Zoning & Size Limits
| Requirement | Chandler, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|
| Allowed Zones | Any lot or parcel where a single-family dwelling is the prin | Limited to select residential zones |
| Max Size (Detached) | 75% of the single-family dwelling's gross floor area (interior habitable area) or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less | 75% of primary dwelling, up to 1,000 sq ft (minimum 650 sq ft guaranteed) |
| Max Size (Attached) | 75% of the single-family dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less | 75% of primary dwelling, up to 1,000 sq ft (minimum 650 sq ft guaranteed) |
| Max Height | Same as the building height limit of the underlyin | 30 feet |
| Parking Required | No additional parking may be required for ADUs under AZ HB 2 | No parking required (effective November 2024, AZ HB 2720) |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required | May be required in some zones |
Setback Requirements
| Setback | Chandler, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|
| Rear Setback | 5 feet minimum (uninhabitable space attached to an ADU, e.g. a garage, must meet full district setbacks) | 20 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet minimum | 5 feet |
| Front Setback | Same as front yard setback of the underlying zonin | 25 feet |
Permits & Timeline
| Detail | Chandler, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|
| Permit Timeline | Confirm with Chandler Development Services (480-782-3000) | 90-120 days |
| 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 | $3,500-$5,500 |
| Impact Fees | Confirm with Chandler Development Services | $1,200-$2,000 |
| Pre-Approved Plans | No city pre-approved ADU plan program identified a | Not available |
Construction Costs
| Cost | Chandler, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|
| Avg Build Cost | $125,000-$250,000 | $110,000-$220,000 |
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $140-$280 | $145-$290 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000-$140,000 | $55,000-$130,000 |
| Prefab ADU | $85,000-$200,000 | $80,000-$180,000 |
Rental Income Potential
| Rental | Chandler, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|
| 1BR Avg Rent | $1,350-$1,700/mo | $1,100-$1,500/mo |
| 2BR Avg Rent | $1,600-$2,000/mo | $1,400-$1,900/mo |
| Short-Term Rentals | Not addressed in ADU section 35-2202.2; Chandler requires sh | Not permitted |
| Est. ROI | 6-9% annual return | 6-8% annual return |
Which City Is Better for ADUs?
Chandler scores 6/10 while Tucson scores 5/10 on our ADU-friendliness index.
Chandler edges ahead overall. Both cities offer viable ADU development opportunities — the best choice depends on your specific property, budget, and goals.
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