Zoning Guide

Scottsdale Setbacks & Height Limits — Residential Zones

Last updated: Verified:

Fact-checked against the current Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance on September 20, 2026.

Scottsdale's single-family districts have separate development standards. One common example is R1-7, but its dimensions should not be extrapolated to R1-5, R1-10, R1-18, R1-35, R1-43, R1-70, or the larger-lot districts.

R1-7 Example

Current §5.504 provides:

Standard R1-7
Minimum lot area 7,000 sq ft
Minimum lot width 70 ft
Front yard 20 ft
Side yards 5 ft each
Rear yard 25 ft
Rear yard with qualifying 8-ft alley dedication 22 ft
Maximum building height 30 ft

The previous page described a generic 20-ft rear yard. That is not the current base R1-7 rear-yard standard.

For a corner lot, §5.504 generally uses 20 ft on the shorter street frontage and 5 ft on the longer frontage, increased to 10 ft in specified key-lot/alley conditions.

Rear-Yard Encroachments and Accessory Structures

The ordinance contains specific exceptions for main-building additions, patio covers, carports, and accessory structures. Scottsdale also publishes separate guidance for detached garages, sheds, and pergolas.

Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Foothills Overlay areas can have substantially different standards.

Arizona ADU Law

The previous page incorrectly stated that Arizona has no statewide ADU preemption law.

A.R.S. §9-461.18 requires covered municipalities to permit specified ADUs and limits local restrictions. It prohibits rear or side ADU setbacks greater than 5 ft and prevents more restrictive ADU height, setback, lot-size, coverage, or frontage rules than apply to single-family dwellings in the same zoning area.

Scottsdale's local ADU rules must therefore be read together with state law.

How to Check a Property

  1. Confirm the exact zoning district and any ESL, Foothills, PCD, or other overlay.
  2. Open the district-specific property development standards.
  3. Check corner-lot and alley conditions.
  4. Check accessory-structure and ADU provisions separately.
  5. Confirm unusual conditions with Scottsdale Planning & Development.

Official Sources

This guide is informational only. Current zoning, state law, overlays, and parcel-specific approvals control.

More about Scottsdale Zoning

ADU Rules & RegulationsBuilding Permits

Sources

  1. City of Scottsdale — Zoning Ordinance Resources·scottsdaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  2. Scottsdale Parcel Information Map·eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  3. Scottsdale Property Information Request·eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  4. Scottsdale Single-Family Residential Construction Process·scottsdaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link

FAQ

How do I verify residential setbacks in Scottsdale?
Do not rely on a generic citywide setback. Scottsdale states that subdivisions can have amended development standards that differ from base district regulations. Use the City's Parcel Information/Property Information tools and, when needed, submit a setback request for the specific property.
What controls building height in Scottsdale residential zones?
Height depends on the underlying zoning district and can also be affected by Environmentally Sensitive Lands, foothills, Natural Area Open Space, or other property-specific standards. Verify the parcel's zoning and applicable overlays before using a height value.
Where can I find the zoning for a Scottsdale parcel?
Use the City's Parcel Information map or Property Information Request tool, which returns parcel zoning and links to related planning and permit records.