Mesa is seeing a slight uptick in permits for so-called accessory dwelling units, or ADUs – albeit nothing to brag about in the statewide attempt to put a dent in the ongoing housing shortage.

HB2720, which took effect in January, requires municipalities with over 75,000 residents to allow for casitas or granny flats on singe-family lots. Mesa is the third largest municipality in the state.

“As of August 2025, the City has issued 29 ADU permits, nearly matching the total of 30 issued during all of 2024,” according to Heather Basford, Development Services deputy director. “This year’s pace indicates an increase in ADU permit activity, and if the trend continues 2025 is on track to surpass previous years.”

Many municipalities, including Mesa, had already allowed for ADUs. In Mesa it was b

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