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Casita and ADU rules by city in the East Valley

Quick answer

Arizona law requires cities with more than 75,000 people, and all unincorporated county land, to allow one attached and one detached ADU on single-family lots with no more than a 5-foot side or rear setback. Queen Creek adopted its own ADU rules. HOA rules still apply. Shops and RV garages do not get the 5-foot ADU setback.

Last updated November 2, 2026.

Illustration of a modern detached casita in a suburban backyard with a block wall
Illustration. Not a photo of a real project.

The state laws in plain English

  • Arizona's 2024 casita law (HB 2720, ARS 9-461.18) requires cities with more than 75,000 people to allow one attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on single-family lots without a public hearing.
  • A 2025 law (HB 2928, ARS 11-810.01) applies the same basic ADU rules to unincorporated county land, with no population minimum. Counties had until Jan. 1, 2026 to adopt rules.
  • Under these laws, cities and counties cannot require more than a 5-foot side or rear setback for an ADU, cannot require extra parking for it, and cannot require it to match your home's design.
  • Cities and counties must allow an ADU of at least 75% of the home's interior living area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. Some allow larger ADUs with extra conditions.
  • You can rent an ADU long-term (90 days or more, or month to month). The city cannot require the tenant to be a relative or employee.
  • Short-term rentals are different: a city or county can require the owner to live on the property if it is a short-term rental with an ADU approved on or after Sept. 14, 2024 (HB 2928).
  • The state ADU laws do not override HOA rules. If your HOA's CC&Rs limit casitas or tall detached buildings, those rules still apply.

Rules by city and county

Pick your area for the full page. Where we have not confirmed a number, we say so instead of guessing.

Casita and shop rules by jurisdiction
AreaCasita (ADU)Shop or RV garageOfficial source
Queen CreekTown adopted its own ADU rules with 5 ft side and rear setbacks.Over 15 ft tall: must meet the district's normal side and rear setbacks.ADU page, accessory structures
GilbertState law applies (over 75,000 people). Town updated its code in Dec. 2024.Not confirmed yet.Council packet Z24-05
San Tan Valley (town)Town zoning since July 1, 2026. Numbers not confirmed yet.Not confirmed yet.Town Code
Pinal County (outside towns)County ADU law applies. County adopted rules Dec. 2025.Not confirmed yet.Board minutes, ARS 11-810.01
ChandlerState law applies. 5 ft ADU setback cap.Accessory buildings other than ADUs: 15 ft max, district setbacks. Garage attached to an ADU: normal setbacks.Ordinance 5113
MesaState law applies. 5 ft ADU setback cap.Over 15 ft at the peak: district setbacks, and generally no taller than the house peak without a Special Use Permit.ADU page, Ord. 5883
Maricopa County islandsCounty ADU law applies. Detached ADU in a required yard: 18 ft max, 5 ft from the line.May sit as close as 3 ft to side or rear lines, covering no more than 30% of that yard.Zoning Ordinance

Where a cell says not confirmed, ask that town or county before you design.

Why a shop or RV garage is different

The 5-foot ADU setback applies to the living unit. In Chandler and Mesa, a garage attached to an ADU must meet the normal setbacks, and in Mesa the normal accessory height limits too.

A 14-foot RV door usually means 16 to 18 foot walls and an 18 to 22 foot roof peak. That is taller than the reduced-setback height limit in Queen Creek, Chandler and Mesa. See shops and RV garages for the full picture.

Check your own lot

Use the lot checker on the home page. Pick your city or county, lot size and HOA status, and you get the rule with its source link.

Frequently asked questions

Does the state ADU law cover Queen Creek?

Queen Creek adopted its own ADU rules with 5-foot side and rear setbacks, so you do not need to rely on the state law there. Read the town's ADU page for the current details.

Can my HOA stop me from building a casita?

It can. The state ADU laws do not override HOA rules. If your HOA's CC&Rs limit casitas or tall detached buildings, those rules still apply.

Can I rent out my casita?

You can rent an ADU long-term (90 days or more, or month to month). The city cannot require the tenant to be a relative or employee. Short-term rentals can carry an owner-residency rule for ADUs approved on or after Sept. 14, 2024.

Is 1,000 square feet the most I can build?

No. The state laws set a minimum each city or county must allow: at least 75% of the home's interior living area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. Some allow larger ADUs with extra conditions. Ask your jurisdiction.

Sources

All sources checked Oct 29, 2026.

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