Guest house or ADU: pick the right path first
| Guest house | Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Housing guests of the main home | A separate living unit |
| Kitchen | Not the defining feature | Must have its own kitchen and bathroom |
| Renting | Not allowed to be rented separately | Allowed, with the owner living on the property |
| Utilities | Shares the main home’s water meter | Separate electric and gas meters |
| Paperwork | Guest houses built after Jan 1, 2025 need a recorded deed restriction | Own address and entrance |
Sources: the city’s guest house page and ADU page. Scottsdale has allowed ADUs since January 1, 2025, and the city’s ADU FAQ says an existing guest house can be converted to an ADU if the requirements are met.
What we plan for every casita
- Site fit: setbacks, lot coverage, easements, washes and, in northern Scottsdale, the ESL overlay.
- Utilities: water, sewer or septic, electric panel capacity and gas, planned before the slab is poured.
- Heat: roof insulation, shaded glass, window placement and right-sized cooling for Arizona summers.
- Design match: roof lines, stucco, stone and colors that match the main home and satisfy the HOA.
- Use: a kitchenette or full kitchen, a full bath, storage and space for the people who will live there.
Styles that suit Scottsdale lots
Many casitas echo Spanish Colonial and Santa Fe homes with clay tile roofs and wood details. Others follow desert contemporary homes with flat roofs, deep overhangs and large glass. On smaller lots, a compact studio near the pool can serve as both guest room and pool house. See pool house construction and two-story casitas.
How the project runs
- Site visit and feasibility check, including zoning and HOA.
- Choice of guest house or ADU, then layout and design.
- Permit drawings and HOA submittal.
- Foundation, framing, utilities, inspections and finishes.
- Final inspection and walkthrough.
Want the detailed rules for a rentable unit? See detached ADU construction and attached ADU construction.
