Garage conversion rules in Burbank, CA — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Burbank allows conversion of existing garages and accessory structures to ADUs or JADUs under BMC §10-1-620.3, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. No replacement parking is required when an existing garage is converted to an ADU, and the existing structure's setbacks are grandfathered for the conversion footprint.
Under BMC §10-1-620.3 and state law, Burbank may not require replacement parking when a covered parking structure is demolished or converted to construct an ADU. The existing garage footprint and setbacks (often less than the 4-foot side and rear minimum for new construction) are preserved for the conversion; any added square footage beyond the original walls must meet the 4-foot setback. A JADU created in an attached garage is capped at 500 sq ft under §10-1-620 and must be within the walls of the primary single-family dwelling, with owner-occupancy of either the primary unit or JADU recorded by deed restriction. Detached ADUs built on top of an existing garage may rise to 20 feet to top of plate or 23 feet to top of roof. Building permits from Burbank Community Development are required and the conversion must meet California Residential Code provisions for habitable space — egress, ceiling height, light and ventilation, smoke and CO alarms, and fire separation.
Converting a garage to living space without a building permit is a code violation under Burbank Municipal Code, subject to stop-work orders, fines, and required permitting or restoration of the original garage. Using a converted-garage ADU as a short-term rental violates state ADU law and Burbank'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 garage conversions.
See how Burbank's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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