Glendale frames its ADU rules around AB 2299-era state policy and allows up to two ADUs total on many single-family lots (a JADU plus a standard ADU). Hillside and Mountain Fire Zone parcels see stricter review.
Single-family lots with one dwelling may add up to two ADUs total. JADU limited to 500 sq ft inside existing legally permitted space with an efficiency kitchen. Standard ADU may be conversion, attached, or detached per code/state.
State guarantee: California requires every city to allow at least an 800 sq ft ADU exempt from local lot coverage, FAR, and front-setback rules.
Height baseline: 16 ft for detached, rising to 18 ft within ½ mile of major transit. Attached ADUs follow the primary home, capped at 25 ft.
Follow state parking limits with Planning confirmation (Zoning 818-548-2140) for site-specific outcomes.
Workflow: Planning/Zoning pre-review → drawings → prescreen in GlendalePermits Portal → Water & Power clearance → online building permit.
State backstop: A complete ADU permit must receive a decision in 60 business days. If the city stalls past 30 business days, AB 253 lets you hire a certified private plan checker to force a 10-business-day decision.
Refer to current city fee schedules at permit issuance.
SB 543: No impact fees on ADUs ≤750 sq ft. Above 750 sq ft, fees scale to the ratio of ADU size vs the main home.
Visit the official Glendale ADU page (link in hero) for current eligibility and downloads.
Standard ADUs in Glendale: no owner-occupancy required (made permanent in 2023).
JADUs: limited to 500 sq ft of interior livable space within an existing single-family home. Owner occupancy is required only when sanitation facilities are shared with the main house. JADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals (AB 1154 / SB 543).
Sketch a floorplan, walk through it in 3D, and have our planners review it for size, height, and setback compliance before you submit to Glendale.
Heads up: Local rules change frequently. This page summarizes publicly available state law (California Government Code §§ 66310–66342) and current local guidance for general planning purposes. Always confirm specifics with the Glendale planning desk before submitting plans. ADUMetrics does not provide legal advice.