Due to forecasted storms, free sand for sandbags is now available on a first-come, first-serve basis at nine City of Phoenix Parks.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
City of Phoenix Standard Plan Library
The ADU Standard Plan Library offers pre-approved designs for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), created through the 2024 City of Phoenix & AIA Phoenix Metro Design Competition. These plans help reduce construction time and cost. The plans are free to use for City of Phoenix residents. Residents must submit plans as is without modifications.
2024 Design Competition Winners
The City of Phoenix, in partnership with AIA Phoenix Metro, proudly hosted the 2024 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Competition—an open call for innovative, sustainable, and practical ADU designs. Supported by a national AIA College of Fellows Component Grant, the competition attracted talented entrants from across multiple states, showcasing creative solutions for housing in Phoenix.
On December 3, 2024, winners were announced during a special ceremony at Phoenix City Hall, featuring remarks by Mayor Kate Gallego. The jury-selected finalists underwent an additional City of Phoenix review to ensure designs could be easily adapted into standard plans for local use.
Beyond the competition criteria, the City team evaluated additional parameters, including:
- Ease of conversion to standard plans for permitting
- Compatibility with typical Phoenix lot sizes (6,000–8,000 sq. ft.)
- Strategies to reduce material costs and improve affordability
This initiative marks the first step in creating a comprehensive ADU Standard Plan Library for Phoenix—providing residents with accessible, pre-approved designs to support housing flexibility for years to come.
Designs with the "IN REVIEW" banner are currently being processed for standard plan pre-approval and are not yet available.
Designs with the "IN REVIEW" banner are currently being processed for standard plan pre-approval and are not yet available.
Please check back soon for updated information
What's Next?
Approved ADU standard plans will be available at no cost to residents. A plot/site plan will still be required for permitting, but the design fee barrier is removed, making ADUs more attainable for homeowners.
Once the plans are approved, you will be able to select your design from the list of standard plans. Contact information for each designer is provided and may be contacted for questions. Please be aware that any changes to the approved standard plans will require a new submittal outside of this process.
Standard Plan List
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
ADUs, often referred to as guest houses, casistas, or granny flats are separate, self-continued living areas that are either fully detached structures or attached to an existing home, with its own external kitchen.
An ADU usually contains all of the amenities to operate as a fully independent, operational dwelling, including a kitchen, bathroom, living area and sleeping quarters.
New Rules
In late 2024, the Phoenix City Council approved new ordinance changes to comply with new state laws for ADUs.
Learn More:
