Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Glendale, CA

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Accessory Dwelling Units

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An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) also known as "second unit" or "granny flat", is a residential unit that can be added to a lot with an existing residential unit. A California law (AB 2299) makes it easier for homeowners to construct these small residences to address the State’s housing shortage. Building an ADU requires a lot of knowledge and can be costly. There are specific requirements and standards for the construction of an ADU.

Follow these steps to pursue an ADU:

Updated November 7, 2025

Accessory dwelling units on properties with more than one dwelling unit (“multi-family residential”) are governed by Glendale Municipal Code Section 30.34.080, which supersedes any statements provided in this text. This text outlines basic requirements in the Code and does not cover every scenario.

On multi-family properties, there are two types of Accessory Dwelling Units that can be constructed. The first type is conversion of existing non-livable area and the second type is detached new construction.

image Multi Family Residential Accessory Dwelling Units

For conversion of existing area, the existing area must be permitted non-livable area, such as garage, storage, laundry, basement or other similar area. This area can be converted to at least one ADU. Additional ADUs are allowed up to a maximum of 25% of the total number of existing dwelling units on the property, rounded down to the nearest whole number. For example, there must be at least 4 existing dwelling units to qualify for a second ADU.

For new construction detached ADU(s), at least two may be constructed. If the site has more than two existing dwelling units, the number of dwelling units is also the number of new construction detached ADUs that may be built (up to a maximum of eight). They may be attached or detached from each other, but must be detached from existing building(s) on site (5 feet from roof eave to roof eave). If the ADU(s) will replace an existing garage/carport, it must be located where the existing garage/carport is located and must only replace the garage/carport if necessary to physically accommodate the ADU.

The primary standards for the detached ADU(s) are that it has a 4-foot setback from the interior property lines, is no more than 16 feet in height (or 18 feet if existing development is multi-story), and has an independent entrance, a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen, complies with the building code including minimum size and fire ingress/egress clearance, and is served by utilities. If the project site is located within ½ mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor (“High Quality Transit Area”- click on link for reference map; applicant is responsible for verifying), the ADU(s) may be 18’ in height with an additional 2’ in height if needed to accommodate a roof pitch to match the primary dwelling. In no case are more than 2 stories allowed.

ADUs less than 750 square feet are not required to pay a development impact fee of approximately $5,000.

If the ADU size exceeds 850 SF, a second bedroom must be added.

Rooftop decks on top of ADUs are not permitted and any rooftop parapets are limited to 18” in height (and included in the overall height).

Balconies, porches, patio cover structures, and other buildings/structures attached to ADUs must comply with the development standards for the zone.

For historic properties, any exterior changes to create an ADU shall not be visible from the public street and must not alter any defining historical characteristic unless it would preclude development of the ADU. Please consult with historic preservation staff for more information.

If the property is a condominium, a Homeowners Association Resolution after vote (or similar such document demonstrating consent of HOA) must be provided which approves the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit, in addition to a deed demonstrating ownership of common area/area proposed as an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

If you are interested in pursuing an Accessory Dwelling Unit, make sure to speak with a planner to ensure there are no issues with developing the project site. It is also critically important to check with Glendale Water & Power to make sure the siting of the ADU (including conversion of existing garage) does not conflict with any easements.

For estimates of permit fees please contact the Building Division. They can be reached at 818-548-3200.