ADU Rules: El Monte vs Glendale
How do adu rules rules compare between El Monte, CA and Glendale, CA?
El Monte and Glendale have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte allows one ADU and one JADU on single-family lots, with detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Standards follow Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 / §65852.22 and are codified in the El Monte Zoning Code (adopted 6-21-22, amended 5-14-25).
View full El Monte 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 | El Monte | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| ADU permit | Ministerial (no hearing) | - |
| Max detached ADU | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| Max JADU | 500 sq ft | - |
| Min side/rear setback | 4 ft | - |
| Max height (detached) | 16 ft | - |
| Review timeline | 60 days (state-mandated) | - |
| 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.
El Monte FAQ
Can I build both an ADU and a JADU on my single-family lot in El Monte?
Yes. Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(e)(1)(A) and the City's ADU Program Guidelines allow one ADU plus one JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family residence.
Do I need a public hearing?
No. State law requires the City to act on a complete ADU application ministerially within 60 days, without discretionary review or a hearing (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b)).
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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