Tucson allows two casitas (accessory dwelling units) by right on any lot with a single-family home under Unified Development Code Section 6.6.3.B, as amended by Ordinance 12131 (effective November 21, 2024) and Ordinance 12219 (effective January 1, 2026). A casita may be 75% of the main house's gross floor area up to 1,000 sq ft, and 650 sq ft is always allowed regardless of house size; side and rear setbacks are 5 ft, height follows the zone's single-family limit (25 ft in R-1, R-2 and R-3), and no parking or owner-occupancy is required. A detached casita must sit behind the front wall of the house (UDC 6.6.3.C) and a new one needs a cool roof. Permits go through the Tucson Development Center portal in the Fast Lane (10-business-day review target); city permit and plan-review fees run roughly $2,500-$3,600 on a $120,000-$200,000 valuation, plus development impact fees of $3,515 for a unit of 750 sq ft or less ($5,420 for 751-1,250 sq ft) through June 30, 2027. Eleven pre-approved model plans (156-1,000 sq ft) skip construction-document review.
In Tucson you will also hear an ADU called a casita — Arizona's ADU statute (A.R.S. §9-461.18) and most local codes use it. The rules on this page apply either way.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2][3][4][5][6]
Yes — Tucson allows ADUs. A detached ADU can typically be up to 1,000 sq ft under current Arizona and Tucson zoning rules.
See what this means for your lot — ask Tucson ADU builders for a quote →
| Allowed Zones | Any parcel in a zone that permits residential use and is developed with a Family Dwelling (single-family detached or attached, manufactured home, duplex); UDC 6.6.3.B. Multifamily developments (3+ units on one lot) are excluded, and Middle Housing (2-4 unit buildings) is defined separately from ADUs (UDC 11.3.7.A.3). Casitas are allowed inside Historic Preservation Zones, Historic Landmark and Neighborhood Preservation Zones but must pass that district's design review (6.6.3.B.8). State law does not reach tribal land or land in the noise territory of an airport (A.R.S. 9-461.18(G)). Check your zone with the city's zoning map or PDSD at (520) 791-5550 |
| Max Size (Detached) | 75% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, not to exceed 1,000 sq ft of gross floor area; a casita may always be up to 650 sq ft regardless of the size of the main house (UDC 6.6.3.B.5). Gross floor area means interior habitable area (A.R.S. 9-461.18(I)(2)). Lot coverage in R-1, R-2 and R-3 is capped at 70% for single-family use (Table 6.3-2.A), and ADUs are exempt from the zone's maximum residential density (6.6.3.B.1) |
| Max Size (Attached) | Same cap as detached: 75% of the main house up to 1,000 sq ft, with 650 sq ft always allowed (UDC 6.6.3.B.5). An attached ADU is built to the dimensional standards of the principal house (6.6.3.B.7) and may share utilities and meters with it; the casitas FAQ notes existing service lines may need upsizing for the added demand |
| Max Size (JADU) | Tucson has no junior ADU category. A unit inside the house counts as one of the two ADUs allowed per lot and follows the same 75% / 1,000 sq ft cap; a garage or carport built on a property line can only become a casita if it meets the 5-ft setback or wins relief through the Design Development Option (UDC 3.11.1, $278.07 staff review fee plus public notice, with neighbors within 100 ft notified) |
| Max Height | Same as a single-family home in the zone (UDC 6.6.3.B.7 and 6.6.3.D): 25 ft in R-1, R-2, R-3, RX-2, MH-1 and MH-2; 30 ft in RH, SR, SH and RX-1 (Tables 6.3-1.A and 6.3-2.A). State law bars the city from setting a lower height for ADUs than for houses in the same zone (A.R.S. 9-461.18(B)(5)). Ordinary sheds and other accessory structures are held to 12 ft, but that limit does not apply to ADUs |
| Max Units | Two ADUs per parcel developed with a Family Dwelling; one ADU on a parcel developed with a duplex (UDC 6.6.3.B). On a lot over one acre, a third ADU is allowed if at least one ADU is deed-restricted as affordable to households at or below 80% of area median income, with proof of the restriction required before the building permit issues (6.6.3.B.2). Adding one or two casitas to an existing occupied house does not trigger a commercial site plan, multifamily standards or street improvements beyond repairing construction damage (6.6.3.B.10) |
Setback Requirements [1][2][3][4][5][6]
Tucson requires a rear setback of about 5 ft for a detached ADU, and no additional parking is required. Owner-occupancy is not required — you can rent it out without living on the property.
