Accessory Structures in Glendale, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Glendale, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Glendale regulates ADUs and JADUs under Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) §30.34.080, with the most recent ordinance amendment adopted by City Council on December 3, 2024 to address California HCD compliance concerns. ADUs and JADUs are reviewed ministerially without a public hearing, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2.
Glendale ADU Permit Requirements (incl. Multifamily)
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Glendale processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) §30.34.080 and California Government Code §65852.2 (as amended by AB 68, AB 881, SB 13, and AB 976). The City Council adopted updated ADU regulations on December 3, 2024 to address California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) compliance findings. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
Glendale ADU Permit and Ministerial Review
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Glendale exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from all impact fees per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay a Parks and Libraries development impact fee of approximately $4,700 per ADU and other fees proportional to the principal dwelling's gross floor area. School fees are governed by SB 13 (2019). Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through Glendale Community Development.
Glendale ADU Impact Fees (Under 750 Exempt; Parks/Libraries Fee)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Glendale cannot require owner occupancy on standard ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 because California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6), made permanent by AB 976 (2023), prohibits local owner-occupancy mandates. Junior ADUs (JADUs) under GMC §30.34.080 still require owner occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the JADU because they share walls and utilities, recorded by deed restriction.
Glendale ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules (State Preempts; JADU Excepted)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Glendale ADUs may be rented long-term (30 days or more) without a separate license. Short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited in ADUs citywide under Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 5.56 (Home-Sharing License and Prohibition of Vacation Rentals) and the ADU Covenant Agreement recorded at permit issuance. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7)) also restricts STR use of ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020.
Glendale ADU Short-Term Rental Ban (GMC Chapter 5.56)
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Glendale allows sheds in residential zones. Structures under 120 square feet typically do not require a building permit under California Building Code. Sheds must comply with setback and height requirements.
Glendale Shed & Accessory Structure Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Glendale allows garage-to-ADU and garage-to-JADU conversions under GMC §30.34.080, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. No replacement parking is required when an existing garage is converted to an ADU, and the existing setbacks are preserved for the conversion footprint.
Glendale Garage Conversion to ADU Rules
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Glendale must comply with zoning setback requirements and obtain a building permit. Carports count toward lot coverage calculations under GMC Title 30.
Glendale Carport Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings in Glendale. Fixed tiny homes on a foundation may qualify as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2 and must meet local ADU standards.
Glendale Tiny Home & Small Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Glendale city rules.
Accessory Structures in Los Angeles County →