ADU rules in Glendale, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Glendale regulates ADUs and JADUs under Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) §30.34.080, with the most recent ordinance amendment adopted by City Council on December 3, 2024 to address California HCD compliance concerns. ADUs and JADUs are reviewed ministerially without a public hearing, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2.
Per GMC §30.34.080, ADUs are subject to the underlying zone's setback, floor-area-ratio, lot coverage, open space, and landscaping standards, except that up to 800 sq ft of ADU floor area is exempt from those zoning standards. Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet in height, or 18 feet (with up to 2 additional feet for a matching roof pitch) within a half-mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor; attached ADUs may reach 25 feet, with no more than two stories. On multifamily lots, GMC §30.34.080 implements state law by allowing one or more ADUs created within an existing multifamily building in non-livable space (storage, attics, basements, garages, passageways) up to 25% of the existing unit count, plus up to two detached new-construction ADUs. New construction ADUs require a 4-foot interior side and rear setback. JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft within the primary single-family dwelling, with owner-occupancy of the primary or JADU required.
Unpermitted ADUs are violations of GMC §30.34.080 enforced by Glendale Community Development, with administrative citations, stop-work orders, and required permitting or restoration. Renting an ADU for less than 30 days violates state ADU law and Glendale's STR rules.
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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 Glendale's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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