ADU Rules: Glendale vs South Gate
How do adu rules rules compare between Glendale, CA and South Gate, CA?
Glendale and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
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 →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate must allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) on any parcel with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling, in conformance with Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. The South Gate Municipal Code Title 11 (Zoning) implements these state ADU standards ministerially.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Governing law | - | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADUs); §65852.22 (JADUs) |
| Local code | - | South Gate Municipal Code Title 11 (Zoning), Ch. 11.25 |
| By-right ADU size | - | 800 sq ft, 16-ft height, 4-ft setbacks |
| Max detached ADU | - | 1,200 sq ft (state floor) |
| JADU max | - | 500 sq ft (within existing SFD) |
| Review type | - | Ministerial (no public hearing) |
| Approval timeline | - | 60 days from complete application (Gov. Code §65852.2(b)) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
South Gate FAQ
Can South Gate ban ADUs in single-family zones?
No. Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 preempts local bans. South Gate must allow ADUs ministerially on any single-family or multifamily lot.
Do I need a public hearing for an ADU in South Gate?
No. State law requires ministerial (over-the-counter) approval within 60 days of a complete application — no Planning Commission hearing.
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 in South Gate.
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