Everything homeowners ask about building an ADU in Glendale — answered with 2026 data.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Residential and mixed-use zones on lots with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling (GMC 30.34.080; Gov. Code 66314). Single-family lots may add a JADU inside the house plus an ADU built as a conversion of a garage or guest house, an attached or detached addition, or a conversion of space in the main house; multifamily lots may add conversion ADUs and detached new-construction ADUs (city ADU page, updated Nov. 7, 2025). in Glendale, CA. The maximum size for a detached ADU is 1,000 sq ft maximum: 850 sq ft with one bedroom, and any ADU over 850 sq ft must have a second bedroom. An ADU of 800 sq ft or less is the state-protected size (4-ft side and rear setbacks, no floor-area-ratio or lot-coverage test); over 800 sq ft the zone's FAR, lot coverage and landscaping standards apply (GMC 30.34.080; city ADU page, Nov. 7, 2025). Attached ADUs can be up to Same 1,000 sq ft cap; an attached ADU over 800 sq ft may not exceed 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, and units over 850 sq ft need a second bedroom. Glendale has an ADU-friendliness score of 6/10. Check our full Glendale ADU rules page for complete zoning details.
ADU construction in Glendale typically costs $175,000-$375,000. The cost per square foot averages $275-$475. Garage conversions are more affordable at $75,000-$200,000, while prefab ADUs cost $180,000-$300,000. Permit fees add Glendale publishes no flat ADU permit fee: plan check and building permit fees are valuation-based, so request an estimate from the Building Division, (818) 548-3200. The city's development impact fee is about $5,000 and is waived for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less. to your budget. See our detailed Glendale ADU cost guide.
Detached ADUs in Glendale can be up to 1,000 sq ft maximum: 850 sq ft with one bedroom, and any ADU over 850 sq ft must have a second bedroom. An ADU of 800 sq ft or less is the state-protected size. Attached ADUs are limited to Same 1,000 sq ft cap; an attached ADU over 800 sq ft may not exceed 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, and units over 850 sq ft need a second bedroom. Junior ADUs (JADUs) have a cap of 500 sq ft, built only within legally permitted space in the main house, with an efficiency kitchen, independent entrance and its own bathroom or one shared with the house; the owner records a covenant restricting sale and use of the property (GMC 30.34.080(I)). Maximum height is Detached ADU: 16 ft; 18 ft within 1/2 mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, or on a multifamily lot with existing multi-story buildings, plus 2 ft to match the primary dwelling's roof pitch. Attached ADU: 25 ft. Never more than 2 stories; rooftop decks are prohibited and parapets are limited to 18 in. and count toward height (city ADU page, Nov. 7, 2025). The local ban on ADUs above detached garages is suspended under the Oct. 2025 HCD MOU. You are allowed up to Single-family lot: 1 JADU on a qualifying lot.
Rear setback: 4 ft from interior (side and rear) property lines for an ADU of 800 sq ft or less; no setback for a conversion of an existing permitted structure or a rebuild in the same footprint (GMC 30.34.080; Gov. Code 66323(a)(2)). Larger ADUs follow the zone's setbacks, but state law caps what the city may require at 4 ft for side and rear (Gov. Code 66321). Side setback: 4 ft maximum for new construction (state-set ceiling); none for conversions of existing structures. On multifamily lots a detached ADU must also keep 5 ft, eave to eave, from existing buildings on the lot (city ADU page, Nov. 7, 2025). Front setback: The underlying zone's front and street-side setbacks apply, but state law bars a front setback from blocking an 800 sq ft ADU that meets the 4-ft side and rear setbacks (HCD's Dec. 7, 2023 findings on former 30.34.080(D)(10)); confirm the current text with Planning, (818) 548-2140. Note that garage conversions may be exempt from setback requirements if the existing structure is already within the setback area.
1 space per ADU unless exempt under GMC 30.34.080(H)(4), which tracks Gov. Code 66322: within 1/2 mile walking distance of public transit, conversions of existing space, historic districts, car-share within a block, or where on-street permits are not offered to the ADU occupant. No replacement parking is required when a garage or carport is converted or demolished for an ADU. Many cities and states have been relaxing ADU parking requirements in recent years. In California, no additional parking is required for ADUs near transit.
None for ADUs (state law, Gov. Code 66315). JADUs: the state owner-occupancy rule no longer applies to a JADU with its own bathroom (AB 1154, eff. Jan. 1, 2026); Glendale still records a JADU covenant under 30.34.080(I), so ask Planning which terms remain. 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 Glendale is typically State law requires a decision within 60 days of a complete application and, since Jan. 1, 2026 (SB 543), the application is deemed approved if the city misses that deadline; Glendale does not publish its own review times. Plan check: Valuation-based plan check by the Building Division; submittal needs a site plan, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, sections and a photo survey of the site (city ADU page). A pre-approved Standard Plan gets expedited review. Pre-approved plans availability: Yes - the Standard Accessory Dwelling Unit Plan Program (Pre-Approved ADU Program) lists 1 approved plan (1-story, 740 sq ft, 1 bed/1 bath), designed and sold by a private firm; Standard Plans 2 and 3 are listed as 'coming soon'. Program contact (818) 937-8139.
Average ADU rental income in Glendale: 1-bedroom units rent for $2,000-$2,700/month, 2-bedroom units for $2,800-$3,400/month. Short-term rentals: Not for stays under 30 days: state law (Gov. Expected ROI: 5-8% annual return.
The minimum lot size for an ADU in Glendale is None. State law bars a minimum lot size for ADUs (Gov. Code 66314) and Glendale's ADU page sets none. 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 Glendale, a garage conversion typically costs $75,000-$200,000. The key advantages are lower cost (no foundation work), potential setback exemptions, and faster permitting. Read our complete garage conversion guide.
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