ADU Rules: Glendale vs Topanga
How do adu rules rules compare between Glendale, CA and Topanga, CA?
Glendale has fewer restrictions than Topanga.
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 →Topanga, CA
Los Angeles County
Topanga is an unincorporated CDP in Los Angeles County governed by LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), most recently amended April 2024. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft; multifamily-lot ADUs have no maximum size under county rules. Topanga lies within the Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone, so a Coastal Development Permit also applies.
View full Topanga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Topanga |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 4 ft (new construction) |
| Governing Code | - | LA County Code §22.140.640 |
| Single-Family | - | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per lot |
| Multifamily Detached | - | Up to 2 new + conversion ADUs |
| Coastal Permit | - | Required (Santa Monica Mtns LCP) |
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.
Topanga FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Topanga?
Topanga is unincorporated, so LA County Department of Regional Planning regulates ADUs under LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640, not a separate city ordinance.
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit for a Topanga ADU?
Yes. Topanga falls within the certified Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program, so most ADU construction requires a Coastal Development Permit in addition to the building permit.
Can a Topanga multifamily lot add detached ADUs?
Yes. Under LA County Code §22.140.640, multifamily lots may add up to two detached new-construction ADUs plus conversion ADUs within non-livable space (up to 25% of existing units).
Compare other topics
See how Glendale and Topanga 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