Glendale adopts ADU and middle-housing code changes to align with state law

Glendale’s City Council unanimously adopted two zoning code amendments on Nov. 25 intended to align local rules with recent state legislation and to update how accessory dwelling units are measured.

Phil Martinez, senior planner in Development Services, presented Ordinance O25-45 (ZTA 25-02), which revises accessory dwelling unit provisions. Martinez said the amendment requires that when a short-term rental is located on the same property as an ADU, the property owner must occupy either the principal residence or the ADU; grandfathering provisions will apply where appropriate. The ordinance also changes how ADUs are measured — using gross floor area and excluding garages, attics and enclosed exterior stairways from that calculation.

Alex Lermos, senior planner, presented Ordinance O25-46 (ZTA 25-03) to add middle-housing definitions and allowances — duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes — consistent with Arizona Revised Statute §9-462.13 and House Bill 2721. Lermos said allowances are limited to lots zoned single-family within a one-mile radius of the city’s Central Business District and tied to minimum new-development thresholds. Lermos characterized the posted map buffer as conceptual and said staff will determine exact applicability as applicants apply.

Both items had been forwarded with recommendation for approval by the Planning Commission, drew no public testimony during the council hearings, and passed by unanimous roll-call votes. Council members asked staff to use street-based boundaries where feasible rather than drawing lines that split properties and to provide additional implementation detail when applicants apply for projects.

The ordinances take effect as provided in the city code; staff will follow up on implementation guidance and parcel-level determinations.