Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Glendale?
In Glendale, adding an ADU offers a valuable chance to expand your living space and accommodate multigenerational living or provide a separate area for aging relatives. To ensure your ADU project's success, it's crucial to understand the local regulations impacting your property and assess the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Glendale City. This guide provides a thorough overview of Glendale's ADU requirements and key financial considerations to help you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Glendale?
In Glendale, you can build one ADU on a single-family residential lot, either as an attached or detached unit within the existing or proposed space.
How large can an attached ADU be in Glendale?
An attached ADU can be up to 50% of the existing floor area of the primary home, but it can't exceed 850 square feet. If the ADU has more than one bedroom, the maximum size can be 1,000 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Glendale?
A detached ADU can be a maximum of 850 square feet. However, if the detached ADU includes more than one bedroom, it can be up to 1,000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Glendale?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Glendale.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
There are no specific regulations regarding the minimum size of an ADU set by Glendale City.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing living areas into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For detached ADUs, the height limit is 16 feet, but this can increase to 18 feet if the unit is within one-half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, with an additional allowance of 2 feet for a roof pitch aligned with the primary dwelling's roof.
Attached ADUs can reach a height of 25 feet or the limit set by the underlying zoning district, whichever is lower.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Glendale allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties in Glendale can have at least one ADU within existing dwelling structures or up to 25% of the current units can be converted into ADUs. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs are allowed on the property.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Glendale?
For multifamily buildings, an attached ADU can be up to 50% of the existing floor area of the primary home, with a maximum size of 850 square feet. However, if the ADU includes more than one bedroom, it can be up to 1,000 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Glendale?
A detached ADU for multifamily buildings can be a maximum of 850 square feet. However, if it has more than one bedroom, it can be up to 1,000 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Glendale does not have specific rules about stacking detached ADUs.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
Yes, you can attach two ADUs to each other. Glendale allows at least two new detached ADUs, which can be attached or detached, as long as they are at least 5 feet apart from any existing buildings on the property.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing living spaces into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
On properties with multifamily buildings in Glendale, detached ADUs’ height limit is 16 feet. However, if the property is within one-half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, the height allowance increases to 18 feet, with an additional 2 feet allowed for accommodating a roof pitch aligned with the primary dwelling's roof.
Similarly, for detached ADUs on lots with existing or proposed multifamily, multi-story dwellings, the height limit is also 18 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Glendale?
Glendale provides various options for building ADUs:
(1) Detached ADU: A separate structure, independent from the main house.
(2) Attached ADU: An addition built directly onto the existing home.
(3) Converted ADU: Converting unused areas, such as garages, sheds, or storage rooms, into livable spaces with essential features like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can choose to build a new unit or repurpose an existing one. Converting spaces like garages or sheds may help avoid certain regulations, such as setbacks and height restrictions, and could permit small additions. However, working with older structures may present unforeseen challenges that could increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Glendale?
ADUs in Glendale should have a minimum interior setback of 4 feet. However, the city hasn't defined specific setback requirements for the rear side or corner lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU has to be at least 5 feet away from existing structures, measured from roof eave to roof eave.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
When converting an existing living space or accessory building into an ADU, no extra setbacks are needed as long as the new ADU is built in the same location and has the same dimensions as the existing structure.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Glendale?
You cannot build an ADU in the front yard, as new construction of an ADU should be located behind the street front and street side setback. However, if your property has more than one street front (a through lot), an ADU may be constructed between the street front setback and the side or rear facade of the main house. Additionally, no new driveway is allowed from any street frontage. These rules do not apply if following this restriction would prevent the development of a qualifying ADU.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
Glendale's regulations for ADUs do not specify a maximum limit on the number of bedrooms allowed, as long as the ADU includes at least 1 bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, ADUs are required to have a full kitchen. This differs from JADUs, which may have an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, an ADU does not need independent utility meters in Glendale. The property owner can set up new or separate utility connections between the ADU or Junior ADU and the utility provider and is responsible for any connection fees or capacity charges.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Glendale, new residential constructions, including ADUs, should meet the California Building Code, which requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for livable areas.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Glendale?
An ADU requires one off-street parking space per unit or bedroom. No on-site parking is needed if the property is within half a mile of public transit, listed on historic registers or in historic districts, the ADU is part of the primary residence or accessory living quarters, on-street parking permits are unavailable to the ADU occupant, or if there's a car share lot within one block.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking for an ADU can be located in covered or uncovered spaces, tandem spaces, or mechanical lifts. If using a lift, it should be enclosed and outside setback areas. There’s no need to replace parking if a garage or carport is removed for an ADU.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Glendale?
After preparing your permit drawings, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s recommended to arrange a pre-plan check meeting with the planner to review your application before submission. The typical processing time for an ADU permit is 8 to 10 weeks after plan check fees are paid.
Once submitted and the fees are settled, the city has 60 calendar days to determine whether your application is complete. If there’s no response within that period, your permit is automatically approved. If corrections are requested, your designer will need to revise and resubmit the application. The application should provide enough details to show compliance with ADU requirements. Missing information alone doesn’t warrant a denial. Plan checks for ADU projects in Glendale typically cost around $2,245.
Does Glendale require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, Glendale requires in-person submission of plans for an ADU to the city's Planning Division. These plans should show that they meet local zoning rules and guidelines.
Does Glendale require coastal development permits?
No, Glendale doesn't require coastal development permits anywhere in the city.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Glendale?
In Glendale, you will require a licensed professional to design your ADU if the project doesn't follow typical construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Glendale?
In Glendale, the cost to build an ADU is approximately $380 per square foot. Additionally, you should consider other expenses such as permits, architect fees, and engineering costs. For example, building a 900-square-foot ADU would cost around $390,000 in total, covering both hard and soft costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Glendale?
The profitability of constructing an ADU in Glendale depends on the construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area has an estimated market value of about $630,000. With a total project cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 61%.
Profitability can also be assessed based on potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Glendale?
AB 1033 enables local agencies in California to establish regulations for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums while keeping existing ADU development standards.
In Gardena, selling an ADU should follow local regulations. The ADU can be sold if it was built by a qualified nonprofit, if there is a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city permits the separate sale of both the ADU and the primary home as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Glendale?
No, ADUs in Glendale are not subject to rent control regulations. Rent control typically applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old. However, since ADUs are new constructions, they are not covered by laws like AB 1482, which involve rent control.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Glendale?
To get funds for constructing an ADU in Glendale, homeowners can look into programs like the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This program offers grants of up to $40,000, and eligibility is based on the homeowner's income, which can be as much as $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. The grant covers initial costs such as site preparation, design, permits, and related expenses. Homeowners are free to choose their tenants for the ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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