UPP/ADU

This is a project that I completed as a volunteer for Urban Phoenix Project. Its aim was to demonstrate how Phoenix Zoning Ordinance handles ADUs and what could be in an accessible way. The following text and graphics are excerpted from Section 3.1 Pheonix Zoning Options

In this section, we will be looking at Phoenix zoning code and what it does and doesn’t allow as we look to add more living capacity to Phoenix.

Buckle up, we’re about to get technical. But by the end, you should be able to navigate zoning code.

Let’s start by looking at definitions.

Section 202. Definitions

Dwelling Unit: One (1) or more rooms within a building arranged, designed, or used for residential purposes for one (1) family and containing independent sanitary and cooking facilities. The presence of cooking facilities conclusively establishes the intent to use for residential purposes.

Accessory Dwelling: A subordinate dwelling situated on the same lot with the main dwelling and used as an accessory use.

Unfortunately, this is the only place that references ADUs. So we’re going to have to find other options.

Our first potential loophole is the guesthouse.

Guesthouse: A free-standing building which is designed to house guests or servants of the occupants of the primary dwelling unit.

The difference between an ADU and a guesthouse isn’t a large difference in form (see the following on connecting structure). The main difference is in use. The Guesthouse isn’t intended for leasing by the City of Phoenix.

For purposes of a guest house, a “freestanding building” shall be one which is either not connected to the primary dwelling unit or, if connected to the primary dwelling unit, shall be considered free-standing if:

1. The connecting structure is less than ten (10) feet wide; or

2. The connecting structure is greater than ten (10) feet wide and the length of the connection is more than twice the width of the connecting structure.

For purposes of a guest house, the width of the connecting structure shall be the shortest distance across its narrowest point, measured from the inside surfaces of the exterior, enclosing walls. The length of the connecting structure shall be the shortest possible straight line distance from the outside surface of the primary dwelling unit to the most distant outside surface of the connecting structure.

For purposes of a guesthouse, a structure shall be deemed to be “designed to house guests or servants of the occupants or the primary dwelling unit” if it contains the following;

1. A shower or bath;

2. A commode;

3. Space for sleeping; and

4. Cooking faculties or space and plumbing and electrical wiring which can be legally accessed and connected without the requirement of a permit issued by the City and which is reasonably capable of accommodation of cooking facilities.

The guesthouse is however, only permitted in very specific circumstances and zones, so the guesthouse is effectively outlawed.