Glendale allows 1 ADU + 1 JADU on single-family lots (GMC 30.34.080) but applies some of the LA area's tightest local standards — detached ADUs are capped at one story and 16 ft, and the city has been in a prolonged compliance dispute with California HCD. Under an October 2025 settlement, Glendale paused enforcement of three restrictive provisions (including its above-garage ADU ban) while ordinance amendments are finalized.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2][3][4]
Yes — Glendale allows ADUs. A detached ADU can typically be up to 1,000 sq ft under current California and Glendale zoning rules.
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| Allowed Zones | Residential zones permitting single-family or multifamily use, on lots with an existing or proposed dwelling (GMC 30.34.080) |
| Max Size (Detached) | 850 sq ft for a 1-bedroom ADU; 1,000 sq ft for a 2-bedroom ADU, regardless of underlying zoning standards (units over 850 sq ft must add a second bedroom) |
| Max Size (Attached) | 850-1,000 sq ft caps apply; confirm attached-specific limits (50%-of-primary state rule) with Glendale Planning Division |
| Max Size (JADU) | 500 sq ft |
| Max Height | Detached and attached ADUs: 1 story, max 16 ft; 18 ft allowed within 1/2 mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor (or where existing development is multi-story), +2 ft to match the primary dwelling's roof pitch. Local ban on ADUs above detached garages is not being enforced pending HCD-required amendments |
| Max Units | Single-family lots: 1 ADU + 1 JADU. Multifamily lots: state-law unit counts apply (conversion ADUs up to 25% of units plus detached ADUs; SB 1211 allows up to 8 detached) — Glendale's more restrictive unit-mix interpretation is paused under the HCD settlement |
Setback Requirements [1][2][3][4]
Glendale 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 maximum required for detached new-construction ADUs; none for conversions of existing structures |
| Side Setback | 4 ft maximum required for detached new-construction ADUs; none for conversions |
| Front Setback | Underlying zone front setback applies; confirm exceptions with Glendale Planning Division |
| Parking Required | 1 space required unless exempt per GMC 30.34.080(H)(4) — exemptions include locations within 1/2 mile of transit and conversions; no replacement parking for converted garages |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required for ADUs. JADU owner-occupancy removed by AB 1154 (eff. Jan 1, 2026) for JADUs with separate sanitation facilities |
| Min Lot Size | None for state-mandated ADU pathways |
Permit Process & Fees [5][6]
An ADU permit in Glendale typically costs Approximately $6,000-$18,000 total (plan check, building permit, school fees, utility connections — builder estimates); Glendale Water & Power connection fees add roughly $2,000-$5,000 for new services. Confirm with the Building Division, (818) 548-3200 and takes 60-day ministerial review; deemed approved if the city fails to act within 60 days (SB 543, eff. Jan 1, 2026), through a ministerial, by-right review.
| Approval Process | Ministerial building permit through Glendale Community Development (Development Services); ADU covenant agreement must be recorded against the property before permit issuance |
| Review Timeline | 60-day ministerial review; deemed approved if the city fails to act within 60 days (SB 543, eff. Jan 1, 2026) |
| Permit Fees | Approximately $6,000-$18,000 total (plan check, building permit, school fees, utility connections — builder estimates); Glendale Water & Power connection fees add roughly $2,000-$5,000 for new services. Confirm with the Building Division, (818) 548-3200 |
| Impact Fees | ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from development impact fees (state law); larger units pay proportional fees |
| Plan Check | Included in valuation-based permit fees; expedited review available for pre-approved standard plans |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Yes — Glendale's Standard ADU Plan Program (Pre-Approved ADU Program) offers expedited review using plans designed and owned by listed firms (e.g., a 1-story 740 sq ft 1-bed/1-bath plan); plans are purchased directly from the designers |
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Construction Costs [7][8]
Building an ADU in Glendale typically costs $180,000-$400,000 ($300-$500 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $100,000-$200,000.
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| Average Build Cost | $180,000-$400,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $300-$500 |
| Garage Conversion | $100,000-$200,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $180,000-$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 [9][10]
A 2-bedroom ADU in Glendale rents for around $2,800-$3,400/mo, an estimated 5-8% annual return.
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $2,000-$2,700/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $2,800-$3,400/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | No — short-term rentals under 30 days are not permitted for ADUs in Glendale |
| Est. Annual ROI | 5-8% annual return |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- HCD Memorandum of Understanding (Oct 3, 2025; approved by City Council Oct 7, 2025): Glendale agreed to amend its ADU ordinance after HCD notices of violation; draft amendments were due to HCD by Jan 15, 2026 with council introduction required by March 31, 2026 — confirm final adoption status with the city
- Enforcement pause (late 2025-2026): per the HCD settlement, the city is not enforcing three restrictive provisions — the ban on ADUs above detached garages, the ban on detached ADUs where an 'accessory living structure' (e.g., guest house) exists, and its restrictive unit-mix interpretation
- December 2024 ADU ordinance amendments: resolved most (but not all) violations identified in HCD's Dec 7, 2023 findings letter
- SB 543 (eff. Jan 1, 2026): ADU applications statewide deemed approved if the city fails to act within 60 days
- AB 1154 (eff. Jan 1, 2026): JADU owner-occupancy requirement removed for JADUs with separate sanitation facilities
Tips for Building an ADU in Glendale
- If Glendale staff cite the above-garage ADU ban or reject a detached ADU because your lot has a guest house, reference the October 2025 HCD settlement — the city agreed to pause enforcing both provisions while state-mandated amendments are adopted
- Use the Standard ADU Plan Program for the fastest path: pre-approved designs (such as the 740 sq ft 1-bed/1-bath plan) get expedited review, though you buy the plans from the design firm that owns them
- Budget for Glendale Water & Power separately — new utility connections for a detached ADU typically add $2,000-$5,000 on top of permit fees
- Keep the design to one story and 16 ft unless you're within a half mile of a major transit stop (18 ft allowed) — Glendale's height cap is stricter than neighboring LA's 25 ft, and two-story detached ADUs are generally a non-starter
ADU Builders in Glendale
Looking for an ADU builder in Glendale? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match Glendale 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 Glendale Community Development Planning Department — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Glendale Municipal Code 30.34.080 — Accessory Dwelling Units Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-06-10
- City of Glendale MOU with HCD (Oct 3, 2025) state_law — Accessed 2026-06-10
- HCD Review of Glendale's ADU Ordinance (Dec 7, 2023) state_law — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Accessory Dwelling Units — City of Glendale (Standard ADU Plan Program) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-06-10
- ADU Construction in Glendale: Permits & Costs (2026) — NP Line Design Market Data — Accessed 2026-06-10
- ADU Cost Guide Los Angeles 2026 — GreatBuildz Market Data — Accessed 2026-06-10
- ADU Construction in Glendale: Permits & Costs (2026) — NP Line Design Market Data — Accessed 2026-06-10
- Rental Market Trends & Average Rent in Glendale, CA — Rent.com Market Data — Accessed 2026-06-10
- What's The Average Rent In Glendale, CA — Steadily (2026) Market Data — Accessed 2026-06-10
Frequently Asked Questions
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