Scottsdale Zoning & Land Use Guide
Editor-verified· 2026-09-20
Last updated: Verified:
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Scottsdale
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Arizona
- Building Code: No mandatory statewide code (local adoption)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Arizona state ADU legislation applies to Scottsdale. The City states that Ordinance 4687, adopted September 30, 2025, implements HB2928 / A.R.S. §9-461.18 and permits attached, detached, and qualifying restricted-affordable detached ADUs subject to the City's current standards.)
County — Maricopa County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
R1-6Single-Family Residential
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
R-3Multi-Family Residential
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
C-2General Commercial
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Scottsdale
ADUs:Allowed
- Max Size
- First ADU: up to 75% of main residence or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less; second/third ADUs: 500 sq ft maximum
- Max Height
- Maximum height follows the underlying zoning district
- Rear Setback
- Detached ADU in rear yard may be as close as 5 ft to side or rear yard
- Parking
- Parking required for the main residence must be maintained; current ADU page does not impose the old template's generic one-space-per-ADU rule
- Owner Occupancy
- Owner must reside on the premises when an ADU is rented, leased, offered for rent/lease, or occupied as a vacation/short-term rental
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Scottsdale are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Scottsdale permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific
City of Scottsdale — Accessory Dwelling Unitsscottsdaleaz.govOfficial sourceScottsdale Parcel Information Map — zoning lookupeservices.scottsdaleaz.govOfficial sourceScottsdale Zoning Ordinance Resourcesscottsdaleaz.govOfficial sourceCity of Scottsdale — Building Code Informationscottsdaleaz.govOfficial sourceCity of Scottsdale Planning & Developmentscottsdaleaz.govOfficial source
Frequently Asked Questions
What zones allow multi-family housing in Scottsdale?
Multi-family housing is typically permitted in R-3 and higher residential districts, as well as in certain commercial and mixed-use zones. Check the local zoning code for specific district allowances.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Zoning codes and building regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local planning department and building authority before making any decisions.