ADU Rules in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale's ADU rules changed materially in 2025–2026.

The City Council adopted Ordinance 4687 on September 30, 2025 to comply with Arizona HB2928. Scottsdale's current ADU page was updated in May 2026.

ADU Types

Scottsdale permits:

• Attached ADU
• Detached ADU
• Restricted-Affordable Detached ADU

A guest house is not the same thing as an ADU. Scottsdale separately regulates guest houses.

Maximum Number

On an eligible single-family property:

• one Attached ADU may be built;
• one Detached ADU may be built; and
• a third Restricted-Affordable Detached ADU may qualify on a lot of at least one acre.

Size

The current City standard states:

• The first ADU may be up to 75% of the gross floor area of the main residence or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less.
• A second and qualifying third ADU are limited to 500 sq ft each.

Height and Setbacks

• Maximum height follows the underlying zoning district.
• An Attached ADU follows the underlying district setbacks.
• A Detached ADU may not be placed in a required front or side yard.
• A Detached ADU in the rear yard may be as close as 5 ft to a side or rear property line.
• At least 10 ft must separate an ADU from the main residence or another ADU.

Owner Occupancy

The property owner must reside on the premises when an ADU is rented, leased, offered for rent/lease, or occupied as a vacation or short-term rental.

Parking

Parking required for the main residence must be maintained. The current City ADU page does not support the old template statement that every ADU universally requires one additional off-street space.

Utilities and Addressing

The current City guidance also requires separate utility arrangements described on the ADU page, a separate exterior entrance, and a unique address for each ADU.

Official Source

City of Scottsdale — Accessory Dwelling Units

Disclaimer: Confirm eligibility, airport-related limitations, and current zoning before preparing permit plans.