City of Tempe, AZ
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ADU ● Single-Family Homes ● Duplex / Triplex
Preapproved ADU Program
Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 6, Section 9-461.19, Tempe has established a Preapproved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program allowing vendors (architects, designers, etc.) to submit “Standard ADU Plans” for preapproval without site specific information. Property owners may select a preapproved Standard ADU Plan and work with the plan’s vendor to further develop site-specific details and submit for a formal building permit that undergoes an expedited review. Information regarding how this program can be utilized is provided below, as well as a list of preapproved vendors and plans.
How to Apply for Preapproved Standard ADU Plans and Become a Preapproved Vendor
1. Prepare Standard ADU Plans. Create non-site-specific ADU plans that include architectural plans, structural drawings, and calculations. Plans shall be designed to comply with development standards pursuant to Tempe Zoning & Development Code as well as adopted Building Codes. Please consider the following:
- Preapproved Standard ADU Plans are only permitted for detached ADUs
- Zoning standards such as building height and footprint may be affected by different topography and property conditions
- ADUs result in a new dwelling unit, and are subject to General Government Development Fees in accordance with state law
2. Submit Standard ADU Plans with Supporting Documentation for Preapproval.
- Visit the Planning Division website for information on how to electronically submit the Standard ADU Plans for review
- Include “Standard ADU Plans for Preapproved ADU Program” at the beginning of the project description / scope of work on the building permit application as well as the title sheet
- Plan review fees apply
3. Plan Review. Once Standard ADU Plans have been submitted, the plans will go through the following typical review process:
- Administrative Review -- Plans will be reviewed for Administrative Completeness for up to 14 working days before being Accepted.
- Plan Review -- Once Accepted, the plans will be routed for plan check review to all applicable disciplines [Planning, Building, Structural, Fire, MEP, Environmental]. An auto-generated email will notify you regarding approval or if corrections are needed.
- If corrections are required, resubmit plans once all correction items have been resolved.
- Upon approval, instructions regarding payment of final Building Permit [BP] will be sent.
4. Listing on City Webpage.
- Upon approval and payment of fees, the Standard ADU Plans will be assigned a unique tracking number for reference in future submittals.
- Your business name, contact information, and a brief description of the ADU, along with an elevation/rending and floorplan of the ADU, will be published on this webpage to allow property owners to contact you if they would like to inquire about using your preapproved plans.
How to Use a Preapproved Standard ADU Plan
1. Select a Preapproved Standard ADU Plan.
- Review all preapproved Standard ADU Plans listed below and select the one the meets your needs.
- Contact the vendor listed to inquire about cost and timelines for using their plans, as well as what their role in the process will be (e.g.: confirm if they will be handling the building permit process).
- IMPORTANT: NO modifications to preapproved Standard ADU Plans are permitted.
When selecting a Standard ADU Plan, the following should be considered:
- Confirm that the preapproved Standard ADU Plan is suitable for your property. While all ADU development standards found in Tempe's municipal code must be complied with, the following standards are the most applicable when determining the placement of an ADU on your property: (1) ADUs are not permitted within the front setback; (2) ADUs must be set back at least 5’ from side and rear parcel lines.
- Your property must be currently developed with or is proposed to be developed with a single-family unit or multi-unit development [i.e. R-3 zoning districts].
- If the establishment of the ADU proposes to relocate or displace existing parking, you may be required to close your existing curb cut.
2. Prepare Plans with Site-Specific Information and Supporting Documentation.
- Update selected preapproved Standard ADU Plan with site-specific information (e.g.: site plan) and compile the necessary submittal materials (see Application Checklists).
- If you have any questions regarding the preparation of plans or submittal requirements, please contact the applicable department / division via the Tempe's 311 system.
3. Submit ADU Plans and Supporting Documentation for Building Permit Review
- Visit Permit Center for information on how to electronically submit your plans and supporting documentation for Building Permit [BP] review.
- Include “ADU per Standard Plan No. XXX” at the beginning of the project description/scope of work on the building permit application and on the title block of the plans. The Standard Plan No. is the unique ID attributed to the preapproved plan you selected.
- All ADUs must have their own address. To obtain an new address, include a site plan and address plan with your application.
- Upload the completed set of plans, and any other supplemental material that is required.
- Pay initial Plan Review fee.
4. Plan Review. Once Final Plans have been submitted, the plans will go through the following expedited review process:
- Administrative Completeness Review. Plans will be reviewed for Administrative Completeness before being Accepted.
- Plan Review. Once Accepted, the plans will be routed for plan review to all applicable. An auto-generated email will notify you regarding approval or if corrections are needed. As you are using preapproved plans, corrections should be minimal.
- If corrections are issued, resubmittal of revised plans is required.
- Upon approval, instructions regarding payment of final fees will be sent.
- Once all fees are paid, Building Permit [BP] may be issued.
Preapproved Standard ADU Plans and Vendors
The following is a list of preapproved Standard ADU Plans and vendor contact information:
- To date, no vendors have been preapproved.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
For additional follow-up or questions, please contact planning@tempe.gov.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Standard Plan Library | City of Tempe, AZ