Building Setbacks & Zoning in Burbank, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Burbank or are thinking about moving there, building setbacks & zoning are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Burbank has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Setback Rules

Burbank uses an averaging method for front yard setbacks: determined by average of lots within 250 ft on the same block. Side yard setbacks are calculated as a percentage of lot width. Accessory structures may encroach to 3 ft in rear one-third of lot.

Key details: Front Yard: Average of lots within 250 ft. Side Yard: Percentage of lot width. Accessory Structures: 3 ft min in rear 1/3 of lot. Code: BMC Table 10-1-603(A).

Building in setback: stop-work order and required correction. Fines $100 to $1,000. May require structure removal at owner expense.

Lot Coverage Limits

Maximum lot coverage in Burbank is 50% of net lot area. Lots under 6,000 sq ft may exceed 50% with a Single Family Development Permit. Pools, hot tubs, and up to two small accessory structures under 120 sq ft are excluded from calculations.

Key details: Maximum: 50% of net lot area. Small Lots: May exceed with SFDP (<6,000 sq ft). Excluded: Pools, hot tubs, 2 structures <120 sq ft. Code: BMC Title 10 zoning.

Exceeding lot coverage: correction required. May need to remove impervious surface. Fines $200 to $1,000.

Structure Height Limits

Burbank regulates building heights by zone under BMC Title 10, Article 13. Residential zones have specific height caps. Height is measured from finished grade to the highest point of the structure.

Key details: Code: BMC Title 10, Article 13. Measurement: Finished grade to highest point. Varies By: Zoning district. Exceptions: Chimneys, antennas may be exempt.

Exceeding height limit: stop-work order. Required to reduce height or obtain variance. Fines $250 to $2,000.

The Bottom Line

Burbank's building setbacks & zoning 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 Burbank is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Burbank'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.