| Rear Setback | 5 ft minimum from the rear property line (UDC 6.6.3.B.6), the ceiling allowed by A.R.S. 9-461.18(B)(6). Chimneys, roof overhangs and bay windows may project 2 ft into the yard as long as 3 ft remains (6.4.5.D.1). A casita cannot be built over a public utility easement without the utility's written consent (A.R.S. 9-461.18(E)) |
| Side Setback | 5 ft minimum from each interior side property line (UDC 6.6.3.B.6); 10 ft from a side street property line on a corner lot (6.4.5.C.1.b). Same 2-ft eave/chimney projection allowance as the rear yard |
| Front Setback | A detached casita is not permitted in the area between the house and the front street lot line, i.e. it must sit behind the front wall of the house; only shade structures or carports up to 400 sq ft, low terraces, paving and walls may go there (UDC 6.6.3.C). An attached ADU follows the house's 20-ft front street perimeter yard (6.4.5.C.1.a); lots in approved subdivisions may have a 5-ft front yard shown on the plat |
| Parking Required | None. Vehicular parking is not required for an ADU (UDC 6.6.3.B.3) and the city may not demand added parking or an in-lieu fee (A.R.S. 9-461.18(B)(3)). No replacement parking is required if a garage or carport is converted, but a converted structure must still meet setbacks and building code |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required for long-term rental. The UDC contains no owner-occupancy rule for ADUs, and A.R.S. 9-461.18(B)(1)-(2) bar the city from prohibiting separate long-term leasing (90 days or more, or month to month) of the house or the casita or from requiring a family or employment relationship between the occupants |
| Min Lot Size | No ADU-specific minimum: a casita is allowed on any lot that lawfully holds a single-family home, and the city may not set a stricter lot-size, coverage or frontage rule for ADUs than for houses (A.R.S. 9-461.18(B)(5)). For reference, the zone minimums after Ordinance 12219 are 6,000 sq ft in R-1 and 4,000 sq ft in R-2 and R-3 (Table 6.3-2.A); a casita cannot be sold separately unless the lot is legally split into two lots that each meet that minimum |
Permit Process & Fees [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]
An ADU permit in Tucson goes through a standard permit review. Typical timeline: PDSD's published performance goal is 10 business days per review cycle for the 'Residential ADU / Casita' and 'Residential Model from Template' permit types (Fast Lane), after up to 3 business days for intake; residential additions/alterations run in the 20-business-day Standard Lane. Corrections restart the clock, so plan on one to three months from a complete application to a permit, and 4-8 months of construction. Arizona has no deemed-approved deadline for ADU permits. Permit fees: City fees are valuation-based (FY2027 Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2026). Building permit for new construction: $1,038.05 plus $9.64 per $1,000 over $50,000, or $1,520.05 plus $8.25 per $1,000 over $100,000 (Section 4-02.4); building staff review (plan check) for residential is 50% of the permit fee (4-02.2.1); digital filing fee 1% (minimum $18.54). Worked example: a $120,000 valuation gives a $1,685.05 permit + $842.53 plan review + about $25 filing = roughly $2,550; at $200,000 it is about $3,550. Using an approved model plan waives the construction-document review and substitutes a $176.55 site-plan review (4-02.3.3), so the same $120,000 casita pays about $1,880. Valuation follows the ICC Building Valuation Data table; ask PDSD (pdsdinquiries@tucsonaz.gov) for the current per-square-foot figure. Setback relief via the Design Development Option costs $278.07 plus public-notice fees.
