Is building an ADU a good investment in Glendale?
Glendale is actively broadening its housing options by authorizing the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These small secondary units, allowed on single-family lots, present a practical solution for those in search of more affordable housing. Given the median monthly rent of $45.00 per square foot, the development of ADUs in Anaheim is yielding homeowners annual returns on investment surpassing 13%.
Glendale Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements.
The City of Glendale has recently revised its ADU ordinance to align with the latest state laws.
General ADU requirements
In Glendale, there is no minimum size requirement for your property to have an ADU. However the smallest ADU size is 150 SF. It can be detached, attached or a JADU. Typically, it is a requirement for your ADU design to match or align with the primary residence.
For independent living your ADU must be equipped with: Exterior access separate from primary residence, Living, Sleeping, Dining, Cooking, and Bathing.
The kitchen must have at minimum the following: A sink, a refrigerator, a cooktop or range and cabinetry.
JADU can share a bathroom with the primary residence.
Zoning
All zones single-family and multi-family most probably are eligible for ADU’s.
Number of Units
- One ADU + One JADU in lots zoned single-family
- Two attached or two detached ADU’s in lots zoned multi-family
Building Size
- JADU, maximum 500 SF
- 1,000 SF for detached ADUs
- Attached ADU, 800 SF or 50% of primary residence (whichever is greater)
Building Height
- Detached ADUs and Attached ADUs are limited to 1 story with height limit of 16 feet. and cannot be built above a garage or carport.
Setbacks
- 4 feet side and rear yard setbacks
- 10 feet separation from existing structure.
Parking
Unless the property is exempt, one parking space is required for an ADU. Your ADU is exempt from parking in the following situations:
- Your property is situated on a street where a parking permit is mandatory.
- You property is within 1/2 mile of public transportation.
- Your property is less than a block away from a care share area.
- Your property is situated in an area of architectural or historical significance.
- On-street parking permits are required and not offered to the ADU tenants.
- The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure. (No proposed addition)
Fees
The exact number of fees depends on the zoning of your lot and the overall scope of your ADU project. This is a list of some of the typical fees you can expect to pay.
- Plan Check fees
- City Impact Fees
- School Impact Fees
- Building Code and Green Code Fees
- Permit Fees
Sprinkler System
If you do not have or were not required to add a sprinkler system to your primary residence, then most probably you will not need one in your ADU. However if you do not have a sprinkler system in place, in high fire hazard zones you may need to make other fire safety accommodations.
Owner Occupancy
Up until January 1, 2025, owner occupancy is not a requirement for permitting an ADU. Owners are required to live on the property only if a JADU has been constructed on it.
Rental Limitations
Short-term rentals under 30 days are not allowed in Glendale.