ADU Rules: Carson vs Glendale
How do adu rules rules compare between Carson, CA and Glendale, CA?
Carson and Glendale have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) on parcels with existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwellings, in conformance with state ADU law (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 and §65852.22). The Carson Municipal Code zoning chapter (Article IX, Chapter 1) implements these standards ministerially.
View full Carson rules →Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale regulates ADUs and JADUs under Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) §30.34.080, with the most recent ordinance amendment adopted by City Council on December 3, 2024 to address California HCD compliance concerns. ADUs and JADUs are reviewed ministerially without a public hearing, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2.
View full Glendale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADUs); §65852.22 (JADUs) | - |
| Local code | Carson Municipal Code Article IX, Ch. 1 (Zoning) | - |
| By-right ADU size | 800 sq ft, 16-ft height, 4-ft setbacks | - |
| Max detached ADU | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| JADU max | 500 sq ft (within existing SFD) | - |
| Review type | Ministerial (no public hearing) | - |
| Approval timeline | 60 days from complete application (state mandate) | - |
| Code Section | - | GMC §30.34.080 |
| Detached Height | - | 16 ft (18 ft near transit) |
| Attached Height | - | 25 ft, max 2 stories |
| Multifamily Detached New | - | Up to 2 per lot |
| Side/Rear Setback | - | 4 ft (new construction) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Can Carson ban ADUs in single-family zones?
No. Gov. Code §65852.2 preempts local bans. Carson must allow ADUs ministerially on any single-family or multifamily lot.
Do I need a public hearing for an ADU?
No. State law requires ministerial (over-the-counter) approval within 60 days of a complete application.
Can I build an ADU and a JADU on the same lot?
Yes. State law allows one ADU plus one JADU on a single-family lot.
Glendale FAQ
How many ADUs can I build on a Glendale multifamily lot?
GMC §30.34.080 implements state law allowing conversion ADUs within non-livable existing multifamily space (up to 25% of existing units) plus up to two detached new-construction ADUs per lot.
How tall can my Glendale detached ADU be?
Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet under GMC §30.34.080, or up to 18 feet (plus 2 feet for a matching roof pitch) if the property is within a half-mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor.
Do I need a public hearing for a Glendale ADU?
No. GMC §30.34.080 requires ministerial review without a public hearing, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2.
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