Burbank, CA

Burbank effectively prohibits most short-term rentals (stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days) in residential zones. The city does not issue short-term rental permits or licenses for residential properties. Only hotels and licensed lodging establishments in commercially zoned areas may offer stays of fewer than 30 days. This makes Burbank one of the more restrictive cities in Los Angeles County regarding short-term rentals.

Burbank enforces noise limits based on zoning districts with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Residential zones are limited to 55 dBA during daytime and 45 dBA during nighttime. The city, home to major entertainment studios, includes provisions for permitted film and television production activities but still protects residential neighborhoods from excessive noise.

Burbank restricts construction activity to weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and federal holidays. The ordinance covers all construction, demolition, grading, excavation, and similar activities that generate noise audible beyond the property boundary.

Burbank adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments governing outdoor fire features. Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted and exempt from SCAQMD no-burn orders. Wood-burning fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are subject to SCAQMD burn-day restrictions. Properties in Burbank's hillside Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones face additional restrictions including enhanced clearance requirements.

Burbank restricts the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and other oversized vehicles in residential areas. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet in length, 7 feet in height, or 80 inches in width may not be parked on residential streets. On private property, oversized vehicles must be stored behind the front building line and screened from public view.

Burbank enforces a 72-hour limit for vehicles parked on any public street. Overnight parking restrictions apply on certain posted streets between 2 AM and 6 AM. The city offers preferential parking permits for residents in designated high-demand areas. Street sweeping parking restrictions are actively enforced with posted schedules varying by neighborhood.

Burbank regulates fence, wall, and hedge heights by location on the property. Front yard fences are limited to 3.5 feet (42 inches). Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Corner lots have special sight-line requirements at intersections. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit, and masonry or concrete block walls over 3.5 feet require an engineering review.

Burbank allows limited chicken keeping in residential zones subject to permit requirements, setback distances, and enclosure standards. Roosters are prohibited in all residential zones. The number of chickens permitted depends on lot size, with standard residential lots (under 17,500 sq ft) limited to a maximum of 5 hens. Larger lots may keep additional birds with appropriate setbacks and enclosure requirements.

Burbank requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on any public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and trails. Dogs must be under the control of a competent person at all times. Off-leash exercise is permitted only in designated dog parks. Burbank operates two off-leash dog parks with separate areas for large and small dogs.

Burbank maintains a protected tree ordinance covering both public street trees and designated heritage/landmark trees on private property. No street tree may be removed, trimmed, or altered without a permit from the Parks and Recreation Division. Certain mature native tree species on private property, including California oaks and California sycamores, are protected and require a permit before removal or significant pruning.

Burbank permits home-based businesses in residential zones through a home occupation permit process. Given the city's status as a media industry hub, the ordinance includes specific provisions for entertainment industry professionals working from home, such as writers, editors, artists, and post-production specialists. The business must remain secondary to the residential use and must not generate noticeable traffic, noise, or commercial activity visible from outside the dwelling.