Number of ADUs Allowed in Burbank
- Maximum size: 1,200 sq ft (detached or attached, or 50% of the size of the main dwelling)
- Side/rear setbacks: 4 feet
- Two story: Yes, for both attached and detached ADUs
- Building separation: 6 feet
- Soils Report: Possibly, especially in areas with grading or on hillsides
- Building Verification Survey: Yes
- Coastal permit (in some areas): N/A
- Stormwater Mitigation: Yes
Number of ADUs Allowed in Burbank
On single-family residential lots in Burbank, you may buildup to two ADUs, either attached or detached, on your property. You can also build up totwo JADUsinto the existing primary residence.
Multifamily property owners in Burbank may convertat least one ADU, andadditional ADUs not to exceed a maximum number equal to 25% of the existing units out ofexisting uninhabitable space. Ergo:
- From 2 to 7 units, you could convert existing uninhabitable space intoone ADU
- From 8 to 11 units up to2 ADUs
- From 12 to 15 units up to3 ADUs
- And so on.
No more thantwo detached ADUs may be constructed on a multifamily lot in Burbank.
ADU Burbank – Size & Building Constraints
In the city of Burbank, a detached1-bedroom ADUcan be a maximum of850 square feet. A detached2-bedroom ADUcan be a maximum of1,000 square feet.
In a Mountain Fire Zone, all ADUs are limited in size to800 square feet.
In Burbank, a detached ADU is limited in height to 12 feet to the top of the plate and 17 feet to the top of the roof or highest architectural feature.
An attached ADU is limited to 20 feet to the top of the plate and 30 feet to the top of the roof or highest architectural feature.
An ADU built on top of a garage, accessory feature, or other ADU is limited in height to 20 feet to the plate, 23 feet to the top of the roof or highest architectural feature.
In Burbank, detached ADUs are limited to one story. Attached ADUs can be two stories as long as they conform to height restrictions and other requirements.
In Burbank, detached ADUs cannot be stacked. Attached ADUs can be stacked one on top of the other as long as they conform to height restrictions and other requirements.
Yes, the City of Burbank allows you to have up to two detached ADUs, and plans for two ADU units separate from the house but attached to each other may be approved if it meets other criteria.
No, a JADU is defined as an ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.
Generally roof decks would be permitted on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
Burbank makes no mention of specific requirements for the exterior of the ADU. However, general guidance is that the exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the primary dwelling unit.
ADU Setbacks in Burbank
In the City of Burbank, side and rear setback requirements for an ADU are at least 4 feet. All other setbacks must comply with ordinary zoning setback requirements. No additional setback requirements apply to existing structures that are converted into ADUs.
Burbank rules stipulate a minimum separation of 5 feet between structures within a lot, and a maximum of 4 feet from eave to eave.
The City of Burbank may approve a plan to build an ADU in the front yard if the property owner can prove that it is not in any way feasible to install the ADU in a back or side yard.
ADU Setbacks in Burbank
No, Burbank doesnotrequire in-person submission of plans for an ADU. The Burbank Planning Division will, upon request, provide a private Dropbox link that you can use to upload your plans to the Cloud, whereupon officials will access them for preliminary review.
Yes, a soils report is typically required as part of the approval process for an ADU construction permit.
ADU landscaping is generally required to blend into existing landscaping and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. No more than 45% of front or side yards is allowed to be “hardscaped” in the process of building an ADU or new parking (concrete, asphalt, impermeable material, etc.)
To receive permits for your ADU, plans must be submitted to the Burbank Building Division for preliminary review. The plans must then be sent to a variety of other County departments for clearance. The basic process is as follows:
- Submitting initial plans and fees
- Initial review of plans for correctness and obvious issues
- Detailed departmental reviews (structural, zoning, fire safety, utility, environmental, etc.)
- Corrections and re-submission
- Final approval
From submission to approval, the average turnaround time is about 60 days. For complicated plans it can be longer.
The Burbank Building Division may send inspectors periodically to check the progress of the project and verify that it is being constructed to plan.
Parking for Burbank ADU
The parking requirements for residential property areone additional parking spot per ADU. Properties located within ½ mile of walking distance from a public transit stop or station may be exempt from parking requirements.
If a garage or carport is replaced with an ADU, property ownersneed notmaintain a number of off-street parking spaces commensurate to the number of parking spaces eliminated by the garage conversion.
If a parking space is required, it may be located within the setbacks and in an existing driveway as tandem parking. Parking spaces don’t need to be replaced when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU.
Additional Requirements in Burbank
Most newly constructed ADUs must comply with California Title 24 Building and Energy Efficiency Standards. If you submitted your permit application later than January 1, 2020, this means you must provide solar panels on new ADUs to offset their reliance on the grid. This does not necessarily mean the solar panels need to be installedonthe ADU itself. They can be installed on the primary dwelling unit or a new or existing array.
Some exemptions may apply to certain ADUs. Possible exemptions include:
- A detached garage converted to an ADU.
- An ADU built wholly within or attached to the primary dwelling unit.
- Manufactured ADUs.
- ADUs with small or shaded roofs.
No, a separate electric and water meter is not required for an ADU. However, you may request one from the city.
Not necessarily. An ADUcanbe permitted under the existing address. If you want your ADU to have its own address, you can apply to the Mapping and Property Management Division (MPM) for a “½” address designation. In other words, if your address is 1234 Elm Street, your ADU could have a separate address of “1234½ Elm Street.”
If the ADU has its own driveway or direct street access, a new addresswillbe required.
Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. The City of Burbank requires LID for ADUs of 500 square feet or more.
Operating an Airbnb or short-term rental, ADU or otherwise, is prohibited by the City of Burbank.
Since the City of Burbank does not have its own rent control ordinance, California Assembly Bill 1482 applies to rental units 15 years and older. This caps rent increases to 5% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is smaller.
You can use gas appliances in an ADU in the City of Burbank as long as all building codes, safety standards, and installation guidelines are adhered to. The proper permits must be obtained, and requirements for safety and ventilation observed.
You are not required to put fire sprinklers in your ADU if the main dwelling unit is not required by law to have fire sprinklers.
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