ADU Rules: Burbank vs Topanga
How do adu rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and Topanga, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Topanga.
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 →Topanga, CA
Los Angeles County
Topanga is an unincorporated CDP in Los Angeles County governed by LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), most recently amended April 2024. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft; multifamily-lot ADUs have no maximum size under county rules. Topanga lies within the Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone, so a Coastal Development Permit also applies.
View full Topanga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Topanga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ft (new construction) |
| Governing Code | - | LA County Code §22.140.640 |
| Single-Family | - | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per lot |
| Multifamily Detached | - | Up to 2 new + conversion ADUs |
| Coastal Permit | - | Required (Santa Monica Mtns LCP) |
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.
Topanga FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Topanga?
Topanga is unincorporated, so LA County Department of Regional Planning regulates ADUs under LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640, not a separate city ordinance.
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit for a Topanga ADU?
Yes. Topanga falls within the certified Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program, so most ADU construction requires a Coastal Development Permit in addition to the building permit.
Can a Topanga multifamily lot add detached ADUs?
Yes. Under LA County Code §22.140.640, multifamily lots may add up to two detached new-construction ADUs plus conversion ADUs within non-livable space (up to 25% of existing units).
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