ADU Rules: Altadena vs Burbank
How do adu rules rules compare between Altadena, CA and Burbank, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Altadena.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Altadena is an unincorporated CDP in Los Angeles County governed by LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), most recently amended April 2024. Single-family lots may add one ADU plus one JADU; multifamily lots may add up to two detached new-construction ADUs plus conversion ADUs in non-livable existing space.
View full Altadena rules →Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank regulates ADUs and JADUs under Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) Title 10, Article 6, Division 3 (§§10-1-620.3 through 10-1-620.7), as updated by Ordinance 23-4,002 effective December 8, 2023 to align with California Government Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft, attached ADUs at 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft with an 800 sq ft floor, and JADUs at 500 sq ft.
View full Burbank rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Burbank |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | LA County Code §22.140.640 | - |
| Single-Family | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per lot | - |
| Multifamily Detached | Up to 2 new (20 ft max) | - |
| WUI Fire Zone | Chapter 7A applies (hillside) | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft (new construction) | 4 ft minimum |
| Code Section | - | BMC §§10-1-620.3 to 10-1-620.7 (Ord. 23-4,002) |
| Max Detached ADU | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| Multifamily New Detached | - | Up to 2 per lot, 800 sq ft each |
| Multifamily Conversion | - | Up to 25% of existing units |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Altadena?
Altadena is unincorporated, so LA County Regional Planning regulates ADUs under LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640, not a separate city ordinance.
Do hillside or fire rules apply to Altadena ADUs?
Yes. Altadena's hillside neighborhoods are in LA County's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, requiring Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction and Fire Code §325 brush clearance. Hillside-grading provisions of Title 22 apply on slopes steeper than 10%.
How big can my Altadena ADU be?
Under §22.140.640, a detached ADU on a single-family lot may be up to 1,200 sq ft; multifamily-lot ADUs have no maximum size cap. JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft.
Burbank FAQ
How many ADUs can I build on a Burbank multifamily lot?
Under BMC §10-1-620 and Gov Code §65852.2, multifamily lots may add up to two detached new-construction ADUs plus conversion ADUs within non-livable space, capped at 25% of the existing unit count (minimum one conversion ADU).
How tall can a Burbank detached ADU be?
Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet, or 18 feet within a half-mile of a major transit stop or where the existing building is two or more stories, under BMC §10-1-620.3.
Do I need a public hearing for a Burbank ADU?
No. BMC §10-1-620.7 requires ministerial review consistent with state law — applications are decided based on objective standards without a hearing.
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