Scottsdale’s guest house rules
- A guest house is a detached, subordinate accessory building used to house guests of the main home. It is not a dwelling unit or an ADU.
- It may not be rented separately from the main home.
- It connects to the main home’s water meter and is not separately metered.
- In most zoning districts it must be at least 10 ft from the main structure. In the R1-7 district the minimum is 5 ft.
- It follows the setback and lot coverage rules for accessory buildings in Zoning Ordinance Sec. 7.200.A.
- Guest houses built after January 1, 2025 must be limited to guest house use through a private deed restriction, recorded before the permit is approved.
Sources: City of Scottsdale guest houses and sheds, garages and guest houses.
Guest house or ADU?
Choose a guest house if the space is for visitors and you will never rent it. Choose an ADU if you might rent it later, want separate meters, or want a full independent unit. Switching later is possible in some cases but adds work, so decide up front.
Designing a guest house people enjoy
- A comfortable bedroom with blackout shades.
- A full bathroom with a walk-in shower.
- A coffee bar or kitchenette, within what your permit allows.
- A shaded patio with its own seating.
- Storage for luggage and a spot for a small desk.
Matching the main home
Guest houses look best when they share the main home’s roof style, stucco color and stone. HOAs often require it. We design the guest house to read as part of the property, not an afterthought.
See also custom casita construction and pool houses.
