ADU Rules: Burbank vs Palmdale
How do adu rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Palmdale.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank permits accessory dwelling units ministerially in all residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MDR-3, MDR-4, R-1-H) under BMC 10-1-620.3, capping detached and attached ADUs at 850 square feet (1,000 with more than one bedroom) and a junior ADU at 500 square feet, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
View full Burbank rules →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
California law (Gov. Code §65852.2) requires cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. Palmdale must comply with state standards for size, setbacks, and parking.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 10-1-620.3 | - |
| Ordinance | No. 23-4,002, eff. 12/8/23 | - |
| State law | Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2 | - |
| Permitted zones | R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MDR-3, MDR-4, R-1-H | - |
| Max ADU size | 850 sq ft (1,000 sq ft if more than 1 bedroom) | - |
| Max JADU size | 500 sq ft | - |
| Side/rear setback | 4 ft minimum | - |
| Detached ADU height | 17 ft (18 ft near transit; 20 ft top-of-plate atop a garage) | - |
| Parking | Max 1 space per ADU or per bedroom; waived near transit, conversions, historic districts | None near transit |
| Owner occupancy | Not required (Gov. Code 65852.2(a)(8)) | - |
| Review | Ministerial, 60-day clock | - |
| Max Size | - | 800 sq ft detached |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft rear/side |
| State Law | - | Gov. Code §65852.2 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
How large can an ADU be in Burbank?
New attached and detached ADUs may not exceed 850 square feet, except an ADU with more than one bedroom may be up to 1,000 square feet. A junior ADU is limited to 500 square feet and must be built within the existing walls of the single-family residence or attached garage.
What setbacks apply to a new ADU in Burbank?
Under BMC 10-1-620.3(H), any new attached or detached ADU must maintain a minimum setback of 4 feet to the rear property line and 4 feet to the side-yard property line, including ADUs constructed on top of a garage or accessory structure. A converted legal garage or accessory structure may keep its existing nonconforming setback.
Does Burbank require the owner to live on the property with an ADU?
No. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(8), Burbank does not impose owner-occupancy requirements on ADUs. The code notes the requirement would spring back into effect only if state law is amended to again allow owner-occupancy restrictions. Junior ADUs remain subject to owner-occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the JADU.
Can a Burbank ADU be used as a short-term rental?
No. BMC 10-1-620.3(Q) provides that, unless otherwise allowed by the Municipal Code, ADUs and Junior ADUs that are rented must be rented for terms longer than 90 days, which precludes short-term vacation rental use.
Palmdale FAQ
Can I build an ADU?
Yes. California law requires all cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. Palmdale must process permits within 60 days.
Do I need to live on the property?
No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs under current California law.
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