Editor’s Update (February 5, 2025):
Property owners should verify current regulations and obtain required approvals from their city/town planning department before starting any construction or modifications.
CASA GRANDE, AZ – The Casa Grande City Council unanimously approved new regulations on November 18, 2024, allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across multiple residential zones. The ordinance, which takes effect January 1, 2025, proactively aligns the city with House Bill 2720‘s requirements for larger municipalities.
While Casa Grande’s population hasn’t yet reached the 75,000-resident threshold that would mandate compliance with HB 2720, city officials opted for early implementation. “We’re on the cusp of meeting this population threshold, and this is something that we’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” explained Senior Planner Jaclyn Sarnowski during the council meeting.
The new regulations permit one ADU per property in Urban Ranch, Rural Ranch, Suburban Homestead, Single-Family Residential, Multi-Family, Mobile Home Residential, and Planned Area Development zones. ADUs must be limited to either 75% of the primary dwelling’s floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
The city held a public open house in July to discuss several upcoming projects, including the ADU text amendments and Public Works projects. While the meeting was well attended with approximately 40 community members, no specific written comments were submitted regarding the ADU proposal. “The citizens that I spoke with all supported it. They thought it was going to provide some affordable alternative housing choices for people, especially seniors and young adults,” noted a council member. Local contractors who attended were excited about the possibility of building ADUs in Casa Grande, having already constructed similar units in other communities.
The ordinance establishes specific development standards, including:
- Side yard setbacks of 5 feet or the zoning district minimum, whichever is less
- Rear yard setback of 5 feet
- Prohibition on building over utility easements without written consent
- Building height must comply with single-family residential zone district standards
- Total building footprint of all accessory structures in the required rear yard setback limited to 25% of that area
- Compliance with International Residential Code standards
The city anticipates the new regulations will increase affordable housing options, support multi-generational living, provide supplemental income for homeowners, and create more diverse housing options within neighborhoods. The ordinance also establishes a framework for upgrading existing ADUs that may already exist in the community.
Property owners interested in building ADUs can begin submitting applications when the ordinance takes effect on January 1, 2025. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with a 6-0 vote at their October 3rd meeting before the measure advanced to the City Council.
