ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home

How many ADUs can you build in Burbank?

In Burbank, a maximum of one ADU is allowed on properties zoned for single-family use, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.

How large can an attached ADU be in Burbank?

Attached ADUs can be up to 850 square feet. If they have more than one bedroom, they can be as large as 1,000 square feet. Additionally, they can expand by up to 150 square feet beyond the existing structure, but only to allow for entry and exit.

How large can a detached ADU be in Burbank?

Detached ADUs in Burbank can also reach a maximum of 850 square feet, or up to 1,000 square feet if they have more than one bedroom. Like attached ADUs, they can expand by up to 150 square feet only to accommodate entry and exit.

Can I build a 2-story ADU in Burbank?

Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Burbank.

Is there a minimum size for an ADU?

No, there is no specified minimum size requirement for an ADU in Burbank. However, to create livable spaces, the Building Code will require a minimum size for each room type.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in single-family properties.

What is the maximum height for an ADU?

For properties with a single-family house, the height of an ADU depends on how it’s attached or where it’s located. For ADUs attached to the main house:

• The top plate height is limited to 20 feet.
• For pitched roofs and architectural features, the maximum height is 30 feet.
• For flat roofs, parapets, and architectural features, the limit is 23 feet.

If the ADU is built on a detached garage or accessory structure, the top plate height cannot surpass 20 feet from the ground, while any architectural features can be up to 23 feet tall.

For detached ADUs, the typical maximum height is 17 feet. However, if the ADU is within a half-mile walk of a "high-quality transit corridor" or "major transit stop," it can be up to 18 feet high, plus an additional 2 feet for a matching roof pitch.

Attic spaces or loft areas in one-story ADUs should be less than 5 feet high. If they surpass this height, that space counts as a second story, effectively doubling the ground floor area for calculations.

ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building

How many ADUs does Burbank allow for multifamily properties?

In Burbank, properties with existing or proposed multifamily buildings can have up to 2 detached ADUs. For ADUs inside the multifamily building, the limit is 25% of the total units, with a minimum of one ADU allowed.

How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Burbank?

Attached ADUs for multifamily buildings can be a maximum of 850 square feet or up to 1,000 square feet if they include more than one bedroom. They can also expand by up to 150 square feet beyond the existing structure's dimensions for entry and exit.

How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Burbank?

Detached ADUs for multifamily buildings have the same size limits as attached ADUs, with a maximum of 850 square feet, or 1,000 square feet if they have more than one bedroom. They can expand up to 150 square feet beyond the existing structure for entry and exit.

Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?

No, stacking detached ADUs on top of one another is not allowed in Burbank. However, you can add an ADU above an existing detached structure, like a garage.

Can I attach two ADUs to each other?

In Burbank, it's against the rules to attach two ADUs. Each ADU needs to be directly attached to the primary structure.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, you can convert existing space to an ADU within a multifamily dwelling structure, as long as the space is not currently used as livable space.

What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building

For ADUs on top of detached garages or accessory structures, the top plate height should not go over 20 feet from the ground, with a maximum height of 23 feet for any architectural features.

For detached ADUs, the usual maximum height is 17 feet. However, if the ADU is within a half-mile walk of a "high-quality transit corridor" or "major transit stop," it can reach 18 feet high, with an additional 2 feet for a matching roof pitch.

If there’s an existing or proposed multistory, multifamily dwelling on the lot, the detached ADU can also have a maximum height of 18 feet (measured from the ground to the top of the roof).

For single-story ADUs, attic spaces should be no higher than 5 feet. If the attic height surpasses this, it counts as a second story, doubling the ground floor area for calculations.

What ADU types are allowed to build in Burbank?

ADUs can be designed in different configurations:

• Detached ADU: A standalone structure that is completely separate from the main home.
• Attached ADU: A newly built addition that is physically connected to the main house.
• Converted ADU: Converts an existing non-livable area, such as a garage, shed, or storage room, into a livable space with essential features like a kitchen and bathroom.

You can either construct a new ADU or repurpose an existing structure on your property. Converting spaces like garages or sheds has the advantage of bypassing setback and height restrictions, with the option to enlarge the structure for additional room. However, renovating older buildings might uncover unforeseen issues, potentially increasing expenses.

ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings

What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Burbank?

ADUs need a minimum setback of 4 feet from the rear and side property lines, including those built on top of garages or accessory structures. If building an 800-square-foot ADU elsewhere on the lot isn't physically possible, ADUs can be constructed within the front yard setback, as long as there’s at least a 2-foot side and rear setback.

