ADU Rules: Burbank vs Glendale
How do adu rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and Glendale, CA?
Burbank and Glendale have similar restriction levels.
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 →Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Glendale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC §§10-1-620.3 to 10-1-620.7 (Ord. 23-4,002) | GMC §30.34.080 |
| 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 | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft minimum | 4 ft (new construction) |
| Detached Height | - | 16 ft (18 ft near transit) |
| Attached Height | - | 25 ft, max 2 stories |
| Multifamily Detached New | - | Up to 2 per lot |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Glendale FAQ
How many ADUs can I build on a Glendale multifamily lot?
GMC §30.34.080 implements state law allowing conversion ADUs within non-livable existing multifamily space (up to 25% of existing units) plus up to two detached new-construction ADUs per lot.
How tall can my Glendale detached ADU be?
Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet under GMC §30.34.080, or up to 18 feet (plus 2 feet for a matching roof pitch) if the property is within a half-mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor.
Do I need a public hearing for a Glendale ADU?
No. GMC §30.34.080 requires ministerial review without a public hearing, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2.
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