Burbank allows ADUs in the R-1, R-1-H, R-2, R-3, R-4, MDR-3 and MDR-4 zones and on any lot with existing single-family or multifamily units, under Ordinance 23-4,002 (effective December 2023). Detached ADUs are capped at 850 sq ft for studio/1-bedroom and 1,000 sq ft for 2+ bedrooms, with a hard 800 sq ft limit in the Mountain Fire Zone, where only one ADU or JADU is allowed. The Burbank Preapproved ADU Program (BPAP) under AB 1332 cuts permit issuance to 30 days using preapproved plans, and 12 LADBS-preapproved designs are also accepted. Hillside (R-1-H) lots may only create ADUs by converting an existing permitted garage, guest dwelling, or main-dwelling space.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2]
Yes — Burbank allows ADUs. A detached ADU can typically be up to 1,000 sq ft under current California and Burbank zoning rules.
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| Allowed Zones | 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 |
| Max Size (Detached) | 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) |
| Max Size (Attached) | 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom); 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms) |
| Max Size (JADU) | 500 sq ft, within an existing home in R-1 or R-1-H zones only |
| Max Height | 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 |
| Max Units | 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) |
Setback Requirements [1][2]
Burbank requires a rear setback of about 4 ft for a detached ADU, and one off-street parking space is required. Owner-occupancy is not required — you can rent it out without living on the property.
| 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 |
| Parking Required | 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 |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required for ADUs; required (with recorded covenant) for JADUs |
| Min Lot Size | No minimum lot size |
Permit Process & Fees [3]
An ADU permit in Burbank typically costs Plan check and permit fees due at submittal — confirm current schedule with Burbank Building & Safety, (818) 238-5250 and takes 60-day state deemed-approval clock (SB 543, 2026); BPAP preapproved plans target 30-day permit issuance under AB 1332, through a ministerial, by-right review.
| Approval Process | Ministerial plan check through Community Development (ProjectDox e-plan system); Burbank Water & Power has separate ADU plan-check requirements for water and electric service |
| Review Timeline | 60-day state deemed-approval clock (SB 543, 2026); BPAP preapproved plans target 30-day permit issuance under AB 1332 |
| Permit Fees | Plan check and permit fees due at submittal — confirm current schedule with Burbank Building & Safety, (818) 238-5250 |
| Impact Fees | Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft per state law; proportional above — confirm with Community Development |
| 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 | Yes — Burbank Preapproved ADU Program (BPAP): city-approved 432 sq ft studio plan plus 12 accepted LADBS-preapproved designs (200-847 sq ft) |
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Construction Costs [4]
Building an ADU in Burbank typically costs $220,000-$400,000 ($275-$400 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $95,000-$195,000.
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| Average Build Cost | $220,000-$400,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $275-$400 |
| Garage Conversion | $95,000-$195,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $130,000-$300,000 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
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Rental Income Potential [5]
A 2-bedroom ADU in Burbank rents for around $2,700-$3,000/mo, an estimated 5-8% annual return (gross rental yield estimate).
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $2,100-$2,400/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $2,700-$3,000/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | No — ADU rentals must exceed 30 days; older city handouts required terms longer than 90 days (confirm current minimum with Planning, (818) 238-5250) |
| Est. Annual ROI | 5-8% annual return (gross rental yield estimate) |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Ordinance 23-4,002 (effective Dec 8, 2023) comprehensively updated ADU/JADU standards in BMC 10-1-620.x for state-law consistency
- Burbank Preapproved ADU Program (BPAP) launched under AB 1332 with a 30-day permit-issuance target; first city plan (432 sq ft studio) plus 12 LADBS preapproved designs accepted
- 2026 state baseline now applies: SB 543 60-day deemed approval and AB 1154 JADU owner-occupancy change for JADUs with their own bathroom
Tips for Building an ADU in Burbank
- Check the city's Fire Zone maps first — Mountain Fire Zone lots are capped at one 800 sq ft ADU with no exceptions
- Using a BPAP or LADBS preapproved plan can cut permit issuance to roughly 30 days versus standard plan check
- Budget for Burbank Water & Power's separate ADU plan-check requirements — new detached units often need service upgrades
- Adding one extra code-compliant parking space earns up to 120 sq ft of bonus ADU floor area (deed restriction required)
- Interior spaces over 12 ft tall count double toward square footage — keep ceilings under 12 ft to maximize usable area
ADU Builders in Burbank
Looking for an ADU builder in Burbank? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match Burbank homeowners with experienced local ADU contractors who provide free, no-obligation quotes. Getting at least three bids typically saves 20-40% on the same scope.
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- Accessory Dwelling Units — City of Burbank Community Development city_website — Accessed 2026-07-10
- FAQ: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU Handout, updated 7/11/2024) city_website — Accessed 2026-07-10
- Burbank Preapproved ADU Program (BPAP) city_website — Accessed 2026-07-10
- ADU Cost Los Angeles 2026: Prices by Size & Type — CALI ADU news_media — Accessed 2026-07-10
- Average Rent in Burbank, CA and Rent Price Trends — Zumper (June 2026) news_media — Accessed 2026-07-10
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