Glendale, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Glendale's ADU ordinance, GMC §30.34.080, was most recently amended on December 3, 2024 after HCD review identified compliance concerns. The Glendale Community Development Department reviews applications ministerially — without a public hearing, without discretionary findings — and is subject to the 60-day statutory deadline in Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b). Standard detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft; attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, with the state-mandated 800 sq ft floor. The state-mandated 4-foot side and rear setback applies to new construction, and the height limit is 16 feet for standard detached ADUs (18 feet plus a 2-foot roof-pitch bonus where within a half-mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, and up to 25 feet for two-story attached ADUs). JADUs up to 500 sq ft are permitted within the walls of an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. On multifamily lots, GMC §30.34.080 implements state law allowing conversion ADUs in non-livable existing space (up to 25% of unit count) plus up to two new detached ADUs per lot. All construction must meet the California Residential Code, Title 24 energy standards, and CalGreen.