City of Tempe, AZ
Home MenuCity Department News
Vote saves homeowners time, money for pre-approved ADU designs
|
|
On Thursday night, the Tempe City Council passed a resolution that makes it easier and more affordable to build a backyard casita, officially known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
These detached secondary homes can be used to house extended family members, support aging-in-place, or create a small rental unit for supplemental income.
The new resolution waives the initial plan review fee—worth more than $2,000—for the upcoming, pre-approved ADU designs, as determined through the City’s ADU Design Competition.
This is the first time Tempe is offering a library of ready-to-use ADU designs directly to the public with cost savings built in. The fee waiver is part of a broader effort to reduce barriers and support more flexible and affordable housing options in Tempe.
How much can you save with a standard plan?
Tempe’s ADU Design Competition is designed to help homeowners move forward with confidence and without breaking the bank.
-
No Plan Review Fee – Save Over $2,000!
Normally, plan review fees make up 65% of the total building permit cost. For a $200,000 project, that’s a direct savings of $2,182.74.
-
Lower Design Costs – Save Thousands!
Selected library designs will be available to Tempe property owners at a fixed cost of up to $2,000—compared to custom design services that can cost over $10,000.
-
Faster Permitting
These pre-approved plans move faster through the City’s permitting process.
Total potential savings: $10,000 or more.
Designers retain ownership of their plans, but license them to residents at a fixed, affordable rate.
“Tempe is thinking creatively about housing,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “These standard ADU plans will help residents add flexible, sustainable homes to their properties while saving time and money. It’s a smart solution that supports our community.”
|
|