ADU Permit Process - Tempe Junction, Arizona

Housing and Building Standards Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Tempe Junction, Arizona requires compliance with local zoning and building rules and coordination with municipal departments. This guide explains the typical steps homeowners must follow, the responsible departments, inspections, common compliance issues, and how enforcement and appeals work in this jurisdiction. It is written for property owners preparing to apply for permits, hire contractors, or resolve code questions.

Overview of ADU Permit Steps

Most ADU projects require both a zoning review and a building permit. Typical stages are pre-application review, site and plan submission, permit issuance, inspections during construction, and final occupancy approval. Exact requirements and checklists are maintained by the city planning and building divisions; official ADU guidance and permit application portals are available online[1] and building permit instructions and online filing are managed by the Building Safety Division[2].

Begin with a zoning check to confirm your lot allows an ADU before paying for detailed plans.

Key Permitting Steps

  • Pre-application consultation with Planning to confirm zoning, setbacks, and lot coverage.
  • Prepare site plan and architectural drawings meeting local code and building standards.
  • Submit zoning review and building permit applications through the city portal or as instructed by Building Safety.
  • Pay permit and plan review fees as required by the Building Safety fee schedule.
  • Undergo inspections during construction and obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unpermitted ADUs and related violations is handled by the City Planning and Building Safety divisions and by Code Enforcement. Specific penalty amounts for zoning or building violations are not specified on the cited pages; consult the enforcing department for current fines and schedules[1][2].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: whether first, repeat, or continuing offence fines apply is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory removal or alteration, and withholding of certificates of occupancy are possible enforcement tools per departmental practice.
  • Enforcer and inspection pathway: Planning, Building Safety, and Code Enforcement investigate complaints and perform inspections; report issues via the city contact pages[2].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits for permit denials or enforcement orders are set by municipal procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The Building Permit Application and related plan-submission packet are published and managed by the Building Safety Division. Specific form names and numbers (if any) and fee amounts should be retrieved from the Building Safety application page or by contacting Planning and Building Safety directly; fee tables or form numbers are not specified on the cited pages[2].

If you find work already completed without a permit, contact Building Safety immediately to discuss retroactive permitting.

Common Violations and Typical Remedies

  • Constructing without a permit — remedy: apply for retrospective permits or remove noncompliant work if required.
  • Setback/lot coverage breaches — remedy: modify structure or seek variance where allowed.
  • Failure to pass required inspections — remedy: correct deficiencies and request reinspection.

How-To

  1. Confirm lot zoning and ADU eligibility with Planning; obtain pre-application guidance.
  2. Prepare professional plans and a site survey that address setbacks, utilities, and access.
  3. Submit building permit and zoning documents through the Building Safety portal and pay required fees.
  4. Schedule and pass required inspections during construction, addressing any correction notices promptly.
  5. Obtain final approval/certificate of occupancy before leasing or using the ADU as a residence.
Getting a pre-application meeting reduces surprises during plan review.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Tempe Junction?
Yes; zoning review and a building permit are typically required. See the city ADU guidance for details and submission steps.[1]
Where do I submit the building permit?
Building permits are submitted through the Building Safety Division’s application portal or as directed by Building Safety staff.[2]
What happens if I build without a permit?
Code Enforcement and Building Safety may issue stop-work orders, require removal or retroactive permits, and assess fines; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with Planning to confirm zoning eligibility before hiring designers.
  • Submit both zoning documents and a building permit application to avoid enforcement risk.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe Accessory Dwelling Units information
  2. [2] City of Tempe Building Safety - Apply for a Permit

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