ADU Design Resource · Show Low, AZ
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Show Low, AZ
Everything Show Low homeowners need to plan, permit, and profit from an ADU — including current 2026 zoning rules, real construction costs, neighborhood ROI data, and verified local lenders.
Created by Build With A Plan · Permit-ready drawings (more below)
Quick Answers About Show Low, AZ ADUs
Market Context
Show Low has a median home value of $380,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 21% — approximately $79,800 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Show Low rents for approximately $1,200/month in the Navajo County rental market , yielding a 7.8% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 92% in this market.
Top Show Low neighborhoods for ADU investment include Show Low Bluff, Linden, Bison Ridge (incl. Cardinal Landing), Downtown Show Low, Torreon Golf Club. Family-friendly single-family neighborhood with large lots near downtown Show Low, Summit Healthcare hospital, and city schools - strong year-round rental demand from healthcare workers. Quiet semi-rural area with large lots and privacy close to Linden Elementary - the spacious parcels are ideal for detached ADUs and appeal to family renters.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Community Development Department . Permit fees in Show Low range from $487 to $692 depending on project scope. Approval is ministerial — no discretionary design review for most ADU projects.
Many Show Low lots still run on private wells or septic systems instead of city water and sewer, so Navajo County Environmental Services has to sign off on your septic capacity before Community Development will even process the ADU application — and if your existing tank was sized only for the main house, you're looking at a full septic upgrade that can run several thousand dollars. On top of that, because STRs aren't allowed here, the department will ask you to state the intended use of the unit up front, and using it as a vacation rental later can trigger code enforcement action even after the permit is closed out. Winter freeze-thaw cycles at this elevation also mean inspectors pay close attention to foundation frost depth, so footings poured too shallow are a common cause of failed inspections and rework in early spring.
"In my experience with Show Low ADU projects, that blank timeline and per-square-foot cost figure are essentially placeholders rather than local truth—I'd call the Community Development Department directly and get a couple of local contractor bids before you pencil in a budget or schedule. With HOA coverage sitting around 31% here, don't assume your lot is exempt from added design review just because the county-level data doesn't flag it."
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Show Low's building department records and current 2026 Arizona's HB 2720 ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Show Low, AZ Property Eligible for an ADU?
Show Low homeowners are governed by Arizona's HB 2720 and HB 2928 (2025). Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Show Low under Arizona's HB 2720 and HB 2928 (2025). Show Low requires owner occupancy — the property owner must reside in the primary home or the ADU. Arizona doesn't set a fixed statutory review-day count — confirm the current timeline with the Community Development Department.
Multi-Family Property
Additional ADUs on multi-family and duplex lots may qualify under Arizona's HB 2720 and HB 2928 (2025) — the exact number and type allowed depends on Show Low's local rules. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 31% of Show Low homes are in an HOA. Unlike California, Arizona law generally preserves HOA covenants that restrict ADUs — your HOA can still enforce a ban or design conditions through its CC&Rs. Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Always verify eligibility with Community Development Department before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Show Low Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Show Low’s current zoning, setbacks, and lot-coverage rules — then tell you honestly whether to proceed. Free, and no payment is taken unless your property qualifies.
- ✓Lot qualification against current Show Low code
- ✓Your buildable envelope — setbacks and maximum footprint
- ✓Realistic rental income and payback estimate
- ✓Financing pathways you’d likely qualify for
- ✓A straight GO / NO-GO answer within 48 hours
Check My Property — Free
Takes 60 seconds. We'll deliver your personalized report within 48 hours.
Request Received
Your feasibility report is being prepared. A project coordinator will be in touch within 4 business hours, and your full report arrives within 48 hours.
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Show Low ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Show Low construction costs, median rental rates, and property value uplift data. Adjust the inputs to model your specific project.
Your Project
Projected Returns
* Estimates only. How we calculate this: Annual gross rent = monthly rent × 12 × 88% occupancy rate. Annual net income = gross × 70% (after 30% expenses: property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancy). Value added = median home value × 21% uplift (regional ADU comparables). Total return = net income × years + value added. Break-even = total build cost ÷ annual net income. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Community Development Department (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-08-15.
Local Market Data
Top Show Low Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Show Low Bluff
Family-friendly single-family neighborhood with large lots near downtown Show Low, Summit Healthcare hospital, and city schools - strong year-round rental demand from healthcare workers.
Linden
Quiet semi-rural area with large lots and privacy close to Linden Elementary - the spacious parcels are ideal for detached ADUs and appeal to family renters.
Bison Ridge (incl. Cardinal Landing)
Gated single-family community identified as a vacation-rental hotspot near Sunrise Ski Resort and hiking trails - exceptional short-term rental demand justifies ADU conversions.
Downtown Show Low
Walkable historic core with Airbnb-friendly short-term rental demand and proximity to city jobs, restaurants, and Summit Healthcare - high appreciation and rental yield potential.
Torreon Golf Club
Exclusive gated golf-course community of single-family homes with club amenities; attracts seasonal/visitor renters and has estate-sized lots that can accommodate detached casitas.
Pinetop-Lakeside (adjacent)
Adjacent White Mountain town hosting Northland Pioneer College and major ski/recreation - year-round student, worker, and tourist rental demand for ADU units.
White Mountain Lakes
Affordable lakefront subdivision with larger rural lots and low property taxes - low entry cost plus vacation-rental demand from lake recreation makes ADUs highly viable.
Sierra Pines
Mountain cabin/single-family area with recreational appeal; established SFH character and proximity to national forest drive both long-term and short-term rental interest.
