ADU Rules: Burbank vs Pasadena
How do adu rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
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 →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena allows ADUs under California state law (AB 68, SB 13, AB 881). Both attached and detached ADUs are permitted. The city has streamlined its permitting process to comply with state mandates.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft minimum | - |
| Detached ADU | - | Up to 1,200 sq ft |
| Junior ADU | - | Up to 500 sq ft |
| Setback | - | 4 feet for detached ADU |
| Parking | - | None required near transit |
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.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Pasadena?
Yes. California law requires cities to allow ADUs. Detached units up to 1,200 sq ft and junior ADUs up to 500 sq ft are permitted.
Do I need to live on the property?
No. California state law removed owner occupancy requirements for ADUs.
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