| Approval Process | Building permit only; no rezoning, special exception, variance or public hearing for a code-compliant casita (UDC 6.6.3; A.R.S. 9-461.18(I)(5)). Apply online through the Tucson Development Center (TDC) portal (tdc-online.tucsonaz.gov) as a 'Residential ADU / Casita' permit using the PDSD Accessory Dwelling Unit checklist (rev. 7/9/2026): flattened PDF plans with a 3x5 in. stamp space, cover sheet with square footage and historic/floodplain status, plot plan with setbacks, lot coverage and utility routes, floor plan with egress and Inclusive Home Design notes, foundation, wall sections, roof framing, elevations with heights, energy compliance (R-values, U-factors), mechanical plan with Manual J/D/S load calculations, plumbing isometric and water/gas sizing, and an electrical plan with panel schedule, one-line diagram, outdoor-lighting compliance, solar-ready provisions and an EV-ready NEMA 14-50R receptacle. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing are folded into the single building permit. A new casita needs a cool roof (>60 SRI) and its own Pima County address; utilities may be shared with the house. Casitas in HPZ, HL or NPZ districts add that district's design review. Plans are reviewed under the 2024 International Codes and 2023 NEC (effective January 1, 2026; 2024 IECC from July 1, 2026) |
| Review Timeline | PDSD's published performance goal is 10 business days per review cycle for the 'Residential ADU / Casita' and 'Residential Model from Template' permit types (Fast Lane), after up to 3 business days for intake; residential additions/alterations run in the 20-business-day Standard Lane. Corrections restart the clock, so plan on one to three months from a complete application to a permit, and 4-8 months of construction. Arizona has no deemed-approved deadline for ADU permits |
| Permit Fees | City fees are valuation-based (FY2027 Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2026). Building permit for new construction: $1,038.05 plus $9.64 per $1,000 over $50,000, or $1,520.05 plus $8.25 per $1,000 over $100,000 (Section 4-02.4); building staff review (plan check) for residential is 50% of the permit fee (4-02.2.1); digital filing fee 1% (minimum $18.54). Worked example: a $120,000 valuation gives a $1,685.05 permit + $842.53 plan review + about $25 filing = roughly $2,550; at $200,000 it is about $3,550. Using an approved model plan waives the construction-document review and substitutes a $176.55 site-plan review (4-02.3.3), so the same $120,000 casita pays about $1,880. Valuation follows the ICC Building Valuation Data table; ask PDSD (pdsdinquiries@tucsonaz.gov) for the current per-square-foot figure. Setback relief via the Design Development Option costs $278.07 plus public-notice fees |
| Impact Fees | Yes. Development impact fees for parks, police, fire and streets are charged per housing unit by size under Tucson Code 23A-91 (Ordinance 12169, adopted June 3, 2025). Phase-in Year 2 rates, July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027: $3,515 for a unit of 750 sq ft or less (parks $1,162, police $248, fire $215, streets $1,890) and $5,420 for 751-1,250 sq ft; full rates from July 1, 2027 are $3,906 and $6,022. Units in the Mixed Use Incentive area pay $3,255 / $5,023. An administrative fee is added. The casitas FAQ confirms these fees apply to casitas; the city's online Impact Fee Calculator (impactfee.tucsonaz.gov) gives a parcel-specific estimate. The FY2027 fee ordinance directed staff to return with affordable-housing relief options, so check for changes before applying |
| Plan Check | Electronic review through the TDC portal; all disciplines (zoning, building, MEP, energy, fire) review the one submittal. Review fee is 50% of the building permit fee (waived for an unmodified model plan). Plans must show the 2024 IECC thermal envelope, Manual J/S/D HVAC sizing (REScheck accepted for energy), a plumbing fixture-unit and water-supply calculation covering both buildings when a meter is shared, a complete panel schedule and riser diagram, Outdoor Lighting Code fixture data, egress windows in every bedroom (5.7 sq ft clear, 24 in. high, 20 in. wide, sill no higher than 44 in.) and at least one 36-in. exterior door. An engineer is required for engineered trusses and other conditions in PDSD's truss policy. State law bars the city from requiring fire sprinklers or the commercial code for an ADU (A.R.S. 9-461.18(D)) |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Yes. The city's Casita Model Plan Library (casitas.tucsonaz.gov) listed 11 pre-approved designs in September 2026: 6 design-competition winners and 5 other approved plans, together offering about 20 floor-plan options from a 156 sq ft studio to a 1,000 sq ft two-bedroom, two-bath unit. Plans are licensed from their designers for a one-time fee set by the designer (not paid to the city); the license does not transfer ownership, and any change to the plan sends it back through full review. You still submit a site plan showing utility routes and pay the building permit and impact fees, but the construction-document review fee is waived and the permit runs in the Fast Lane. Model plans are valid for one year and renewable until the residential code changes; Arizona-certified modular designs can also be added to the library |
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Construction Costs [15][16][17][18]
Building an ADU in Tucson typically costs $150,000-$250,000 ($150-$300 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $60,000-$150,000.
