Garage Conversions: Burbank vs South Gate
How do garage conversions rules compare between Burbank, CA and South Gate, CA?
Burbank and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank allows conversion of existing garages and accessory structures to ADUs or JADUs under BMC §10-1-620.3, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. No replacement parking is required when an existing garage is converted to an ADU, and the existing structure's setbacks are grandfathered for the conversion footprint.
View full Burbank rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
Garage conversions in South Gate are governed primarily by California state ADU law (Gov. Code §65852.2), which preempts local single-family-zone restrictions and requires ministerial approval of conversion ADUs. South Gate implements the state standards through SGMC Ch. 11.43 (most recently updated via Ordinance 2025-01-CC).
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC §10-1-620.3; Cal. Gov Code §65852.2 | - |
| Replacement Parking | Not required by state law | - |
| Existing Setbacks | Grandfathered for conversion | - |
| ADU Over Garage | 20 ft to plate / 23 ft to roof | - |
| Permit Required | Yes — building permit | - |
| State preemption | - | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (re-codified by SB 477, 2024) |
| Approval timing | - | Ministerial within 60 days; no discretionary review |
| Replacement parking | - | Prohibited when garage was previously required parking |
| Lot standards waived | - | Conversion ADU exempt from FAR/coverage/min-lot-size |
| Owner occupancy | - | Removed in South Gate via Ord. 2025-01-CC (aligns with state law) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
If I convert my Burbank garage to an ADU, do I need a replacement parking space?
No. Cal. Gov Code §65852.2 and BMC §10-1-620.3 prohibit Burbank from requiring replacement parking when an existing garage is converted to an ADU or JADU.
Can I build a new ADU on top of my Burbank garage?
Yes. Under BMC §10-1-620.3, a detached ADU built on top of a garage or other accessory structure may be up to 20 feet to top of plate and 23 feet to top of roof or architectural feature.
Do I still need a permit for a Burbank garage-to-ADU conversion?
Yes. Burbank Community Development requires a building permit for any change of use from garage to habitable space; the planning review remains ministerial under §10-1-620.7.
South Gate FAQ
Can South Gate require me to replace parking when I convert my garage to an ADU?
No. Under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2, South Gate cannot require replacement off-street parking when a garage converted to an ADU previously satisfied the dwelling's required parking. State law preempts any local replacement-parking rule for ADU conversions.
How long does South Gate have to approve a garage-conversion ADU?
Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 requires ministerial approval within 60 days of a complete application. South Gate cannot impose discretionary review, public hearings, or owner-occupancy requirements for new applications. SGMC Ch. 11.43 was updated via Ord. 2025-01-CC to align with these state mandates.
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