Accessory Use Conditions.
Glendale City Code § 35.3.204
in effect35.3.204 - Accessory Use Conditions.
A. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
1. An accessory dwelling unit as defined in section 35.8.004 as an ancillary or secondary living unit to a single-family detached dwelling unit that has a kitchenette or kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, and is independently accessed from and located on the same lot as a single-family detached dwelling unit, either within the same building as the single-family dwelling unit or in a detached building. For purposes of determining maximum density, an accessory dwelling unit shall not count as a dwelling unit. A kitchenette is defined in section 35.8.004 as an area used or designed for the preparation of food and containing a sink, refrigerator, and an electrical outlet which may be used for a microwave oven but no 220v outlet for a range or oven may be provided.
2. An accessory dwelling unit shall be subject to zoning clearance as required in section 35.6.210.
3. An accessory dwelling unit is a permitted use where the zoning allows for a single-family dwelling and the lot or parcel contains a primary dwelling.
4. An accessory dwelling unit is not permitted on the same lot or parcel as a duplex or other multiple family development regardless of zoning district.
5. No accessory dwelling unit shall be constructed prior to the construction of the single-family dwelling unit to which it is accessory. The accessory dwelling unit shall be secondary in size and function to the primary dwelling on the same lot or parcel.
6. A mobile home, recreational vehicle, or other movable habitable space shall not be used as an accessory dwelling unit.
7. Any living unit that is licensed as a travel vehicle by the state or any other state shall be considered nonpermanent housing and shall be allowed for uses similar to recreational vehicles as specified in this code.
8. Accessory dwelling units shall not be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the primary dwelling on the same lot or parcel.
9. No more than one attached accessory dwelling unit and one detached accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted per single-family dwelling lot or parcel.
10. No more than one attached accessory dwelling unit and two detached accessory dwelling units shall be permitted if the single-family dwelling lot is one acre or more, and only if at least one of the accessory dwelling units is recorded as a restricted-affordable dwelling unit.
11. The accessory dwelling unit is subject to the same setback requirements that apply to a single-family dwelling on the same lot or parcel except that:
a. The rear setback for the accessory dwelling unit shall be no less than five (5) feet from the property line.
b. The side setbacks for the accessory dwelling unit shall be no less than five (5) feet from the property line.
c. The front setback for the accessory dwelling unit shall be no less than the front yard setback established by the zoning district for the lot or parcel.
12. Accessory dwelling units shall adhere to allowable building frontage, maximum lot coverage, and maximum height as established by the zoning district for the lot or parcel.
13. Any accessory dwelling unit that is constructed off-site is considered semi-permanent and must be placed on an approved foundation system.
14. Accessory dwelling units shall have at a minimum, a kitchenette as described in section 35.8.004, specific definitions.
15. The design of accessory dwelling units are encouraged to be constructed of similar materials, colors, and architectural style to the existing single family dwelling unit.
16. Accessory dwelling units may be constructed to equal the gross floor area of the existing single family dwelling unit; but in no case shall the unit exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet.
17. A single-family residence that does not meet current setback requirements and is legally non-conforming may construct an accessory dwelling unit that complies with all accessory dwelling unit requirements.
18. A non-conforming or permitted accessory building or structure converted to an accessory dwelling unit shall meet all requirements for an accessory dwelling unit.
19. The accessory dwelling unit shall not encroach upon an existing or planned public utility easement unless the property owner obtains written consent from each easement holder and each affected utility.
20. No additional parking space or in lieu parking fee shall be required to accommodate the accessory dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit shall have no separate driveway or parking area from that of the principal dwelling as described in section 35.4.006, residential off-street parking.
21. An accessory dwelling unit shall have a separate address from the principal dwelling.
22. Accessory dwelling units shall comply with all applicable residential building codes, fire codes, and public health and safety regulations.
23. Accessory dwelling units shall be provided with adequate electricity, water supply, and sewage disposal.
24. All accessory dwelling units shall have separate utility meters, to include a separate city water meter from the primary single-family dwelling unit.
25. If presented for short-term rent (short-term means any period that is less than thirty (30) consecutive days), the property owner, which shall include title holders and contract purchasers, must occupy either the main dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit as their principal residence. The main dwelling or accessory dwelling unit that is not occupied by the property owner may then be rented for individual periods of less than thirty consecutive days .
