraints | Apply in north Scottsdale | - |
| By-Right Standard | Yes on single-family lots | - |
| Code Section | - | Surprise Zoning § 106-10.2 |
| Population Trigger | - | Surprise > 75k (by-right) |
| Permitted Zones | - | RR, R-1, R-2, R-3 (by right) |
| Min Detached Size | - | 1,000 sq ft (state floor) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Scottsdale by-right?
Yes. Under Arizona HB 2720 (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18), Scottsdale 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, mechanical, and electrical permits through Planning & Development Services are still required.
Does the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance affect my ADU?
Yes if your lot is in the ESLO overlay (most of north Scottsdale). HB 2720 does not exempt ADUs from generally applicable slope, native-vegetation salvage, grading, and view-corridor requirements. Detached ADU placement and pad design must still comply with the ESLO.
Surprise FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Surprise by right?
Yes. Arizona HB 2720 (ARS § 9-461.18) requires Surprise to permit one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot by right because the city exceeds 75,000 population. File for a building permit with Surprise Community Development under Zoning § 106-10.2.
Does the Sun City Grand HOA affect my ADU rights?
Yes. ARS § 9-461.18 binds the city but does not override private HOA covenants. Sun City Grand (The Grand), Sun Village, and similar age-restricted communities can restrict or prohibit ADUs through CC&Rs. Read your HOA documents before applying.
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