The 2026 Guide to Arizona's Casita Bill & ADU Laws
From HB 2720 to HB 2928: Understanding your new property rights and how we handle the complexity for you.
The Evolution of the Arizona Casita
In 2024, the Arizona landscape for homeowners changed with the passing of HB 2720, widely celebrated as the "Casita Bill." This landmark legislation stripped away the "red tape" that once made it nearly impossible to build a guest house in major cities.
Building on that momentum, HB 2928 was passed to expand these rights across the state and into county lands. As of January 1, 2026, these "By-Right" laws are fully integrated into local city and county codes. This means that if you own a single-family home in Arizona, you now have the legal right to build a high-quality ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) to house family, generate rental income, or increase your property value.
Feature | Before HB 2720 2928 | After HB 2720 2928 |
|---|---|---|
Zoning Approval | Required complex "Variances" or special permits | "By-Right"—No special zoning permission needed |
Rental Rights | Often restricted to "family use" only | Full Rental Rights allowed for anyone |
Owner Occupancy | Owners often required to live on the property | No Owner-Occupancy required for long-term rentals |
Kitchens | Full kitchens were not always approved during the initial build | Full Kitchens are explicitly permitted for all lot sizes |
Parking | Mandatory extra off-street parking spaces | No Extra Parking required in most urban areas |
While state law has cleared the path, local utility and safety codes still apply. AzADU specializes in navigating these remaining technical requirements to ensure your build is fast and compliant.
What This Means For You:
Your Rights at a Glance
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"By-Right" Development: If your lot is zoned for a single-family home, you are generally allowed to build at least one attached and one detached ADU without needing special zoning variances or "permission" from neighbors.
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Standardized Sizes: Most lots allow for units up to 1,000 square feet or 75% of the size of the primary home (whichever is smaller).
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No Familial Requirements: Under the Casita Bill, you are no longer required to have a family member living in the unit. You can rent it as a long-term residence to anyone you choose.
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No Extra Parking Mandates: In most urban areas, the requirement to add extra off-street parking for your ADU has been eliminated, saving you space and money.
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Design Freedom: Cities can no longer force your ADU to perfectly match the exterior materials or roof pitch of your existing home, giving you the freedom to choose modern or cost-effective finishes.
The AzADU Advantage:
We Manage the Complexity
While the laws have opened the doors, the "Red Tape" of actual construction remains. Navigating permitting offices, identifying hidden utility easements, and ensuring your unit meets the specific 5-foot setback requirements of the new laws can be a full-time job.
AzADU is well-versed in the specific nuances of both HB 2720 and HB 2928. We handle the entire compliance journey:
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Permit Management: We work directly with city and county officials to get your plans approved.
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Utility Infrastructure: We identify and manage sewer, water, and electrical tie-ins to ensure autonomy.
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Site Feasibility: Our Phase 1 evaluation confirms your lot meets all state and local standards before you spend a dime on construction.
We manage every step—from the initial site feasibility study to the final city inspection—ensuring your build is 100% compliant and your legacy is legally protected.
Ready to Start?
Official Resources and Documents
If you would like to read the official legislative text that grants you these property rights, you can access the bills directly from the Arizona State Legislature below:
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Read House Bill 2720 (The Original Casita Bill): The law that required cities over 75,000 residents to allow ADUs.
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Read House Bill 2928 (2025/2026 Expansion): The follow-up legislation expanding ADU rights and county requirements.