ADUs in Burbank: permits and what to expect
ADUs in Burbank: what the local numbers show
Burbank issued 241 ADU building permits in 2025, as reported so far, and 72 ADU units were completed in the same year.
Burbank at a glance
- ADU units with building permits issued in 2025 in the City of Burbank, as reported so far
- 241
- ADU units completed in 2025 in the City of Burbank, as reported so far
- 72
- Burbank's rank by ADU units permitted in 2025 among 79 reporting Los Angeles County cities
- 4 of 79
California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2 · data as of
- Numbers from HCD public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
What do permits say an ADU costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Burbank. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Burbank ADU numbers from the state housing reports
Burbank ADU numbers from the state housing reports
Local numbers for Burbank, each with its source and date.
- Change in ADU units permitted in the City of Burbank, 2022 to 2025, as reported so far1
- -4.4%
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 54 |
| 2019 | 110 |
| 2020 | 97 |
| 2021 | 317 |
| 2022 | 252 |
| 2023 | 296 |
| 2024 | 270 |
| 2025 | 241 |
4th of 79 LA County cities for ADU permits in 2025
* 2025 counts can still rise as late reports come in. Source: California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2, data as of .
Planning your project
Burbank homeowners build ADUs actively. The state's housing reports show 241 ADU units with building permits issued in 2025, as reported so far, and 72 ADU units completed in the same year.
Many owners build an ADU for rental income or to house family close by. Common types include detached backyard units, attached units added to the main house, and garage conversions. Each type depends on your lot, setbacks and the city's review.
The city's figures are totals for the whole City of Burbank, not for one neighborhood. Use them to see that ADU projects are common here, then ask a local builder to review your property.
The usual path from idea to move-in in Burbank
The usual path from idea to move-in in Burbank
Check feasibility
Look at your lot size, setbacks, parking and utilities. Decide whether a detached unit, an attached unit or a garage conversion suits your goals and budget.
Design and plans
Your builder prepares floor plans and site drawings that show the ADU, its entrance and any changes to the main house.
Plan check and permit
The plans go to the City of Burbank for plan check. Expect comments and revisions. Once approved, the city issues the building permit.
Construction with inspections
Crews build the unit. The city inspects key stages such as foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing and final work before covering it up.
Final sign-off
After the final inspection passes, the city signs off the project. You can then confirm the certificate of occupancy before moving in or renting the unit.
Questions homeowners ask about ADUs in Burbank
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Burbank?
In most cases yes. Burbank runs its own permits, so an ADU build, including a garage conversion, normally needs a city permit before work starts. Ask the city or your builder what applies to your lot.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Burbank?
It can be. A garage conversion depends on the lot, the existing structure and the city's review. A local builder can look at your garage and tell you what the city will likely ask for.
Can I rent out an ADU in Burbank?
Many homeowners build an ADU to rent out or to house family. Whether renting is allowed on your property depends on the zoning and the city's rules, so confirm them before you plan around rental income.
How do I start an ADU project in Burbank?
Start by checking your lot and your goals. Then ask a local builder to review the site and give you a quote. Before you hire anyone, check the contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board).
How many ADUs does Burbank permit each year?
The state's Annual Progress Report data shows 241 ADU units with building permits issued in Burbank in 2025, as reported so far. The count can still rise as late reports arrive, so treat it as a current figure rather than a final total.
Compare ADU activity across LA County
Where LA County is building ADUs
ADU units permitted in 2025, city by city. Select a city to open its guide.
- 0–21
- 22–28
- 29–56
- 57–99
- 100+
- No report
- Unincorporated
Most ADU permits in 2025
- 1Los Angeles7,446
- 2Long Beach644
- 3Glendale371
- 4Burbank241
- 5Pasadena222
- 6Lancaster209
- 7South Gate154
- 8Inglewood147
- 9Downey146
- 10Santa Monica143
Planning an ADU? A local builder can price yours.
Get my free estimatePermits: California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2, data as of ; 2025 counts can still rise. Boundaries: Los Angeles County, City and Unincorporated Boundaries (Legal) (mainland only (islands omitted). simplified to about 300 m.)
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Bathroom in an ADU 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU bathroom
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