Zoning & Size Limits
| Requirement | Tempe, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| Allowed Zones | All single-family residential districts citywide (per ARS 9- | Any lot or parcel where a single-family dwelling is the prin |
| Max Size (Detached) | 1,000 sq ft or 75% of the main dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is less | 75% of the single-family dwelling's gross floor area (interior habitable area) or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less |
| Max Size (Attached) | 1,000 sq ft or 75% of the main dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is less | 75% of the single-family dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less |
| Max Height | Same as the underlying zoning district standard (t | Same as the building height limit of the underlyin |
| Parking Required | No additional parking may be required (ARS 9-461.18 bars ADU | Chandler's code requires 1 additional off-street space per A |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required for long-term rentals; owner must reside on sit | Not required |
Setback Requirements
| Setback | Tempe, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| Rear Setback | 5 feet minimum (all districts, unless the district allows less) | 5 feet minimum (uninhabitable space attached to an ADU, e.g. a garage, must meet full district setbacks) |
| Side Setback | 5 feet minimum, including street side yards (all districts, unless the district allows less) | 5 feet minimum |
| Front Setback | Per underlying zoning district — Confirm with Temp | Same as front yard setback of the underlying zonin |
Permits & Timeline
| Detail | Tempe, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| Permit Timeline | Typically 4-8 weeks for residential plan review — Confirm with Tempe Community Development | Confirm with Chandler Development Services (480-782-3000) |
| Permit Fees | Building permit and plan review fees based on valuation — Confirm with Tempe Community Development | 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 Tempe Community Development; state law bars ADU | Confirm with Chandler Development Services |
| Pre-Approved Plans | No city pre-approved plan library — Confirm with T | No city pre-approved ADU plan program identified a |
Construction Costs
| Cost | Tempe, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| Avg Build Cost | $120,000-$250,000 | $125,000-$250,000 |
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $140-$280 | $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 | Tempe, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
|---|
| 1BR Avg Rent | $1,300-$1,700/mo | $1,350-$1,700/mo |
| 2BR Avg Rent | $1,600-$2,100/mo | $1,600-$2,000/mo |
| Short-Term Rentals | Allowed with an Arizona/Tempe STR license, but the owner mus | 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?
Tempe scores 7/10 while Chandler scores 6/10 on our ADU-friendliness index.
Tempe 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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