26. The owner-occupancy requirement does not apply to property owners who obtained a certificate of occupancy to build an accessory dwelling unit on their lot or parcel on or before September 14, 2024, unless the three-year statute of limitations in A.R.S. § 12-1134(g) has expired.
27. A lot or parcel containing an accessory dwelling unit shall not be subdivided or split into two or more lots or parcels unless each lot or parcel complies with all city codes and ordinances as such the entire accessory dwelling unit shall remain on one lot only. For an existing accessory dwelling unit to remain on the new lot or parcel created by subdivision, the property owner must modify the primary dwelling and the accessory dwelling unit of the subdivided lots to comply with city codes and ordinances, including providing separate utility connections to each dwelling unit and obtaining a new certification of occupancy for each dwelling unit as required by the building official prior to the recording the subdivision or lot split of the property. The accessory dwelling unit that remains on the new lot or parcel shall be considered and recorded as the primary dwelling, unless a new primary dwelling unit is constructed on the new lot or parcel.
28. Regulations for restricted affordable accessory dwelling unit
a. Deed restriction
i. The owner of a proposed restricted-affordable dwelling unit that is subject to this section shall execute and deliver an original recorded copy of a development agreement with the city or a copy of the standard form of deed restriction with Maricopa County Assessor Office to the city prior to issuance of a building permit for the construction of the proposed restricted-affordable dwelling unit on the lot or parcel.
ii. The deed restriction shall be recorded by the owner of the lot burdened thereby in the property records of Maricopa County Recorder's Office and remain a covenant and restriction running with the property for a minimum period of thirty (30) years.
b. Affordability. The rent of the restricted-affordable dwelling unit shall not exceed the maximum rents established according to households earning up to eighty percent of AMI (area median income). The restricted affordable dwelling unit shall not be rented to any entity.
c. Occupancy requirement.
i. When the restricted-affordable dwelling unit becomes vacant, the owner shall promptly make it available and actively market said unit for lease to another qualified occupant in accordance with the deed restriction or development agreement and any rental guidelines adopted by the city.
ii. In the event the income status of the occupant of the restricted-affordable dwelling unit is altered so as to no longer meet the qualifications of this section, said occupant shall be permitted to reside in the unit under the same terms and conditions of the unit lease, except that no extension of the lease term shall be granted.
iii. Rental shall be in compliance with all fair housing regulations.
d. Reporting requirement. The owner of the restricted-affordable dwelling unit shall provide an annual report and proof to the city to demonstrate compliance with the rental requirements set forth in this section. The annual report shall be submitted to the Director of Community Services or designee between January 15 and January 30 of each year and shall cover the entire twelve (12) month period of the preceding calendar year. Said report shall contain, at a minimum;
i. The period(s) the restricted-affordable dwelling unit was rented and the status by which its occupant(s) qualified under the deed restriction;
ii. The monthly rental price; and
iii. The taxes, special assessments, and homeowners' association and management fees, and any other fees or charges, including common utilities, assessed to each unit.
B. Agricultural Stand
1. Limited to structures of less than five hundred (500) square feet.
2. Stands shall not be located within any public right-of-way and shall be kept free of litter and debris.
3. Stands may be subject to specific ingress and egress requirements as determined by the Development Services Director or designee.
C. Amateur Radio Tower
1. Maximum height of an amateur radio tower is seventy-five (75) feet.
D. Automatic Teller Machine
1. Permitted accessory use in all non-residential and multiple residence zoning districts or when associated with permitted non-residential uses in single residence districts.
2. Walk-up (outdoor) only.
3. Walk-up (indoor) permitted by right if ancillary to a Principal use.
4. See Section 35.3.103(N) and Section 35.4.013 for drive-through applications.
E. Automotive Charging Station
1. Permitted accessory use in all non-residential and multiple residence zoning districts or when associated with permitted non-residential uses in single residence districts.
F. Cargo Containers
1. Cargo Containers shall be allowed in the A-1 zoning district and as an accessory use with any non-residential use allowed in all other zoning districts.
2. Containers that are designed to be used for storage and appear to be Cargo Containers, yet do not meet the specifications for commercial shipping, packing, or transportation of freight, shall comply with the requirements of this section.