See what this means for your lot — ask Tucson ADU builders for a quote →
| Average Build Cost | $150,000-$250,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $150-$300 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000-$150,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $150-$300 per sq ft |
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Rental Income Potential [19][20][21][22][23]
A 2-bedroom ADU in Tucson rents for around $1,200-$1,700/mo, an estimated 5-8% gross rental yield on a $150,000-$250,000 detached casita renting at $950-$1,300/mo (estimate before taxes, vacancy, financing and the $3,515-$5,420 impact fee).
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $950-$1,300/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,200-$1,700/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | Yes, with a city business license and transient (bed) tax. A.R.S. |
| Est. Annual ROI | 5-8% gross rental yield on a $150,000-$250,000 detached casita renting at $950-$1,300/mo (estimate before taxes, vacancy, financing and the $3,515-$5,420 impact fee) |
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Ordinance 12219 (adopted December 16, 2025, effective January 1, 2026), Tucson's HB 2721 Middle Housing amendment, re-cut UDC Table 6.3-2.A (R-1 minimum lot now 6,000 sq ft; duplexes to fourplexes allowed in most residential zones) and amended Section 6.6.3: Middle Housing is defined separately from ADUs, a duplex lot may add one casita, and ADU landscaping now follows UDC 7.6.2.C
- The 2024 International Codes and 2023 National Electrical Code took effect January 1, 2026 (Ordinance 12171) and the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code on July 1, 2026; every casita application filed on or after July 1, 2026 is reviewed under the 2024 codes
- FY2027 Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule (adopted May 19, 2026, effective July 1, 2026): building permit valuation table now starts at $89.45 with $1,520.05 plus $8.25 per $1,000 in the $100,000-$500,000 bracket, model-plan site review $176.55, staff hourly rate $100, and a 5% increase on most flat fees
- Development impact fee update (Ordinance 12169, June 3, 2025): new size-tiered residential fees phased in from August 18, 2025; Year 2 rates from July 1, 2026 are $3,515 for units of 750 sq ft or less and $5,420 for 751-1,250 sq ft, rising to $3,906 and $6,022 on July 1, 2027 (Tucson Code 23A-90 and 23A-91)
- PDSD Permit Review Lanes now place 'Residential ADU / Casita' and 'Residential Model from Template' permits in the Fast Lane with a 10-business-day review target; the PDSD Accessory Dwelling Unit application checklist was reissued July 9, 2026
- Ordinance 12131 (adopted October 22, 2024, effective November 21, 2024) brought UDC 6.6.3 into line with A.R.S. 9-461.18 (HB 2720): two ADUs per lot by right, 75% of the house up to 1,000 sq ft with a 650 sq ft floor, 5-ft side and rear setbacks, no parking, no design-matching, no commercial site plan, and a cool-roof requirement for new units
- Arizona HB 2928 (Laws 2025, Chapter 217, signed May 2025) extended the ADU mandate to counties (new A.R.S. 11-810.01) and amended 9-500.39 so a city may require owner residency for a short-term rental on a lot whose ADU was finaled on or after September 14, 2024
Tips for Building an ADU in Tucson
- Design to 650 sq ft or less if your house is small: the 650 sq ft floor applies no matter what 75% of the house works out to, and a unit of 750 sq ft or less pays the lowest impact fee tier ($3,515 through June 2027 versus $5,420 for 751-1,250 sq ft)
- Put a detached casita behind the front wall of the house; UDC 6.6.3.C bars detached accessory buildings from the front yard area even though the 5-ft side and rear setbacks are generous
- Pick a model plan from the city library before hiring a designer: the construction-document review fee is waived, the site-plan review is a flat $176.55, and the permit runs in the 10-business-day Fast Lane; only the site plan and utility routing are reviewed
- Budget for the whole fee stack, not just the permit: roughly $2,550-$3,550 in city permit and plan-review fees on a $120,000-$200,000 valuation, plus $3,515 or $5,420 in impact fees, an administrative fee, and a Pima County address assignment
- Ignore older city handouts and FAQ text that still say one casita per lot, 7,000 sq ft R-1 lots or the 2018 IRC; the code as amended in 2024-2026 allows two casitas, sets R-1 at 6,000 sq ft and reviews under the 2024 codes
- Check for an HOA before you draw plans: state law only overrides city rules, so recorded CC&Rs that ban casitas still apply (A.R.S. 9-461.18(C)); also confirm whether your lot is in a Historic or Neighborhood Preservation Zone, which adds design review
