Everything homeowners ask about building an ADU in Burbank — answered with 2026 data.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in R-1, R-1-H (conversion-only), R-2, R-3, R-4, MDR-3, MDR-4, and any lot with existing single-family or multifamily residential units in Burbank, CA. The maximum size for a detached ADU is 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom); 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms); 800 sq ft in Mountain Fire Zone or front-setback locations; +120 sq ft bonus for each extra code-compliant parking space (deed-restricted). Attached ADUs can be up to 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom); 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms). Burbank has an ADU-friendliness score of 6/10. Check our full Burbank ADU rules page for complete zoning details.
ADU construction in Burbank typically costs $220,000-$400,000. The cost per square foot averages $275-$400. Garage conversions are more affordable at $95,000-$195,000, while prefab ADUs cost $130,000-$300,000. Permit fees add Plan check and permit fees due at submittal — confirm current schedule with Burbank Building & Safety, (818) 238-5250 to your budget. See our detailed Burbank ADU cost guide.
Detached ADUs in Burbank can be up to 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom); 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms); 800 sq ft in Mountain Fire Zone or front-setback locations; +120 sq ft bonus for each extra code-compliant parking space (deed-restricted). Attached ADUs are limited to 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom); 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms). Junior ADUs (JADUs) have a cap of 500 sq ft, within an existing home in R-1 or R-1-H zones only. Maximum height is 17 ft for new detached ADUs (to any architectural feature); 18 ft (+2 ft for matching roof pitch) near high-quality transit or on multistory multifamily lots; 20 ft plate/23 ft roof above a garage; attached ADUs 20 ft plate/30 ft roof. You are allowed up to Single-family: 1 ADU + 1 JADU (JADU in R-1/R-1-H only); Mountain Fire Zone/R-1-H: max 1 ADU or 1 JADU total; multifamily: up to 2 detached ADUs plus interior conversions up to 25% of existing units (min. 1) on a qualifying lot.
Rear setback: 4 ft. Side setback: 4 ft (plus 5-ft building-to-building and 4-ft eave-to-eave separation). Front setback: Prevailing front setback applies; conversions within existing footprint exempt; new ADU in front setback only if an 800 sq ft ADU is physically infeasible elsewhere (BMC 10-1-620.3(H)(2)(b)) and limited to 800 sq ft. Note that garage conversions may be exempt from setback requirements if the existing structure is already within the setback area.
1 space per ADU; waived within 1/2 mile walking distance of transit or on permit-parking streets; no replacement parking when a garage is demolished/converted; tandem/driveway/setback parking allowed. Many cities and states have been relaxing ADU parking requirements in recent years. In California, no additional parking is required for ADUs near transit.
Not required for ADUs; required (with recorded covenant) for JADUs. Note that owner-occupancy rules vary by state law — California and several other states have eliminated this requirement for standard ADUs.
The ADU permit review timeline in Burbank is typically 60-day state deemed-approval clock (SB 543, 2026); BPAP preapproved plans target 30-day permit issuance under AB 1332. Plan check: Electronic review via ProjectDox; BWP water and electric ADU requirements reviewed in parallel; BPAP enrollment reviews run 6-8 weeks for new plan approvals. Pre-approved plans availability: Yes — Burbank Preapproved ADU Program (BPAP): city-approved 432 sq ft studio plan plus 12 accepted LADBS-preapproved designs (200-847 sq ft).
Average ADU rental income in Burbank: 1-bedroom units rent for $2,100-$2,400/month, 2-bedroom units for $2,700-$3,000/month. Short-term rentals: No — ADU rentals must exceed 30 days; older city handouts required terms longer than 90 days (confirm current minimum with Planning, (818) 238-5250). Expected ROI: 5-8% annual return (gross rental yield estimate).
The minimum lot size for an ADU in Burbank is No minimum lot size. This applies to detached ADUs — garage conversions and JADUs may have different or no lot size requirements.
Garage conversions are one of the most popular and affordable ADU options. In Burbank, a garage conversion typically costs $95,000-$195,000. The key advantages are lower cost (no foundation work), potential setback exemptions, and faster permitting. Read our complete garage conversion guide.