3. A permit shall be obtained at the Development Services Department prior to placing a Cargo Container on a property.
a. Exception. Licensed building contractors may use Cargo Containers in any zoning district for temporary storage of equipment and/or material at a construction site that has a valid building permit.
4. Cargo Containers shall be located on the side or rear of the principal building and must meet all development standards including setbacks, lot coverage and height regulations for the zoning district in which it lies and must also meet Fire Code requirements for placards as is necessary. Cargo Containers placed on the side of a principal building shall not extend beyond any portion of the principal building's front façade.
5. Cargo Containers shall not occupy any required off-street parking spaces with the exception of temporary use during construction activities authorized by a building permit.
6. Cargo Containers shall not be stacked, except when used for cargo purposes in the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts.
7. Cargo Containers shall not be connected to any utilities.
8. Cargo Containers shall be painted an earth tone color, shall not be used for advertisement, and shall be screened from public view with landscaping or an opaque screen wall/fence.
G. Child Care, Home
1. Use shall be licensed, certified or approved by the State of Arizona.
2. Vehicles belonging to employees and residents are required to park onsite, in the garage or on an approved paved driveway.
3. No signage for advertising or notification of use shall be permitted on or off the site.
4. A minimum of six hundred (600) square feet of open space shall be provided for an outdoor play area, none of which shall be located in the required front setback.
5. All outdoor recreation areas shall be completely screened and enclosed by a six-foot high solid masonry wall or wood fence with solid self-closing and self-latching gates.
H. Home Occupations
1. Home Occupations (Class I) are accessory uses in all residential districts. An occupation or profession is considered a home occupation when it:
a. Is conducted entirely from within the principal residence with no activity or storage in the garage or other accessory buildings, or in other outdoor areas, except as allowed below;
b. Is conducted only by a resident or residents of the dwelling unit (no employees other than the family), no outside employees visit the site;
c. Does not have any customer traffic or more than one (1) commercial delivery vehicle a day coming to the residence related to the home occupation;
d. Produces no offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat, or glare beyond the boundaries of the property;
e. Is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes with storage for the use limited to a maximum of five percent (5%) of the total floor area and a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the collective floor area of the garage or accessory building;
f. Has no signs or other exterior evidence of its existence;
g. A valid City sales tax and business license is maintained for business purposes;
h. Activity shall be limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; and
i. Any parking incidental to the home occupation shall be provided on site.
2. Home Occupations (Class II) are subject to conditional use permit in all residential districts. It is required when any of the following standards cannot be met by the proposed home occupation:
a. Is conducted entirely from within the principal residence with no activity or storage in the garage or other accessory buildings, or in other outdoor areas;
b. Is conducted only by a resident or residents of the dwelling unit (no employees other than the family), no outside employees visit the site;
c. Does not have any customer traffic or more than one (1) commercial delivery vehicle a day coming to the residence related to the home occupation.
3. Except as may be provided by conditional use permit approval in conjunction with a Home Occupation (Class II), no accessory use shall include outdoor display or storage of any of the following listed items, when such items are visible or emit odor, dust, gas, noise, vibration, smoke, heat, or glare, beyond any boundary of the lot on which such items are displayed or stored:
a. Any building or landscaping materials.
b. Any machinery, construction trailers, parts, or appliances.
c. Vehicles which are unlicensed, inoperable, or registered to or owned by persons not residing on, or the guests of persons residing on the premises.
d. Any other chattel used for or intended for a commercial purpose or ultimate use other than to subject premises.
I. Livestock, Non-Commercial
1. No Commercial breeding is permitted. Boarding of livestock is permitted subject to the maximum number of livestock allowed per lot.
2. In A-1 and RR Districts the following shall apply:
a. Raising and grazing of livestock is permitted for a maximum of one (1) livestock animal per five thousand (5,000) square feet of open space. Two (2) swine shall be allowed per lot. The raising of poultry is permitted provided they are contained within a fence, coop or cage. Male fowl shall not be permitted within five hundred (500) feet of any residence or living space, including pool or patio, on an adjacent suburban residential, urban residential, or multiple residential zoned lot.
