Zoning & Size Limits
| Requirement | Phoenix, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| Allowed Zones | Single-family residential zones | Any lot or parcel where a single-family dwelling is the prin |
| Max Size (Detached) | 900 sq ft | 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 primary dwelling, capped at 1,000 sq ft (lots ≤10,000 sq ft) | 75% of the single-family dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less |
| Max Height | 15 ft (use permit may allow more) | Same as the building height limit of the underlyin |
| Parking Required | No additional parking required (AZ HB 2720, effective Jan 20 | No additional parking may be required for ADUs under AZ HB 2 |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required | Not required |
Setback Requirements
| Setback | Phoenix, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| Rear Setback | 15 feet | 5 feet minimum (uninhabitable space attached to an ADU, e.g. a garage, must meet full district setbacks) |
| Side Setback | 5 feet | 5 feet minimum |
| Front Setback | 25 feet | Same as front yard setback of the underlying zonin |
Permits & Timeline
| Detail | Phoenix, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| Permit Timeline | 60-90 days | Confirm with Chandler Development Services (480-782-3000) |
| Permit Fees | $2,500-$4,200 | 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 | $900-$1,600 | Confirm with Chandler Development Services |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Limited availability | No city pre-approved ADU plan program identified a |
Construction Costs
| Cost | Phoenix, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| Avg Build Cost | $120,000-$240,000 | $125,000-$250,000 |
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $135-$270 | $140-$280 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000-$140,000 | $60,000-$140,000 |
| Prefab ADU | $85,000-$200,000 | $85,000-$200,000 |
Rental Income Potential
| Rental | Phoenix, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| 1BR Avg Rent | $1,250-$1,700/mo | $1,350-$1,700/mo |
| 2BR Avg Rent | $1,600-$2,200/mo | $1,600-$2,000/mo |
| Short-Term Rentals | Varies by neighborhood | Not addressed in ADU section 35-2202.2; Chandler requires sh |
| Est. ROI | 7-10% annual return | 6-9% annual return |
Which City Is Better for ADUs?
Phoenix scores 6/10 while Chandler scores 6/10 on our ADU-friendliness index.
Both cities offer viable ADU development opportunities — the best choice depends on your specific property, budget, and goals.
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