Garage Conversion in Burbank, CA: Cost, Permits & Rules (2026)

A garage conversion is usually the lowest-cost path to an ADU in Burbank — $100,000-$225,000, versus $220,000-$400,000 for a new detached build — because the shell already exists.

Garage Conversion Cost in Burbank

Converting an existing garage in Burbank runs $100,000-$225,000. That's well under the $220,000-$400,000 typical cost of a ground-up detached ADU, because you're reusing the foundation, walls, and roof. The biggest variables are whether the slab and framing are sound, what utility/electrical upgrades are needed, and your finish level. Permit fees add Planning ADU application fee $1,728.42 (FY2026-27 Planning Fees, effective July 1, 2026); building plan check and permit fees are valuation-based under the Citywide Fee Schedule (confirm with Building & Safety, (818) 238-5220). BWP water charges run 'from a few hundred up to ten thousand dollars' depending on fixture count, main location and any new service, paid before Water Division approval; BWP electric aid-in-construction fees and a kVA capacity charge apply to any new, upgraded or relocated panel (since Oct 1, 2023). A school district facilities receipt is required at submittal. A converted unit rents for about $2,100-$2,600/mo (Zumper Sept 2026 $2,137; RentCafe Aug 2026 $2,598 apartment averages) (1BR) in Burbank.

The Burbank Garage Conversion Permit Process

A garage-to-ADU conversion in Burbank needs building permits even if the exterior is unchanged. Approval process: Ministerial. In order: 1) confirm the zone, Mountain Fire Zone and hillside-area status with Planning, (818) 238-5250; 2) obtain a new ADU address from Public Works and pay the Burbank Unified School District facilities fee; 3) complete the BWP Electric ADU form (meters, ampacity) and the BWP Sizing Water Meter and Service Line form (fixture counts for house and ADU); 4) email the building permit application to eplancheck@burbankca.gov, then upload plans to ProjectDox and pay plan check; 5) Planning, Building, Fire, Public Works and BWP review in parallel; 6) permit issued after fees, the BWP water estimate and any impact fees are paid. Replacing a garage with an ADU needs a demolition permit issued together with the ADU permit (10-1-620.7) The review timeline is 60 days from a complete application to approve or deny, or the ADU is deemed approved (BMC 10-1-620.3(A); SB 543 from Jan 2026). BPAP preapproved plans target 30-day permit issuance; enrolling a new design in BPAP takes 6-8 weeks for the first review and 2-3 weeks per recheck, with plan check: Electronic review in ProjectDox after emailing the application to eplancheck@burbankca.gov; BWP water and electric requirements are checked alongside Building, Fire and Public Works. Fire sprinklers are required only if the main house has them; the city's BPAP checklist notes a new ADU over 718 sq ft must add a solar system per its CF-1R energy report under a separate solar permit; a one-story wood-frame ADU built to the prescriptive code does not need architect or engineer stamps. Pre-approved plans: Yes. The BPAP Library currently lists one city-approved design, BPAP 24001, a 432 sq ft one-story studio, plus one accepted LADBS standard plan, ADU17, a 360 sq ft studio. The July 2024 city FAQ said 12 LADBS plans were accepted, so ask Building & Safety, (818) 238-5220, which are still accepted before buying plans. The homeowner buys the plans from the designer, submits a site plan, G001 sheet and the BWP forms, and staff append the stamped plans in ProjectDox.

1. Confirm eligibility — ADUs are allowed in R-1, R-1-H (Single-Family Horse Keeping zone; conversions only), R-2, R-3, R-4, MDR-3 and MDR-4, plus any lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling (BMC 10-1-620.3(B)). JADUs: lots with an existing or proposed single-family home.
2. Prepare conversion plans — layout, egress windows, insulation, ventilation, smoke/CO detectors, plus a kitchen and bathroom.
3. Submit for plan check — Electronic review in ProjectDox after emailing the application to eplancheck@burbankca.gov; BWP water and electric requirements are checked alongside Building, Fire and Public Works. Fire sprinklers are required only if the main house has them; the city's BPAP checklist notes a new ADU over 718 sq ft must add a solar system per its CF-1R energy report under a separate solar permit; a one-story wood-frame ADU built to the prescriptive code does not need architect or engineer stamps.
4. Pull permits and build — fees run Planning ADU application fee $1,728.42 (FY2026-27 Planning Fees, effective July 1, 2026); building plan check and permit fees are valuation-based under the Citywide Fee Schedule (confirm with Building & Safety, (818) 238-5220). BWP water charges run 'from a few hundred up to ten thousand dollars' depending on fixture count, main location and any new service, paid before Water Division approval; BWP electric aid-in-construction fees and a kVA capacity charge apply to any new, upgraded or relocated panel (since Oct 1, 2023). A school district facilities receipt is required at submittal; then framing, electrical, plumbing, and final inspection.

No Replacement Parking Required

No. California law (AB 68 / Gov Code §66314) prohibits cities from requiring replacement parking when you convert or demolish a garage to build an ADU — so you do not need to add a parking space anywhere on the lot. Owner-occupancy is not required, so you can rent the converted unit out.

The JADU Option for an Attached Garage

If your garage is attached to the house, you can convert it into a junior ADU (JADU) — capped at 500 sq ft inside the existing walls of a single-family home or its attached garage (10-1-620.3(P)); one per lot; lots with more than one detached house are not eligible and built within the existing walls. JADUs are cheaper and faster to permit than a full ADU, though they may share sanitation with the main home. A full ADU gives you more size and a separate unit; a JADU is the budget route.

Burbank Garage Conversion FAQ