3. In SR Districts the following shall apply:
a. Raising and grazing of livestock, excluding swine, is permitted for a maximum of one (1) animal per ten thousand (10,000) square feet of open space. The raising of poultry with the exception of male fowl, is permitted provided they are contained within a fence, coop or cage.
4. All livestock must be contained in a stock type fence and/or corral. No setback shall be required between such fence or corral when adjacent to property zoned A-1 or RR, or non-residential zoned lots. However, such fence or corral shall not be closer than one hundred (100) feet from any residence or living space, including pool or patio, on an adjacent SR, R1 or MR zoned lot.
5. Accessory buildings used specifically for permitted animals shall be subject to Section 35.3.203.
J. Outdoor Display and Sales
1. Outdoor display and/or sale of merchandise may be allowed as an accessory use for all commercial and industrial uses, provided that the display meets the following guidelines and regulations:
a. Outdoor display and/or sale area shall be clearly defined on a site plan and approved by the Development Services Director or designee and may be subject to appropriate conditions by the Director or designee to ensure compliance with the provisions of this subsection.
i. Exceptions: A permanent outdoor retail display area which is an integral part of a business, including but not limited to, Garden Centers and Auto, Boat, and RV Dealership display lots shall obtain site plan approval with all applicable development/improvements.
2. Shall be a fixed location that does not disrupt the normal function of the site or its circulation, and does not encroach upon required driveways, landscaped areas, parking lots, sidewalks, loading zones, or fire lanes. Displays shall not obstruct any entrance to a building or traffic safety sight areas or otherwise create hazards for pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
3. Display/sale of goods shall not be in any public right-of-way.
4. Shall directly relate to a business occupying a permanent structure on the same site, and shall display only goods of the primary business on the same site, unless associated with a non-profit organization.
5. Shall be limited to the hours of operation of the business and portable and removed from public view at the close of each business day, unless otherwise permitted through the site plan or development review process.
6. No merchandise shall be affixed to the exterior of a building or displayed so as to impede or interfere with the reasonable use of the store front windows for display purposes.
7. Shall be managed so that display structures and goods are maintained at all times in a clean and neat condition, and in good repair.
8. All signage shall adhere to Section 35.4.300, Signs.
K. Outdoor Storage
1. Outdoor storage associated with principal use is permitted subject to the following conditions; however, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to outdoor storage associated with industrial or agricultural zoning districts:
a. Storage areas must be fully screened from view by an opaque fence or concrete/masonry block wall that is no less than six (6) feet, but no more than eight (8) feet in height. A landscaped earthen berm may be used instead of or in combination with a required fence or wall.
b. The storage area screen fence/wall shall incorporate exterior colors and/or finishes to match the primary building.
c. Stored materials shall not exceed the height of the lowest screen fence/wall, except as provided elsewhere in this ordinance.
d. Storage area gates must be opaque.
e. Storage areas shall be paved with concrete, asphalt, pavers, or gravel as approved by the Transportation Department.
f. Storage areas shall not be located within a required off-street parking or loading area.
g. No storage of any items may occur within the front setback area or within the street side yard building setback.
L. Watchman's Quarters
1. Permitted accessory use in all non-residential zoning districts when associated with permitted non-residential uses.
2. The watchman's quarters must clearly be accessory to the principal use.
3. Only one watchman's quarters per lot shall be permitted.
4. Watchman's quarters shall be an integral part of the principal building and shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of building floor area, with a maximum quarter's size of one thousand (1,000) square feet.
5. A watchman's quarters shall consist of sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom facilities, and for the purposes of this Section shall not be considered an accessory dwelling unit.
6. There shall be no payment of rent by the occupant of the quarters;
7. The watchman's quarters and the principal building or use shall share utilities. Separate utility meters shall be prohibited.
8. At least one off-street parking space shall be provided for a watchman's quarters.
9. If the principal building or use is destroyed, removed, or ceases to exist, the utilization of the watchman's quarters shall no longer be allowed.
(Ord. No. O24-51, § 1, 12-10-24; Ord. No. O25-45, § 1, 11-25-25)
Source: City of Glendale, Arizona, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/az/glendale/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH35UNDECO_ART3SUUSPR_35.3.200ESACUSBUST_35.3.204ACUSCOFetched: 11/1/2026