Burbank ADU Rules And Costs, Explained

Thinking about adding an ADU to your Burbank property, or buying a home that already has one? You’re not alone. ADUs can unlock rental income, create space for family, and boost long-term value. In this guide, you’ll learn the rules that apply in Burbank, what permits and timelines look like, and realistic cost ranges so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.

ADU and JADU basics

An accessory dwelling unit is a self-contained home on the same lot as a primary residence. It can be detached, attached, or created by converting existing space like a garage. A junior ADU is a smaller unit created within an existing single-family home that usually shares utilities with the main house.

Under California law, cities must allow ADUs and JADUs that meet objective standards and review them ministerially. You can review statewide guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for how ADUs work across the state and what cities must allow.

• Learn more in the state’s overview: California HCD’s ADU resources
• Read the primary statute: California Government Code § 65852.2 and § 65852.150

What state law means in Burbank

State rules limit how cities can restrict ADUs. That includes caps on parking requirements near transit or for conversions, streamlined review timelines for qualifying projects, and limits on impact fees for smaller units. Owner-occupancy rules have also been eased under state law for many ADUs. Burbank must follow these standards while applying local, objective design and safety rules.

For local procedures, check the city’s Planning Division and related departments:

• Burbank Planning Division: Planning and zoning resources
• Building & Safety: Permits and inspections
• Public Works: Engineering and right-of-way
• Burbank Water and Power: Utility connections

Where ADUs are allowed

ADUs are generally allowed in most Burbank residential zones, including many single-family and multifamily areas. On a typical single-family lot, state law allows at least one ADU and, in many cases, one JADU if other standards are met. Multifamily properties can often add more than one ADU, subject to local limits and site constraints. Always confirm your specific parcel and any overlay zones with Burbank Planning.

Size, height, and setbacks

Size limits vary by city, but state law provides important baselines. JADUs are usually capped at 500 square feet. Many detached or attached ADUs can go up to 1,200 square feet, though the exact limit depends on local rules and your lot.

Setbacks are also guided by state law. Many cities allow reduced side and rear setbacks for detached ADUs, commonly around 4 feet. Converting existing structures, such as a garage, often allows you to keep the current footprint with minimal new setbacks. Height and design standards will follow your zone or Burbank’s objective ADU standards.

Parking and utilities

Parking rules are limited under state law. You may not need new parking if your ADU is near public transit or you are converting existing space like a garage. If parking is required, Burbank’s ordinance will define how many spaces and where they can be placed.

Utility connections vary by project. Some ADUs share meters; others use separate meters. Water, sewer, electric, and gas connection requirements depend on your plan and site capacity. Expect separate reviews and possible connection or capacity fees, especially for larger new ADUs. Start early with Burbank Water and Power and the city’s departments to understand your site’s needs.

Design, fire, and special areas

Burbank can apply objective design standards such as roof pitch, window placement, or materials. Your ADU must also meet California Building Code and fire-safety requirements. If your property is in a historic district or has a designated historic resource, you may face additional review. Environmental factors, protected trees, hillside conditions, and stormwater rules can also shape your design and budget.

How to permit an ADU in Burbank

Here is a typical path and who you’ll work with along the way:

1. Plan your concept. Schedule a pre-application conversation with Burbank Planning to confirm zoning, setbacks, and any constraints.
2. Hire your team. Engage a designer or architect plus structural support as needed. Prepare site plans, floor plans, elevations, and utility layouts.
3. Apply for permits. Submit your ADU application for ministerial review if your plan meets objective standards.
4. Plan check. Building & Safety will review your plans. Public Works, Fire, and utility departments may review for access, drainage, and connections.
5. Revise and resubmit. Address comments, then obtain permits.
6. Build and inspect. Expect multiple inspections and a final approval for occupancy.

Timelines vary. Simple conversions can move faster. Detached new-build ADUs with new utilities often take longer. As a planning estimate, permitting can range from a few months to 6–12 months for more complex projects, with construction time on top of that.

What it costs to build an ADU

Costs depend on size, scope, site conditions, and finishes. Treat the ranges below as estimates and get local bids.

