Maricopa County · Updated April 2026
Scottsdale ADU Permits: Fees, Zoning & Requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about Scottsdale's ADU permitting process, from Administrative Review to Certificate of Occupancy.
Quick Answer
Scottsdale ADUs: $150K–$300K
Permits: $5K–$10K · Updated April 2026
Scottsdale ADU Permitting: Overview
Arizona state law requires all cities — including Scottsdale — to allow ADUs on single-family residential lots, removing the discretionary barriers that once blocked ADU development in many jurisdictions. Scottsdale has complied while establishing its own specific design standards that reflect the city's commitment to architectural quality and neighborhood character — standards that are notably stricter than those in many other Phoenix Metro cities.
A key feature of Scottsdale's ADU process is the mandatory Administrative Review that must be completed before a building permit can be submitted. This additional step reviews design compatibility, zoning compliance, and site conditions — typically adding 2–4 weeks to the overall timeline but helping ensure ADUs meet the city's higher aesthetic bar. Total permit timelines run 6–12 weeks for most projects.
Scottsdale ADU Permit Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Base | $237 + $0.94/sq ft | Applied to livable area |
| Plan Review Fee | ~65% of permit fee | Charged at permit application |
| Administrative Review Fee | Varies | Required before building permit |
| Utility Connection Fees | Varies | Separate meters required for electric & gas |
| Total Typical Range | $5,000–$10,000 | All fees combined |
Fee estimates for 2026. Verify current fees with the Scottsdale Development Services Department.
Scottsdale ADU Requirements
Size Limits
- Primary ADU: max 1,000 sq ft or 75% of main home sq footage (whichever is less)
- Second and third ADUs: max 500 sq ft each
- Minimum 50 sq ft private outdoor space required
Setbacks & Placement
- 5 ft rear and side setbacks for detached ADUs
- 10 ft minimum separation between ADU and main home
- Height limited by underlying zoning district standards
Utilities & Ownership
- Separately metered electric and gas required
- Owner-occupancy required for rental ADUs
- ADU cannot be sold separately from main home
Quantity Allowed
- 1 attached ADU per lot
- 1 detached ADU per lot
- 3rd detached ADU on lots 1+ acre (must be affordable unit)
ADU Types Allowed in Scottsdale
Scottsdale permits both attached and detached ADUs, including garage conversions and new construction. It is important to distinguish between a permitted ADU and a guest house — the two differ significantly in terms of utility requirements, size limits, and the approval process.
| Feature | ADU | Guest House |
|---|---|---|
| Separate utilities | Required (separately metered) | Not required |
| Kitchen allowed | Yes (full kitchen) | Typically no |
| Rental permitted | Yes (with owner-occupancy) | No |
| Size limit | Up to 1,000 sq ft | Varies by zoning |
| Approval process | Administrative Review + building permit | Building permit only |
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Check Zoning on eServices Portal
Verify your lot's zoning, lot size, and any overlay districts using Scottsdale's eServices portal. Confirm ADU eligibility and identify any HOA restrictions that may apply in addition to city requirements.
Hire Architect or Engineer
Scottsdale's design standards require professionally prepared plans. Hire a licensed architect or structural engineer familiar with Scottsdale's ADU requirements and desert climate construction practices.
Submit for Administrative Review
Submit your site plan and architectural drawings for Administrative Review through Scottsdale's Development Services Department. This review evaluates design compatibility with the main home and neighborhood context.
Receive Administrative Approval
Scottsdale's planning staff reviews your submission and issues Administrative Approval — typically 2–4 weeks. Address any requested revisions before proceeding to the building permit stage.
Submit Construction Documents for Permit Review
With Administrative Approval in hand, submit full construction documents — including structural drawings, mechanical/electrical/plumbing plans, and energy compliance calculations — for building permit review.
Pay Fees and Receive Permit
Pay the building permit fee ($237 base + $0.94/sq ft livable), plan review fee (~65% of permit fee), and any additional fees. The permit is typically issued within 4–8 weeks of a complete submittal.
Construction and Inspections
Begin construction with your permitted plans on site. Schedule required inspections at each phase: foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, insulation, and final inspection. Separately metered utility connections must be completed before final.
Certificate of Occupancy
After passing all inspections, Scottsdale issues a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), allowing the ADU to be legally occupied and rented (subject to owner-occupancy requirements).
Typical Scottsdale ADU Permit Timeline: 6–12 Weeks
Administrative Review: 2–4 weeks. Building permit plan review: 4–8 weeks. Incomplete submittals, revision requests, or complex projects can extend the timeline. Starting with a thorough, code-compliant submittal is the most reliable way to achieve the fastest approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Scottsdale?
The Scottsdale ADU permit process typically takes 6–12 weeks from Administrative Review submission to permit issuance. Administrative Review generally takes 2–4 weeks, followed by 4–8 weeks for building permit plan review. Complex projects or incomplete submittals can extend the timeline. Construction time after permit issuance is typically 4–8 months depending on ADU type and scope.
How much do ADU permits cost in Scottsdale?
Total ADU permit costs in Scottsdale typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. This includes the building permit base fee of $237 plus $0.94 per square foot of livable area, plan review fees (~65% of the permit fee), Administrative Review fees, and utility connection fees. The separately metered utility requirement can add significant connection costs depending on the distance to existing infrastructure.
Can I do a short-term rental with my Scottsdale ADU?
Arizona state law generally allows short-term rentals, but Scottsdale's owner-occupancy requirement means you must reside on the property — in either the main home or the ADU — to rent any unit. Scottsdale has also enacted additional short-term rental regulations and requires STR registration. Consult the Scottsdale STR registration requirements before listing your ADU on Airbnb or similar platforms.
Do I need separate utilities for my Scottsdale ADU?
Yes. Scottsdale requires all ADUs to have separately metered electric and gas service. The ADU must have its own utility accounts, meters, and connection points — it cannot share a meter with the main house. This requirement applies to all ADU types, including garage conversions and attached units. Plan for $8,000–$20,000 in utility connection costs depending on the distance from the street and existing panel capacity.
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