How Glendale Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide
Glendale maintains 134 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Glendale falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
ADU Rules
Glendale allows one attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot under Section 35.3.204(A), rising to two detached units on lots of an acre or more if one is deeded affordable. An ADU needs a 5-foot side and rear setback, tops out at 1,000 square feet, and cannot be sold apart from the main house.
Key details: ADUs per lot: 1 attached + 1 detached. Lots 1 acre or more: Up to 2 detached if 1 is affordable. Max ADU size: 1,000 square feet. ADU rear/side setback: 5 feet minimum. Approval path: Zoning clearance, § 35.6.210.
An ADU built without the Section 35.6.210 zoning clearance, oversized past 1,000 square feet, or converted for separate sale is subject to Development Services code compliance action, which can require modification or removal of the unit. Continued noncompliance after notice is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Glendale Code of Ordinances Section 1-7, with each day of the violation treated as a separate offense.
Shed & Carport Rules
Glendale's Unified Development Code sets exact size, height and setback limits for sheds and other accessory buildings under Section 35.3.203. Structures up to 7 feet tall need only a 3-foot side and rear setback, height in the R1, RR and SR districts tops out at 16 feet, and floor area cannot exceed 50 percent of the main house's footprint.
Key details: Setback, structures to 7 ft tall: 3 feet side and rear. Max height, R1/RR/SR districts: 16 feet. Max height, A-1 district: 20 feet. Max floor area: 50% of principal building footprint. Small-shed exemption: Under 120 sq ft and 6 ft tall.
The Development Services Department reviews shed and accessory building placement through the building permit and zoning clearance process. A structure built over the height or setback limits, or one crowding an easement, can be red-tagged and ordered removed or relocated; continuing to keep an unpermitted structure in place after notice is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Glendale Code of Ordinances Section 1-7, with each day counted as a separate offense.
The Bottom Line
Glendale's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glendale is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Glendale's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.