ADU Impact Fees: Scottsdale vs Tempe
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Scottsdale and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated ADU Impact Fee | None in Scottsdale | None |
| State Cap | ARS 9-461.18 limits excessive ADU fees | ARS 9-461.18 limits punitive fees |
| Permit Fee Basis | Construction valuation | Construction valuation |
| Utility Fees | Only if new connections required | Only if new meter or connection |
| Transportation Impact Fee | Not applied or reduced for ADUs | - |
| Reassessment | Maricopa County Assessor | - |
| Fee Authority | - | ARS 9-463.05 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
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.
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