Accessory Structures in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Unincorporated Maricopa County allows one attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit by right on any single-family lot: no public hearing, variance, or special permit required under the zoning ordinance.
Maricopa County ADU Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsMaricopa County Zoning Ordinance § 602.3 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
In accordance with Arizona State Statute, ADUs are a permitted use on any lot or parcel zoned for single-family residential use. A public hearing, variance, or special permit shall not be required. ... At least one attached and one detached ADU shall be permitted on each lot or parcel where a single-family dwelling is allowed.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Maricopa County does not require an owner to live on the property when adding an accessory dwelling unit. ADUs may be rented long-term independently, with no familial or employment tie to the main house required.
Maricopa County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Few RestrictionsMaricopa County Zoning Ordinance § 602.3.4 (Accessory Dwelling Units — Occupancy and Tenancy)
A. ADUs may be leased or occupied independently of the principal dwelling as long-term rental housing. B. No familial, marital, or employment relationship is required between occupants of the principal dwelling and the ADU.
ADU Rental Restrictions
An accessory dwelling unit in unincorporated Maricopa County can be rented long-term with no family or employment tie to the main house, but only one ADU per lot may ever be used as a short-term rental, and design rules cap its size and placement.
Maricopa County ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsMaricopa County Zoning Ordinance § 602.3 (Accessory Dwelling Units, items 1, 3-4, 7)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) 1. In accordance with Arizona State Statute, ADUs are a permitted use on any lot or parcel zoned for single-family residential use. A public hearing, variance, or special permit shall not be required. ... 3. Size. A. No ADU shall exceed the size of the principal dwelling. B. On lot or parcel less than one acre, the size of the ADU shall be a maximum of 75% of the...
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Maricopa County, a detached carport must sit at least three feet from any side or rear lot line and can cover no more than 30% of the required yard.
Carport Setbacks in Unincorporated Maricopa County
Some RestrictionsMaricopa County Zoning Ordinance § 806.2
1. Detached accessory buildings and structures may be built in the required rear yard and/or the required side yard but shall not occupy more than 30% of any required yard and shall not be nearer than three feet to any side or rear lot line. 2. In the case of corner lots, accessory buildings shall not occupy the street-side yard of the corner lot; and when a garage is entered from an alley, it ...
Accessory Structures by City in Maricopa County
10 cities in Maricopa County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
4 verified rules • ADU Owner Occupancy, ADU Rules
3 verified rules • ADU Rules, Garage Conversions
3 verified rules • ADU Rules, Garage Conversions
3 verified rules • ADU Rental Restrictions, ADU Rules
2 verified rules • ADU Rules, Shed & Carport Rules
4 verified rules • ADU Rental Restrictions, ADU Rules
3 verified rules • ADU Rules, Shed & Carport Rules
4 verified rules • ADU Rental Restrictions, ADU Rules
2 verified rules • ADU Rules, Shed & Carport Rules
2 verified rules • ADU Rules, Shed & Carport Rules
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