- Cost basis (2026-09-19 re-verification): avg build cost: $150,000-$250,000 for a mid-range detached casita of 500-800 sq ft, per 2026 Arizona industry guides; a basic 380-400 sq ft unit runs about $110,000-$140,000 and a premium 700-800 sq ft build $260,000-$360,000. No Tucson-specific published cost survey exists; these ranges are Arizona-wide (mostly Phoenix-metro) figures. Add city permit and review fees (about $2,500-$3,600), impact fees ($3,515-$5,420 through June 2027) and the model-plan license fee if you use one | cost per sqft: $150-$300 per sq ft all-in for site-built construction, with $200-$275 typical for a standard finish level (industry guides dated December 2025 and May 2026). Smaller units cost more per square foot because the kitchen and bathroom dominate. Site work, utility trenching and hookups are often quoted separately at $10,000-$30,000 | garage conversion: $60,000-$150,000 for a full conversion with kitchen, bathroom and separate entrance per 2026 Arizona guides (about $100-$175 per sq ft on the existing shell); a 400 sq ft conversion is quoted at $60,000-$95,000. In Tucson the converted garage must meet the 5-ft side and rear setbacks or obtain a Design Development Option, and it still pays impact fees as a new housing unit | prefab adu: No Tucson-specific range is published. Arizona guides note a factory-built unit lowers the per-square-foot price but site prep, foundation, utility hookups, craning and permits still apply, so the installed total lan
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Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- Tucson Unified Development Code Section 6.6.3 Residential Uses (accessory dwelling units), as amended by Ord. 12131 (10/22/2024) and Ord. 12219 (12/16/2025) | American Legal Publishing, 2026 S-150 Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Casita Regulations in Tucson (Building A Casita) | City of Tucson Planning and Development Services, Casitas in Tucson hub Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Tucson UDC Section 6.3.4, Table 6.3-2.A Dimensional Standards for the R-1, R-2, R-3, MH-1 and MH-2 Zones (Am. Ord. 12219) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Tucson UDC Section 6.4.5 Perimeter Yards (street perimeter yard, projections) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Tucson UDC Section 11.3.7 Residential Use Group (Family Dwelling, Middle Housing, Accessory Dwelling definitions) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-19
- A.R.S. 9-461.18 Accessory dwelling units; regulation; applicability; definitions | Arizona Legislature Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Permit Review Lanes (Fast Lane: Residential ADU / Casita, 10 business days) | City of Tucson PDSD Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Residential Building Permit Application Checklist: Accessory Dwelling Units (Rev. 7/9/2026) | City of Tucson PDSD Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
- FY2027 Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2026), Sections 4-01.5, 4-02.2, 4-02.3, 4-02.4, 4-03.8 | City of Tucson PDSD Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Tucson Code Sec. 23A-90 Effective dates and Sec. 23A-91 Fee schedule tables (development impact fees, Ord. 12169) | American Legal Publishing Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Casitas in Tucson: Frequently Asked Questions (impact fees, model plans, review times, egress, utilities) | City of Tucson PDSD Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Casita Model Plan Library | City of Tucson PDSD Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Building Codes As Adopted by the City of Tucson (2024 I-Codes effective 1/1/2026, Ordinance 12171) | City of Tucson PDSD Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Fee Schedule (adopted May 19, 2026; effective July 1, 2026) | City of Tucson PDSD Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Casita Construction Costs in Arizona: Price Guide 2026 (December 14, 2025) | LatestCost industry — Accessed 2026-09-19
- ADUs in Arizona: Rules, Costs, What to Know (May 12, 2026) | Fenn Rogers industry — Accessed 2026-09-19
- How Much Does a Casita Cost in Arizona? 2026 Cost Guide | Arizona Casita Guide industry — Accessed 2026-09-19
- How Much Does It Cost to Build a Casita in Arizona? (2026 Guide) | Rise Above Remodeling industry — Accessed 2026-09-19
- FY 2026 Small Area Fair Market Rents, Tucson, AZ MSA (by ZIP code) | HUD User FMR Documentation System Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Average Rent in Tucson, AZ (August 2026) | RentCafe Market Data — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Average Rent in Tucson, AZ (September 2026) | Zumper Market Data — Accessed 2026-09-19
- A.R.S. 9-500.39 Limits on regulation of vacation rentals and short-term rentals (subsection B(9), ADU owner residency) | Arizona Legislature Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Tucson Code Chapter 19, Article I Occupational License Tax (definition of vacation or short-term rental) | American Legal Publishing Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-19
- HB 2720 (2024) House Bill Summary: accessory dwelling units; requirements | Arizona Legislature Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Laws 2025, Chapter 217 (HB 2928): amending A.R.S. 9-461.18 and 9-500.39, adding 11-810.01 | Arizona Legislature Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-19
- Tucson Expands Housing Options with Middle Housing Code Amendment (December 17, 2025; effective January 1, 2026) | City of Tucson PDSD News Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
- PDSD Rate and Fee Changes Approved by Mayor and Council, Effective July 1, 2026 | City of Tucson PDSD News Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-19
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Tucson?
