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Arizona Statewide Rule

Arizona ADU Preemption Law (HB 2720) Explained

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Arizona (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
A.R.S. 9-461.18
Bill
HB 2720 (2024)
Applies To
Cities over 75,000
Max Size
1,000 sq ft or 75%
Counties
HB 2928 (2025) mandate
Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Arizona State Legislature

Summary

Arizona's HB 2720 (2024), codified at A.R.S. 9-461.18, requires municipalities over 75,000 population to permit accessory dwelling units on single-family lots, limiting restrictive zoning, owner-occupancy, and parking mandates. HB 2928 (2025) extends an ADU mandate to counties.

A. A municipality shall adopt regulations that allow on any lot or parcel where a single-family dwelling is allowed all of the following: 1. At least one attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use. 2. A minimum of one additional detached accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use on a lot or parcel that is one acre or more in size if at least one accessory dwelling unit on the lot or parcel is a restricted-affordable dwelling unit. 3. An accessory dwelling unit that is seventy-five percent of the gross floor area of the single-family dwelling on the same lot or parcel or one thousand square feet, whichever is less.

Source: Arizona State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Codified at A.R.S. 9-461.18, HB 2720 requires qualifying cities to allow at least one attached, detached, or internal accessory dwelling unit on any lot zoned for single-family use. Cities cannot require owner occupancy, mandate more than one parking space per ADU, impose a larger minimum lot size, or bar separate leasing of the ADU. ADUs up to 1,000 square feet or 75% of the primary dwelling (whichever is less) must be allowed by right. A separate 2025 law, HB 2928 (A.R.S. 11-810.01), extends an ADU mandate to counties for unincorporated single-family lots, with a January 1, 2026 compliance deadline.

Violations & Penalties

Municipal denials inconsistent with the ADU law are subject to civil action and reversal. Property owners may seek declaratory relief and attorney's fees if a city violates the statute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Arizona cities have to allow ADUs?
The city mandate applies to municipalities with populations of 75,000 or more. HB 2928 (2025) now also extends an ADU mandate to counties for unincorporated single-family lots.
Can my city require owner occupancy for an ADU?
No. Under A.R.S. 9-461.18, cities subject to the ADU law cannot impose owner-occupancy requirements on either the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit.

Sources

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