ADU rules in Burbank, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Burbank regulates ADUs and JADUs under Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) Title 10, Article 6, Division 3 (§§10-1-620.3 through 10-1-620.7), as updated by Ordinance 23-4,002 effective December 8, 2023 to align with California Government Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft, attached ADUs at 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft with an 800 sq ft floor, and JADUs at 500 sq ft.
On multifamily-zoned lots (R-2, R-3, R-4, MDR-3, MDR-4), state law as implemented by BMC §10-1-620 allows ADUs created within an existing multifamily structure in spaces not used as livable area (storage rooms, attics, basements, garages, passageways) capped at 25% of the existing unit count with a minimum of one conversion ADU permitted. In addition, up to two detached new-construction ADUs are allowed per multifamily lot, each up to 800 sq ft and 16 feet in height (18 feet within a half-mile of a major transit stop or where the existing building is two or more stories). Side and rear setbacks are 4 feet for new construction ADUs. Burbank applies ministerial review without a public hearing under §10-1-620.7, and no parking is required where the property is within a half-mile walking distance of public transit or another state exemption applies.
Unpermitted ADUs are violations of Burbank Municipal Code enforced by Community Development Code Enforcement, subject to stop-work orders, administrative citations, and required permitting or restoration. Renting an ADU for stays under 30 days violates state ADU law and Burbank's STR rules.
Burbank, CA
Outdoor burning in Burbank is subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn days and seasonal restrictions (November–February). Open burning of household trash is proh...
Burbank, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Burbank Fire Department enforces brush clearance in hillside areas ...
Burbank, CA
All fireworks — including Safe & Sane — are banned in Burbank. Violations result in confiscation plus citation or arrest. State penalties: $500–$1,000 fine a...
Burbank, CA
Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted in Burbank. Wood-burning fire pits subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn day restrictions. Areas near the Ver...
Burbank, CA
Burbank does NOT operate a proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program. The City launched a Housing Enforcement Unit (HEU) in March 2025 to investigate compl...
Burbank, CA
Outdoor lighting that creates a nuisance to neighboring properties may be addressed through Burbank's general nuisance provisions. No specific foot-candle th...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle adu rules.
See how Burbank's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.