Yes. ADUs are allowed in Any parcel in a zone that permits residential use and is developed with a Family Dwelling (single-family detached or attached, manufactured home, duplex); UDC 6.6.3.B. Multifamily developments (3+ units on one lot) are excluded, and Middle Housing (2-4 unit buildings) is defined separately from ADUs (UDC 11.3.7.A.3). Casitas are allowed inside Historic Preservation Zones, Historic Landmark and Neighborhood Preservation Zones but must pass that district's design review (6.6.3.B.8). State law does not reach tribal land or land in the noise territory of an airport (A.R.S. 9-461.18(G)). Check your zone with the city's zoning map or PDSD at (520) 791-5550 in Tucson. The maximum size for a detached ADU is 75% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, not to exceed 1,000 sq ft of gross floor area; a casita may always be up to 650 sq ft regardless of the size of the main house (UDC 6.6.3.B.5). Gross floor area means interior habitable area (A.R.S. 9-461.18(I)(2)). Lot coverage in R-1, R-2 and R-3 is capped at 70% for single-family use (Table 6.3-2.A), and ADUs are exempt from the zone's maximum residential density (6.6.3.B.1). Owner-occupancy is not required, so you can rent out the ADU.
How much does an ADU cost in Tucson?
ADU construction in Tucson typically costs $150,000-$250,000. Garage conversions run $60,000-$150,000, and prefab ADUs cost $150-$300 per sq ft.
How much can I rent an ADU for in Tucson?
Average ADU rents in Tucson are $950-$1,300/mo for a 1-bedroom and $1,200-$1,700/mo for a 2-bedroom unit.
Do I need parking for an ADU in Tucson?
None. Vehicular parking is not required for an ADU (UDC 6.6.3.B.3) and the city may not demand added parking or an in-lieu fee (A.R.S. 9-461.18(B)(3)). No replacement parking is required if a garage or carport is converted, but a converted structure must still meet setbacks and building code. Check with Tucson planning department for the latest Arizona ADU parking rules, as many states have relaxed requirements in recent years.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Tucson?
The permit review timeline in Tucson is PDSD's published performance goal is 10 business days per review cycle for the 'Residential ADU / Casita' and 'Residential Model from Template' permit types (Fast Lane), after up to 3 business days for intake; residential additions/alterations run in the 20-business-day Standard Lane. Corrections restart the clock, so plan on one to three months from a complete application to a permit, and 4-8 months of construction. Arizona has no deemed-approved deadline for ADU permits. Permit fees: City fees are valuation-based (FY2027 Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2026). Building permit for new construction: $1,038.05 plus $9.64 per $1,000 over $50,000, or $1,520.05 plus $8.25 per $1,000 over $100,000 (Section 4-02.4); building staff review (plan check) for residential is 50% of the permit fee (4-02.2.1); digital filing fee 1% (minimum $18.54). Worked example: a $120,000 valuation gives a $1,685.05 permit + $842.53 plan review + about $25 filing = roughly $2,550; at $200,000 it is about $3,550. Using an approved model plan waives the construction-document review and substitutes a $176.55 site-plan review (4-02.3.3), so the same $120,000 casita pays about $1,880. Valuation follows the ICC Building Valuation Data table; ask PDSD (pdsdinquiries@tucsonaz.gov) for the current per-square-foot figure. Setback relief via the Design Development Option costs $278.07 plus public-notice fees.
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