Can You Build an ADU in Tucson?
Yes — Tucson is governed by Arizona's statewide ADU law, which limits what the city can restrict. A 700 sq ft detached ADU here runs about $151,000–$247,000.
Construction costs in Tucson track close to the Arizona state average.
Detached ADU (700 sq ft)
$151,000–$247,000
Garage conversion (400 sq ft)
$47,000–$86,000
Statewide protection
Yes
What applies in Tucson
Arizona's HB 2720 (2024) requires municipalities over 75,000 residents to allow ADUs on single-family lots, with restrictions on owner-occupancy and HOA bans, phasing in from 2025.
Because Arizona has a statewide ADU law (Arizona HB 2720 (2024)), Tucson must follow these minimums even where its older zoning code is stricter. Confirm fees and design standards with the Tucson planning department.
Estimate your Tucson ADU cost
Your property
ADU typeEstimated cost in Arizona
$151,000 – $247,000
≈ $216–$353/sq ft turnkey · midpoint $199,000
- $135,300
- Construction
- $35,800
- Design & permits
- $27,900
- Site work
- iSize set locally. This state leaves ADU size limits to your city — typical caps run 600–1,200 sq ft. Check your local code.
- ✓No extra parking likely required. Set by local ordinance — commonly 1 space per ADU unless near transit.
- iOwner-occupancy varies. Owner-occupancy rules are set locally in this state.
- ✓Lot has room. A 700 sq ft ADU uses about 12% of your 6,000 sq ft lot — comfortably within typical coverage limits.
Rule basis: Arizona HB 2720 (2024)
If you rent it out
$1,050–$1,700
est. rent/mo
8.3%
gross yield
13 yrs
payback
~$15,345/yr after a 7% vacancy allowance, before financing & maintenance.
Financed over 20 yrs at 7.5%, the build is about $1,603/mo — vs ~$1,375/mo in estimated rent.
Estimates are for planning only and are based on regional construction-cost indices and published statewide ADU statutes. Local ordinances, lot conditions and contractor pricing vary — always confirm with your city planning department and a licensed contractor.
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Other Arizona cities
Estimates are for planning only and are based on regional construction-cost indices and published statewide ADU statutes. Local ordinances, lot conditions and contractor pricing vary — always confirm with your city planning department and a licensed contractor.