ADU Permits: Glendale vs Los Angeles
How do adu permits rules compare between Glendale, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Glendale and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) §30.34.080 and California Government Code §65852.2 (as amended by AB 68, AB 881, SB 13, and AB 976). The City Council adopted updated ADU regulations on December 3, 2024 to address California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) compliance findings. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
View full Glendale rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under LAMC Section 12.22 A.33 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Applications go through LADBS plan check, with no public hearing, discretionary review, or CEQA process required.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | GMC §30.34.080 | LAMC 12.22 A.33 |
| Last Amended | December 3, 2024 (HCD compliance) | - |
| Review | Ministerial, 60-day cap | - |
| Detached Max | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| JADU Max | 500 sq ft | - |
| Setback | 4 ft side/rear | - |
| Review Type | - | Ministerial, no hearing |
| Decision Deadline | - | 60 days |
| Lead Agency | - | LADBS Plan Check |
| State Law | - | Cal. Gov Code 65852.2 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
How long does ADU review take in Glendale?
California Government Code §65852.2(b) caps ministerial review at 60 days from a complete application. Glendale Community Development processes ADU permits without a public hearing when plans meet GMC §30.34.080 objective standards.
Do I need a public hearing for a Glendale ADU?
No. GMC §30.34.080 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 require ministerial review only — no Planning Commission hearing, no neighbor notice, no discretionary findings. Only objective standards apply.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I need a public hearing to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
No. Under LAMC 12.22 A.33 and Cal. Gov Code 65852.2, ADU applications are reviewed ministerially by LADBS without a public hearing, design review, or CEQA process.
How long does ADU plan check take in Los Angeles?
LADBS must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days of submission. Pre-approved Standard Plans further shorten plan check by skipping structural review.
Which Los Angeles departments review an ADU permit?
LADBS leads plan check, with sign-offs from City Planning, the Bureau of Engineering for sewer capacity, and LADWP for water and power service.
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