Zoning Guide

Glendale Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Glendale Planning Department(623) 930-2580
Building Code Edition
2018 International Building Code (locally adopted)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Yes
Example District
R1-6 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
30 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Glendale

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Arizona

  • Building Code: No mandatory statewide code (local adoption)
  • State ADU Override: Yes (Arizona HB 2720 (2024) / A.R.S. § 9-461.18 — requires cities with populations over 75,000 to permit ADUs by right on single-family lots, caps ADUs at 75% of the primary dwelling or 1,000 sq ft, limits setbacks to 5 ft, and prohibits owner-occupancy and additional parking requirements. Glendale adopted conforming amendments (Ord. O25-45) on December 10, 2024.)
View Arizona zoning overview

County — Maricopa County

  • Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

R1-6Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
30 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
R-3Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
10,000 sq ft
Max Height
40 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
C-2General Commercial
Min Lot
None
Max Height
50 ft
Front Setback
0 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
0 ft

ADU Rules in Glendale

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
75% of the primary dwelling's habitable area or 1,000 sq ft (whichever is less), measured by gross floor area excluding garages, attics and enclosed exterior stairways
Parking
No additional parking required (per Arizona HB 2720)
Owner Occupancy
Not required, except when a short-term rental exists on the same property (per Glendale Ord. O25-45)
Full ADU rules for Glendale →

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Glendale permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Glendale Planning Departmentglendaleaz.govOfficial sourceGlendale Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

What zones allow multi-family housing in Glendale?
Multi-family housing is typically permitted in R-3 and higher residential districts, as well as in certain commercial and mixed-use zones. Check the local zoning code for specific district allowances.