Chandler allows one attached and one detached ADU by right on any lot where a single-family dwelling is the principal use, under Ordinance 5113 (adopted December 9, 2024) implementing Arizona HB 2720. ADUs are capped at 75% of the primary home's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less, with 5-foot minimum rear/side setbacks. Chandler imposes specific exterior design standards (stucco/EIFS walls and concrete tile roof, or matching the primary residence) and requires shared utility meters.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2][3]
Yes — Chandler allows ADUs. A detached ADU can typically be up to 1,000 sq ft under current Arizona and Chandler zoning rules.
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| Allowed Zones | Any lot or parcel where a single-family dwelling is the principal use (Chandler City Code 35-2202.2, residential districts incl. AG-1, SF-D and others amended by Ord. 5113) |
| Max Size (Detached) | 75% of the single-family dwelling's gross floor area (interior habitable area) or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less |
| Max Size (Attached) | 75% of the single-family dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less |
| Max Size (JADU) | Not a defined category in Chandler; internal ADUs follow standard ADU rules |
| Max Height | Same as the building height limit of the underlying zoning district |
| Max Units | 1 attached + 1 detached per lot; a 3rd detached ADU allowed on lots of 1+ acre if at least one ADU is deed-restricted affordable (80% AMI) |
Setback Requirements [1][2][3]
Chandler requires a rear setback of about 5 ft for a detached ADU, and one off-street parking space is required. Owner-occupancy is not required — you can rent it out without living on the property.
| Rear Setback | 5 feet minimum (uninhabitable space attached to an ADU, e.g. a garage, must meet full district setbacks) |
| Side Setback | 5 feet minimum |
| Front Setback | Same as front yard setback of the underlying zoning district |
| Parking Required | Chandler's code requires 1 additional off-street space per ADU (Ord. 5113, Sec. 35-2202.2(c)); note this appears to conflict with ARS 9-461.18(B)(3), which bars ADU parking mandates - confirm with Chandler Planning |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Min Lot Size | None specified in 35-2202.2; lots with an ADU cannot be split unless each resulting lot meets district minimums |
Permit Process & Fees [4][5]
An ADU permit in Chandler typically costs Valuation-based per Chandler fee schedule using ICC Building Valuation Data (minimum permit fee $60); third-party guides estimate roughly 1.5-2% of construction value plus plan review — confirm exact amounts with Chandler Development Services and takes Confirm with Chandler Development Services (480-782-3000), through a standard permit review.
| Approval Process | Standard building permit through Chandler Development Services (ADUs are by right, no use permit); free pre-technical review available before submittal |
| Review Timeline | Confirm with Chandler Development Services (480-782-3000) |
| Permit Fees | Valuation-based per Chandler fee schedule using ICC Building Valuation Data (minimum permit fee $60); third-party guides estimate roughly 1.5-2% of construction value plus plan review — confirm exact amounts with Chandler Development Services |
| Impact Fees | Confirm with Chandler Development Services |
| Plan Check | Confirm with Chandler Development Services |
| Pre-Approved Plans | No city pre-approved ADU plan program identified as of June 2026 — confirm with Chandler Planning Division |
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Construction Costs [6][7]
Building an ADU in Chandler typically costs $125,000-$250,000 ($140-$280 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $60,000-$140,000.
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| Average Build Cost | $125,000-$250,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $140-$280 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000-$140,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $85,000-$200,000 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
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Rental Income Potential [8]
A 2-bedroom ADU in Chandler rents for around $1,600-$2,000/mo, an estimated 6-9% annual return.
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,350-$1,700/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,600-$2,000/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | Not addressed in ADU section 35-2202.2; Chandler requires short-term rental licensing citywide (City Code Chapter 22) and previously prohibited STR use of ADUs — confirm with Chandler Planning Division |
| Est. Annual ROI | 6-9% annual return |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Chandler Ordinance 5113 (adopted December 9, 2024): added City Code Section 35-2202.2 allowing 1 attached + 1 detached ADU by right on single-family lots, capped at 75% of primary GFA or 1,000 sq ft, with 5-ft rear/side setbacks, shared utility meters, separate-entrance requirement, and exterior design standards (stucco/EIFS + 4:12 concrete tile roof, or matching the primary residence)
- Arizona HB 2720 (signed May 21, 2024; ARS 9-461.18): mandated these amendments for cities over 75,000 population by January 1, 2025; bars extra parking, owner-occupancy, and design-matching requirements
- Arizona HB 2928 (signed May 2025): extended similar ADU mandates to large counties
Tips for Building an ADU in Chandler
- Chandler offers a design menu: either match the primary home's materials/colors/style, or use stucco/EIFS walls with a 4:12 concrete tile roof — decide early because it constrains prefab options
- Only the habitable ADU gets the 5-ft setback allowance; an attached garage or storage room on the ADU must still meet full district rear/side setbacks
- Separate utility meters are prohibited — the ADU must share the primary home's water, sewer, and electric service, so verify panel capacity before design
- Use Chandler's free pre-technical review through Development Services before submitting plans; lots with an ADU cannot later be split unless each lot independently meets zoning minimums
ADU Builders in Chandler
Looking for an ADU builder in Chandler? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match Chandler homeowners with experienced local ADU contractors who provide free, no-obligation quotes. Getting at least three bids typically saves 20-40% on the same scope.
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- Chandler Ordinance No. 5113 — 2024 City Code Amendments (ADU Section 35-2202.2, full text) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Chandler Prepares for City Code Amendments to Reflect New State Laws — City of Chandler Planning Department — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Arizona HB 2720 Bill Summary (ARS 9-461.18) — Arizona Legislature state_law — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Chandler Building Safety Plan Review, Permits and Inspections Planning Department — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Chandler Homeowner's Building Permit Manual (PDF) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Angi — ADU Construction Cost Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Angi — Guest House / ADU Build Costs Market Data — Accessed 2026-06-10
- RentCafe — Average Rent in Chandler, AZ (April/May 2026: 1BR $1,506, 2BR $1,777) Market Data — Accessed 2026-06-10
Frequently Asked Questions
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