What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?

New ADUs in Burbank should be at least 5 feet away from the face of any existing structure and 4 feet away from the eaves of any adjacent structure.

Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?

No setbacks are required for converting an existing structure, even if demolished, into an ADU or part of an ADU.

Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Burbank?

Building an ADU in the front yard of your Burbank property is possible, but only if there isn’t sufficient space elsewhere on the lot to accommodate at least an 800-square-foot unit. Zoning setback rules should be followed.

Design requirements for ADU

How many bedrooms can an ADU have?

In Burbank, ADUs can have at least 1 bedroom, unlike studio units allowed in some other cities.

Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?

Yes, an ADU in Burbank should have a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which can have an efficiency kitchen.

Does an ADU require independent utility meters?

In Burbank, an ADU not built within the existing space of a single-family house or accessory structure might need a new or independent utility connection, which could involve connection fees or capacity charges.

What is the minimum ceiling height?

The minimum ceiling height requirement for livable spaces, including ADUs, in Burbank, follows the California Building Code, which requires a minimum of 7 feet. However, for attic spaces specifically within a one-story ADU in Burbank, they should be less than 5 feet in height, measured from the finished floor to the top of the attic ceiling.

Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here

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The parking requirements for ADU

What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Burbank?

In Burbank, the parking requirement for an ADU is one space per ADU or bedroom, whichever is less. There are several exceptions where on-site parking isn't needed. These include cases where the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, located in a historic district, part of the main dwelling or an existing accessory structure, in areas with on-street parking permits that aren’t available to the ADU occupant, or within one block of a car share vehicle. If it's shown through scaled building plans that on-site parking isn't feasible, parking won't be necessary.

Where can I have a parking space on my property?

Parking for an ADU can be located on-site, including tandem parking in an existing driveway or within setback areas, unless specific site, topographical, or safety conditions make this infeasible. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted into an ADU, replacement parking for the main dwelling is not required.

How to get permits for your ADU

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Burbank?

Before starting construction in Burbank, you'll need permits from the Planning and Building Department. The initial review by Building and Safety typically takes up to 8 weeks, with rechecks requiring an additional 2 to 4 weeks each. After completing the permit drawings, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. Scheduling a meeting with the planner beforehand can help ensure your application is ready. The Plan Check cost in Bradbury is approximately $1,237.

If no response is provided within that time, the permit is automatically approved. If corrections are needed, your designer should address them and resubmit the application. The submission should include sufficient details to show compliance with ADU regulations, as missing information does not automatically result in rejection.

Does Burbank require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?

No, Burbank does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. Projects, including ADUs, needing plan checks should be submitted electronically for city review and processing. You can contact the Building & Safety Division via email at [email protected] for access to their online review portal named ProjectDox.

Does Burbank require coastal development permits?

No, coastal development permits are not required within Burbank's city limits.

When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Burbank?

You need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Burbank if the project deviates from standard construction or is over two stories.

Cost, financing and market value of ADUs

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Burbank?

Constructing an ADU in Burbank generally costs around $380 per square foot. In addition to the construction expenses, you should account for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, building a 900-square-foot ADU typically totals approximately $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.

Is it profitable to build an ADU in Burbank?

To determine the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Burbank, you need to consider both construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in Burbank is estimated to be worth about $760,000. Given the construction expenses of around $390,000, this results in an estimated return on investment of 97%.

Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members reside on the same property.

Can you sell an ADU in Burbank?

You can sell an ADU in Bradbury if certain conditions are met. The city allows ADU sales under specific rules. If a nonprofit built the ADU, it can be sold on its own. You could also split the property using a tenancy in a common agreement. The city might also let you sell the ADU and main home as separate condominiums, as long as all the rules are followed.

Are ADUs rent-controlled in Burbank?

ADUs in Burbank are not subject to rent control ordinances. Typically, rent control applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old. However, since ADUs are newly constructed units, they are exempt from laws like AB 1482, which regard rent control.

How do I get money to build an ADU in Burbank?

Homeowners can explore CalHFA's ADU grant program, managed by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA), to secure funding for building an ADU in Burbank. This program offers grants of $40,000 to qualifying homeowners for pre-construction costs. With a total of over $6 million in grants available, this aims to support ADU construction and address housing needs. Notably, 54% of these grants are designated for low-income households, promoting affordability. CCEDA's efforts are backed by HOMEPLEX, Inc., which provides consulting services, grant administration, and financial guidance.

Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.

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