ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit in Gilbert, AZ
Yes — you need a permit for adu (accessory dwelling unit) work in Gilbert.
Plan on a building permit (plus electrical, plumbing, and mechanical, and zoning approval) to build an accessory dwelling unit such as a casita or garage apartment. Gilbert exempts only a detached, non-habitable accessory building of 200 square feet or less; an ADU is a habitable dwelling unit and is not exempt.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Plan on a building permit (plus electrical, plumbing, and… |
| Fee | The code does not print a dollar amount. Permit fees are set by council resolution in the town fee schedule. |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC R105.2, Building item 1 (Sec. 10-42), penalties Sec. 10-50 |
| Based on | 2018 IRC as amended (Town of Gilbert) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Gilbert building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
If you build without a required permit, the town first sends a written notice giving you time to fix it. If you miss that deadline you can be fined up to $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for the third and any later one, with each day counted as a separate offense. After a third violation you can face up to six months in jail.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert | — | Yes | Plan on a building permit (plus electrical, plumbing, and… |
| Mesa | 6 mi | Yes | Building an accessory dwelling unit (a casita, garage apa… |
| Chandler | 7 mi | Yes | Building an accessory dwelling unit (a casita, garage apa… |
| Tempe | 12 mi | Yes | Building an accessory dwelling unit (garage apartment, ca… |
| Scottsdale | 27 mi | Yes | Plan on a building permit plus zoning approval to build a… |
| Glendale | 30 mi | Yes | Building an accessory dwelling unit (garage apartment, ca… |
See every Arizona city on adu (accessory dwelling unit) work
Other work in Gilbert
Questions people ask
How much does a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit cost in Gilbert?
The code does not print a dollar amount. Permit fees are set by council resolution in the town fee schedule.. Valuation-based fees mean the number depends on what the job is worth, so the department quotes it when you apply.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Gilbert can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.