ADU Regulations in Burbank, California
Los Angeles County · CA · Pop. 105,000
Max ADU Size
1,200
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$175,000 – $360,000
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
State law preempts local owner-occupancy requirements. Burbank is home to Disney, Warner Bros., and NBC Universal Studios — entertainment industry workers represent a prime ADU renter demographic with above-average incomes and strong tenancy stability.
Source: City of Burbank — ADU / Accessory Dwelling Units · Burbank Municipal Code Chapter 10-1-1900 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Dimensions
Size & Setback Requirements
Detached
1,200
sq ft max
JADU
500
sq ft max
Attached
50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft
Setbacks
front
Same as primary dwelling
side
4 ft
rear
4 ft
Max height: 16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached
Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; R-1 zones typically permit up to 40% lot coverage; state law overrides if necessary for 800 sq ft ADU
Burbank's hillside and flatland neighborhoods each have design context guidelines. Hillside areas may have additional slope and grading requirements. Flat-lot neighborhoods near studios are optimal for standard ADU construction.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
City of Burbank Community Development Department — Planning Division
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$9,000 – $18,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; proportional fees apply above that threshold
Required Documents
- ›Site plan (to scale)
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance (CalGreen)
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Geotechnical report for hillside parcels
- ›Landscape/water efficiency plan
Burbank has a reputation for efficient permitting. ADU applications are processed ministerially without discretionary review. Burbank Water and Power (municipal utility) connection fees assessed separately — typically lower than LA DWP.
Visit City of Burbank Community Development Department — Planning Division →Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Not required
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
See note
Financials
ADU Costs in Burbank
Typical Build Cost
$175,000 – $360,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$245 – $320
Monthly Rental
$1,900 – $3,100/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $250,000 – $460,000 to property value
Available Grants & Programs
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000 pre-development)
- ★LA County Community Development Authority programs
Among the strongest ADU rental markets in the San Fernando Valley. Entertainment industry grip/electric/production workers, studio executives, and writers consistently seek well-designed ADUs near the studios. Proximity to Hollywood Burbank Airport adds additional renter pool.
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Burbank Quick Facts
- Max size1,200 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$175,000 – $360,000
- Rental income$1,900 – $3,100/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of Burbank — ADU / Accessory Dwelling UnitsBurbank Municipal Code Chapter 10-1-1900 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Last verified: March 14, 2026
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