• Garage or interior conversion: about $40,000 to $150,000+, depending on upgrades and finishes.
• Attached ADU addition: about $150,000 to $350,000+.
• Detached ADU, new construction (roughly 400 to 1,000+ sq ft): about $150,000 to $450,000+, with higher-end projects exceeding that.
• Larger builds or complex sites: can exceed $500,000 if major utility upgrades, retaining walls, or grading are needed.

Plan for soft costs, which commonly add 10 to 25 percent. These include design, engineering, surveys, permits, and utility connection fees. Build in a contingency for surprises like drainage fixes, seismic upgrades, or tree protection.

Financing your ADU

You have several options to fund an ADU. Each has tradeoffs, rates, and documentation needs.

• Cash or savings.
• HELOC or home equity loan.
• Cash-out refinance.
• Construction or construction-to-permanent loans.
• FHA 203(k) or Fannie Mae Homestyle for some owner-occupied renovations, subject to lender rules.
• Local or state programs that may offer loans, grants, or fee reductions when available.

Speak with lenders early to size your budget and timeline, then compare terms from multiple sources.

Using an ADU for rental

Many Burbank owners use ADUs for long-term rentals. You must follow local business license and habitability rules. Short-term rentals are often regulated more strictly. Review Burbank’s short-term rental ordinance and registration requirements before listing an ADU on any platform.

Value, resale, and buyer due diligence

A well-designed ADU can increase a property’s market appeal and potential value. Rental income can help offset carrying costs, but rents and vacancy rates change over time. If you plan to sell, clear permits, good workmanship, and smart design can make your home stand out.

If you are buying a home with an ADU, verify permits, final inspections, and whether utilities are separate or shared. Ask for plans and approvals, and confirm current or past rental status. This helps you understand operating costs, insurance, and expected income.

Pro tips and common pitfalls

Best practices

• Start with a pre-application call to Planning. Confirm zoning, setbacks, and any overlays or historic conditions.
• If budget and speed matter, consider a garage conversion. It may avoid new foundations and often qualifies for streamlined review.
• Get at least three licensed contractor bids. Verify insurance, references, and previous ADU experience in Burbank or LA County.
• Coordinate early with utilities. Ask about meters, capacity, and fees to avoid surprises.
• Check rental rules first. Register and comply before you market the unit.
• Talk to a tax professional about property tax assessment changes and rental income.

Pitfalls to avoid

• Skipping site checks for drainage, trees, or grading needs that can escalate costs.
• Assuming any lot qualifies without verifying overlays or special zones.
• Underestimating soft costs, connection fees, and building code upgrades.
• Using unlicensed contractors or skipping permits, which can cause fines and future resale issues.

Your next steps

If you are ready to explore an ADU, start with a quick planning check and a budget outline. From there, you can scope your design, confirm costs with contractors and utilities, and prepare your submittal. When you are weighing ADU value, rental potential, or a purchase that includes an ADU, you deserve local guidance that is practical and clear.

Have questions about how an ADU could affect your home’s value or a future sale in Burbank? Reach out to Team Amalia-K. We will help you size the opportunity and plan your next step with confidence.

FAQs

Can I build an ADU on my Burbank lot?

• Often yes, if your property is in a residential zone and meets objective standards. Confirm your parcel specifics with the Burbank Planning Division.

How big can a Burbank ADU or JADU be?

• JADUs are typically up to 500 sq ft. Many ADUs can be as large as 1,200 sq ft, subject to local standards and your lot. Verify limits with Planning before you design.

Do I need parking for my ADU in Burbank?

• Parking requirements are limited under state law. Conversions and ADUs near transit may qualify for no new parking. Check your site specifics with Planning and Building & Safety.

How long do Burbank ADU permits take?

• Ministerial ADUs have streamlined timelines, but actual durations vary. Simple conversions may take a few months to permit, while detached ADUs can take 6–12 months or more before construction begins.

How much does a Burbank ADU cost to build?

• As a planning range: $40,000–$150,000+ for garage conversions, $150,000–$350,000+ for attached units, and $150,000–$450,000+ for detached units, with complex sites higher. Get local bids to refine your budget.

Can I rent my ADU short-term in Burbank?

• Short-term rental rules are stricter than long-term. Review the city’s STR regulations and registration process before hosting any short stays.