ADU Rules: Burbank vs South San Gabriel
How do adu rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and South San Gabriel, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than South San Gabriel.
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 →South San Gabriel, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County's ADU Ordinance (amended October 2024) allows accessory dwelling units in all residential zones of unincorporated areas. Applications go through EPIC-LA and are reviewed by the Department of Regional Planning. Pre-approved plans are available.
View full South San Gabriel rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | South San Gabriel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 4 feet |
| Max ADU Size | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| JADU Max | - | 500 sq ft |
| Max Height | - | 16 feet |
| Application | - | EPIC-LA portal |
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.
South San Gabriel FAQ
Can I build an ADU in unincorporated LA County?
Yes. One ADU and one JADU are allowed per lot in all residential zones. Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet. Apply through the EPIC-LA portal.
Do I need to live on-site to have an ADU in LA County?
No. California state law eliminates owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. You can rent both the main home and the ADU.
Compare other topics
See how Burbank and South San Gabriel compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool