Tempe has a housing crisis, caused by people competing for too few homes. 

This is why the priority of Tempe’s proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance should try to maximize the number of these small backyard homes being built.

Key to this is creating simple and flexible rules that don’t create unnecessary barriers to new housing. Complex restrictions make it difficult to develop these affordable homes. Unfortunately, some of the proposed provisions could impose burdensome rules, preventing ADUs from being built when Tempe needs them most.

A comparison of current code vs. proposed changes from Tempe’s virtual meeting.

Parking Mandates—A Big Step Backwards

One of the few things Tempe’s current ordinance gets right is not requiring an arbitrary number of parking spaces for ADUs. The proposed changes to Tempe’s code would be a step backward—adding a costly requirement.

This is especially true near Tempe’s urban core, where lots tend to be smaller and where car ownership is less necessary. ADU users are much less likely to own a vehicle or make use of parking.

Tempe is landlocked, so it’s crucial to consider the tradeoff we face in requiring that land be used for parking rather than for housing. We strongly urge the city to reconsider this provision. 

Ownership Requirements

Tempe is also considering requiring a property to be owned for three years before ADUs can be permitted. 

This is a deeply misguided rule. A Tempe resident who recently bought a home and wants to put an ADU on their property should not have to wait three additional years to get badly needed housing built. The biggest impact of this policy would simply be to reduce the number of ADUs built and increase the length of time it takes to build these affordable homes. 

Apart from the negative policy ramifications, we are opposed to this on a philosophical level. Our guiding principle is that Tempe should be for everyone: Whether you have lived here for twenty years or two, Tempe should be for you. We oppose any restrictions based on the length of ownership. 

Positive Aspects

The proposed change of maximum ADU size from 800 to 1,000 square feet is the right move. 

We think the ordinance would benefit from more flexible rules regarding height, setbacks, and lot coverage requirements. It may even be worth fully exempting ADUs from these requirements. 

Allowing some additional height to an ADU can make a small space feel roomier for occupants. Lot coverage and setback requirements can be a barrier to new ADU production on smaller lots, especially in areas where we need them most. 

Tempe Shouldn’t Waste This Opportunity

Tempe passed its current ADU ordinance in 2019, but overly restrictive rules resulted in just a handful of units permitted over the past five years. During that same period, Tempe’s housing shortage has grown more severe, causing rents to skyrocket. This was a missed opportunity by the city to add housing supply at a crucial time. 

A successful ADU ordinance is one that will get housing built. The biggest danger facing Tempe’s ADU ordinance is bogging it down with costly rules that will prevent this. Tempe must pass a clean ADU ordinance which will produce new, affordable homes.

 If you live in Tempe, we encourage you to complete the ADU expansion survey. Please let city staff know you OPPOSE costly ownership and parking requirements and SUPPORT expanding maximum ADU size and flexible rules for setbacks, lot coverage, and height.