5900 E Cholla Lane -

When building a home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, the key zoning term that determines how large your home can be is FAR (Floor Area Ratio).

For most residential lots, our estimator assumes the standard 25% FAR to calculate maximum buildable area based on lot size, then multiplies that by the build price per square foot to generate a cost estimate. Some zoning districts, or properties with unique zoning approvals or development constraints, may differ. This tool assumes a flat lot and does not account for site-specific constraints.

Generally, no — a fully subterranean (below-grade) basement does not count toward FAR in Paradise Valley. Because FAR is capped at 25% of the net lot area, a finished basement can be one of the few ways to add livable square footage beyond that limit.

The space must be genuinely below natural grade. Portions of a lower level that are exposed above grade — such as a walkout basement, light wells, or window wells, which are common on sloped or hillside lots — can count toward FAR. How “below grade” is measured, and how exposed walls are treated, is defined by the Town and is especially nuanced on hillside parcels.

Our estimator does not include basement area in its FAR calculation. Whether a basement qualifies as fully subterranean for your specific lot should be confirmed with your architect and the Town of Paradise Valley.

Some properties with a Paradise Valley address or Paradise Valley zip code (85253) may actually fall under the jurisdiction of Phoenix or Scottsdale. In those instances, Phoenix or Scottsdale zoning and taxes would apply.

Their building codes and zoning requirements differ from the Town of Paradise Valley and are typically less stringent.

For official zoning information, including FAR regulations, height and area requirements, and building codes, refer to the Town of Paradise Valley directly:

• •Article 10 — Height & Area Regulations
• •Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Certification