Burbank, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Burbank, CA, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- BMC 10-1-620.3(C), (F), (H), (J)
- State law
- Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2
- Garage door
- Must be removed and replaced with windows/entry door
- Existing setback
- Legal nonconforming setback may be kept on the existing footprint
- Replacement parking
- Not required when garage demolished/converted for the ADU
- Conversion size
- Greater of 850/1,000 sq ft or existing structure size; up to 150 sq ft added for ingress/egress
- Driveway retention
- Only if stalls are at least 18 ft x 8 ft 6 in
Summary
Burbank allows converting an existing legal garage or accessory structure into an ADU under BMC 10-1-620.3, requiring removal of the garage door, permitting the existing nonconforming setback to be kept, and waiving replacement parking for the demolished or converted garage.
C. ON-SITE PARKING. 2. When an existing garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or is converted into an ADU, replacement parking for the main dwelling unit shall not be required. ... J. DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. 1. When a garage is converted into an ADU, the garage door must be removed and replaced with one or more windows and/or a residential entry door. ... H. SETBACK. 3. When a garage or other accessory structure exists and is legally permitted with City building permits and is converted into an ADU, the existing legal non-conforming setback of the garage or other accessory structure can be maintained. The required minimum 4 foot rear and side yard setbacks shall still apply to all added space that goes beyond the existing building footprint and/or building envelope of the garage or other accessory structure.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-4,038, passed February 24, 2026).
Full Breakdown
3 governs garage and accessory-structure conversions to accessory dwelling units. When a garage is converted into an ADU, the garage door must be removed and replaced with one or more windows and/or a residential entry door (subsection J(1)). An existing accessory structure may be converted to an ADU up to the greater of (1) 850 square feet for an ADU with one bedroom or less, or 1,000 square feet for an ADU with more than one bedroom, or (2) the square footage of the existing structure; and the conversion may add not more than 150 square feet beyond the existing footprint, limited to accommodating ingress and egress (subsections F(7)-(8)).
When a legally permitted garage or accessory structure is converted, its existing legal nonconforming setback may be maintained, though the 4-foot rear and side setbacks apply to any space added beyond the existing footprint (subsection H(3)). 2. When an attached front or street-facing garage is converted, the existing driveway and curb cut may be kept only if the resulting parking stalls meet minimum dimensions of 18 feet deep by 8 feet 6 inches wide; otherwise the driveway and curb cut must be removed (subsection C(4)).
Violations & Fines
Converting a garage to a dwelling unit without permits, or failing to remove the garage door / provide compliant openings, is a Municipal Code violation. Under BMC 10-1-620.6, violations of the ADU section are misdemeanors carrying minimum penalties of $100 per day (first), $500 per day (second), and $1,000 per day (further violations), in addition to code-enforcement correction and after-the-fact permitting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Burbank?
Do I have to replace parking if I convert my garage to an ADU in Burbank?
How large can a garage conversion ADU be in Burbank?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burbank
California rules heatmap·Compare Burbank to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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Garage Conversions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle garage conversions.