ADUs, or additional dwelling units, have become popular home additions for Tucson homeowners because they provide more living space but are detached from the primary residence, offering more flexibility and a wider range of potential uses. Casitas are the most popular type of ADU in Tucson, as they are self-contained homes that include a bathroom, kitchen or kitchenette, and living space. If you are considering building a casita on your property, Corso Construction can guide you through the process from initial designs and permitting requirements to the final walkthrough. Our home renovation contractors can help you design a space that meets your needs and significantly increases your overall property value.
Local ADU Regulations in Tucson
In an effort to address Arizona’s housing crisis, the state passed House Bill 2720 in 2024. This bill required all cities with more than 75,000 residents to adopt regulations allowing ADUs to be constructed on residential parcels. As a result, Tucson updated their ADU regulations that allow up to 2 ADUs per lot, which can be up to 2 stories high. For lots over 6,500 square feet, ADUs or casitas may be up to 1,000 square feet. Smaller lots may have units up to 650 square feet.
Reasons to Add a Casita to Your Property
Casita is Spanish for “little house”, and that’s exactly what a casita is. It’s a small but self-contained home that is detached from the primary residence and includes all essential living facilities, including a kitchen. These dwellings have their own entrances and provide fully private living space that can be utilized in numerous ways:
- Maintain a short- or long-term rental home on your property for added monthly income.
- Create a secluded retreat for guests at your home.
- Support multi-generational living with a private residence for elderly parents or adult children to live on your property.
- Build a standalone studio to utilize as a home office or hobby space with flexibility to convert into guest quarters as needed.
Designing Your ADU
Because of their limited square footage, casitas and other ADUs are designed with efficiency in mind. They should include all the features you’d want in any home but utilize a functional design with an open layout that keeps the space from feeling cramped or crowded. Maximizing natural light with large windows or sliding doors will help the space feel larger. If the casita will be used for full-time residents, incorporating laundry units is ideal for minimizing disruptions in the primary residence. On the exterior, you should plan for the casita to match or complement the architectural style of your home, and you might include a deck or patio to extend the living space outdoors.
Thanks to Tucson’s updated ADU rules, building a casita has never been easier. Take advantage of your opportunity to add more living space to your property and boost your property value with a custom ADU from Corso Construction. We take care of every step of your project from consultation to completion, and we can help you incorporate thoughtful details that make your casita a beautiful addition to your property. Contact us to discuss your vision.