Garage Conversions: El Monte vs Glendale
How do garage conversions 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 permits garage-to-ADU conversions under state ADU law: no replacement parking required and the converted garage may be reconstructed up to its original footprint as an ADU.
View full El Monte rules →Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale allows garage-to-ADU and garage-to-JADU conversions under GMC §30.34.080, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. No replacement parking is required when an existing garage is converted to an ADU, and the existing setbacks are preserved for the conversion footprint.
View full Glendale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Garage-to-ADU conversion | Allowed by-right under state law | - |
| Replacement parking | Not required (Gov. Code §66314(a)(1)(D)) | - |
| Permit required | Yes — building permit + plan check | - |
| Non-ADU conversion | Replacement parking required | - |
| Max ADU size (attached/converted) | 1,200 sq ft or 50% of primary, whichever greater | - |
| Setback for existing garage | Existing nonconforming setbacks allowed | - |
| Code Section | - | GMC §30.34.080; Cal. Gov Code §65852.2 |
| Replacement Parking | - | Not required |
| Existing Setbacks | - | Preserved for conversion |
| Multifamily Conversion | - | Up to 25% of existing units |
| Permit Required | - | Yes — building permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Do I have to replace the parking if I convert my garage to an ADU?
No. Under California Government Code §66314 (the state ADU law) and El Monte's ADU/JADU Program Guidelines, no replacement parking is required when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted in conjunction with creating an ADU.
Can I convert my garage into a bedroom without making it an ADU?
Only with a permit, and you must provide replacement on-site parking that meets EMMC Title 17 residential parking standards. Most R-1 lots require 2 covered spaces, so a straight bedroom conversion is often infeasible. Converting to an ADU avoids the parking-replacement requirement.
Glendale FAQ
Do I need to replace my parking if I convert my Glendale garage to an ADU?
No. Cal. Gov Code §65852.2 and GMC §30.34.080 prohibit Glendale from requiring replacement parking when an existing garage is converted to an ADU.
Can my Glendale multifamily building add conversion ADUs?
Yes. Under GMC §30.34.080, conversion ADUs may be created in non-livable space within an existing multifamily building up to 25% of the existing unit count.
Do I still need a permit to convert a Glendale garage?
Yes. A building permit from Glendale Community Development is required for any change of use from garage to habitable space, though the planning review is ministerial under §30.34.080.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Glendale 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