Pinedale
Rural-residential area with generous lot sizes at lower price points - detached ADUs fit easily on parcels and tap into Show Low's commuter rental market.
Snowflake / Taylor (adjacent)
Neighboring communities within the same Northland Pioneer College labor shed with steady agricultural and public-sector employment - reliable long-term tenant pool for ADU rentals.
Show Low ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Show Low ADU Rules
Show Low's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 950 sq ft and 15 ft of height — on the tighter side, which narrows floor plan options. Setbacks run 5 ft side and 5 ft rear, close to the regional baseline. Show Low doesn't trigger the extra engineer-stamp requirement we see in higher seismic-risk or hurricane-code cities — a standard code-compliant ADU under the size cap can typically be designed and submitted without an architect or engineer stamp, though any load-bearing change to the existing house still needs one.
Permit fees run $487–$692 — notably inexpensive compared to most cities we cover through Community Development Department. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Show Low Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 950 sq ft |
| Max Height | 15 ft |
| Side Setback | 5 ft |
| Rear Setback | 5 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Not required under the size cap* |
| Owner Occupancy | Required |
| Short-Term Rental | Restricted |
| Coastal Overlay | No |
| Design Review | No |
| HOA Prevalence | 31% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $487–$692 |
*Load-bearing modifications to the existing house always need an engineer stamp regardless of ADU size. Data verified 2026-08-15T06:10:50.038Z. Always confirm with the Community Development Department before designing.
Show Low Permit Process
Show Low ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Show Low
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Navajo County. Compare terms before committing.
Confirmed Show Low branch (4474 S White Mountain Rd); HELOC up to 85% of primary-home value with a low variable rate tied to prime, plus a fixed-rate home equity loan option as low as 7.50% APR that can fund ADU construction or renovation.
Visit Lender ↗Confirmed Show Low branch (1400 E Woolford Rd); one-time-close construction loans with a low fixed rate during the build, no maximum loan amount, and low down-payment options — well-suited to ADU construction and major remodeling.
Visit Lender ↗Dedicated Show Low construction-loan page staffed by local loan officers (Mandi Turner, Michael Evenhuis, Brodie Calder); requires 680+ FICO, 20–25% down on total project cost, DTI under 43%, and contractor agreements — competitive rates for ADU builders.
Visit Lender ↗Confirmed Show Low branch at 161 East Deuce Of Clubs; offers national HELOC and HomeStyle renovation/construction mortgage products that Show Low homeowners can use to fund ADU builds.
Visit Lender ↗Specialty ADU lender active across Arizona (per Bankrate 2026, RenoFi operates in all U.S. states except Hawaii, NY, and MA); uses after-renovation-value underwriting with a $25,000 minimum loan and 620+ FICO, and has an active Arizona credit-union partner (Arizona Casita Builders) — purpose-built for ADU/casita projects.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted ADU Contractors in Show Low
We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Show Low ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Community Development Department.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
Quoted on your free call
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Community Development Department. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Show Low ADU Package
Engineered for AZ Permit Approvals
What You Get
Show Low ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Show Low:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | Quoted on your free call | 5 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓AZ energy code form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓Garage conversion alt plan
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
The Done-For-You Path
Want Your Show Low ADU Fully Done For You?
Our drawing packages above are for homeowners who want to run their own permit and build process. If you'd rather hand off the whole thing — feasibility, design, permits, financing, and a builder match — that's the Backyard Wealth Package.
We turn your backyard into a rental unit. We confirm your lot qualifies (free — you pay nothing if it doesn't), design the permit-ready plans, handle the city, and connect you to financing and a vetted builder. One flat fee — about what an architect charges just to start. Yours would rent around $1,200/mo.
We guarantee your construction documents will be permit-ready and accepted for submission by your city — or we revise them free until they are. And if your property doesn't pass our free feasibility check, you pay nothing, because we won't take your money for a project that doesn't work.
We won't even take your money unless your property qualifies.
After You Order
Your Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Project
Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your permit-ready drawing set — engineered for Show Low's building department requirements and AZ code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your City
Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Community Development Department. We support corrections at no extra charge.
Real Projects · Verified Outcomes
ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan
Three representative project scenarios based on actual drawing packages delivered in Arizona cities with similar market conditions to Show Low.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Show Low. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"We'd been quoted $6,200 by a local firm for the same permit-ready set. Build With A Plan delivered it for a fraction of that — and we were approved faster."
"Conversion permit came back approved on the first review. The drawings handled every detail — egress, HVAC, electrical. Nothing was missing."
"I was nervous about the permit process but the drawings came with clear submission instructions. Approved without a single correction cycle."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Show Low construction data (city-verified data) and Community Development Department. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Show Low Climate Zone & Energy Code
Arizona is a home-rule state with no statewide energy code; the City of Show Low adopts the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) including the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for energy compliance.
Compare Cities
Show Low vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
Frequently Asked
Show Low ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Show Low? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Show Low? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Show Low? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Show Low? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Show Low? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Show Low? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Show Low? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Show Low? +
What neighborhoods in Show Low are best for ADU investment? +
Is Show Low ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Show Low? +
Can I use my Show Low ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Show Low has a high HOA rate (31%) — do I need HOA approval for an ADU? +
Does Show Low's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Show Low? +
More Services in Show Low
Free · No Obligation
Not Sure If Your Show Low Lot Qualifies?
Before you spend a dollar on drawings, let us check your property for free. We'll tell you honestly whether your Show Low lot supports an ADU, what it could rent for, and what to do next — no pressure, no sales pitch.
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