Zoning Guide

Scottsdale Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-09-20
Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Scottsdale Planning & Development Services(480) 312-2500
Building Code Edition
2021 I-Codes with Scottsdale amendments; 2020 NEC
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Yes
Example District
R1-6 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
30 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Scottsdale

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 state ADU legislation applies to Scottsdale. The City states that Ordinance 4687, adopted September 30, 2025, implements HB2928 / A.R.S. §9-461.18 and permits attached, detached, and qualifying restricted-affordable detached ADUs subject to the City's current standards.)
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 Scottsdale

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
First ADU: up to 75% of main residence or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less; second/third ADUs: 500 sq ft maximum
Max Height
Maximum height follows the underlying zoning district
Rear Setback
Detached ADU in rear yard may be as close as 5 ft to side or rear yard
Parking
Parking required for the main residence must be maintained; current ADU page does not impose the old template's generic one-space-per-ADU rule
Owner Occupancy
Owner must reside on the premises when an ADU is rented, leased, offered for rent/lease, or occupied as a vacation/short-term rental
Full ADU rules for Scottsdale →

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 Scottsdale permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Scottsdale — Accessory Dwelling Unitsscottsdaleaz.govOfficial sourceScottsdale Parcel Information Map — zoning lookupeservices.scottsdaleaz.govOfficial sourceScottsdale Zoning Ordinance Resourcesscottsdaleaz.govOfficial sourceCity of Scottsdale — Building Code Informationscottsdaleaz.govOfficial sourceCity of Scottsdale Planning & Developmentscottsdaleaz.govOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

What zones allow multi-family housing in Scottsdale?
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.