ADUs in Glendale
Glendale issued 371 ADU permits in 2025, as reported so far; the city ranked 3 of 79 in Los Angeles County.
Glendale at a glance
- ADU units with building permits issued in 2025 in the City of Glendale, as reported so far
- 371
- ADU units completed (certificate of occupancy) in 2025 in the City of Glendale, as reported so far
- 290
- Rank by ADU units permitted in 2025 among 79 reporting Los Angeles County cities, City of Glendale
- 3 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
A useful first step
Before you start in Glendale
Start with Planning and Glendale Water & Power.
What to prepare
Glendale’s ADU checklist asks you to clear the concept with Planning/Zoning and utilities before preparing the drawings. Gather site and floor plans, elevations and a photo survey; confirm the checklist for your specific project.
Glendale permit guidance · Checked
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 Glendale. 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.
Official ADU numbers for the City of Glendale
Official ADU numbers for the City of Glendale
Local numbers for Glendale, each with its source and date.
- Change in ADU units permitted in the City of Glendale, 2022 to 20251
- -12.3%
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 117 |
| 2019 | 135 |
| 2020 | 149 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 423 |
| 2023 | 269 |
| 2024 | 250 |
| 2025 | 371 |
3rd 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
Glendale homeowners are building ADUs at a steady pace. The state's housing report shows 371 ADU units with building permits issued in 2025, as reported so far, and 290 units completed in the same year. That places Glendale 3 of 79 reporting Los Angeles County cities.
Many owners build an ADU for rental income or to house family close by. Common types include a detached backyard unit, an attached unit added to the main house, and a garage conversion. Each type depends on your lot, setbacks and parking, so a site review is the right starting point.
The permit count fell 12.3% from 2022 to 2025, so the local trend is worth watching. Use these figures as a starting point, then ask a local builder how current city rules apply to your property.
How an ADU gets built in Glendale
How an ADU gets built in Glendale
Check feasibility for your lot
Confirm what your lot allows, including the ADU type, size limits, parking and utility access. Write down your goals, such as rental income or family housing.
Prepare design and plans
Create a site plan and floor plans. A local builder can prepare drawings that show the unit, setbacks and any garage changes.
Submit for plan check and permit
Submit the plans to the City of Glendale for plan check. The city's review may ask for changes before a permit is issued.
Build with inspections
Build the unit under the issued permit. Inspections happen at key stages, such as foundation, framing, electrical and plumbing.
Final sign-off and move-in
Once the final inspections pass, the city signs off the project. Then the unit can be occupied, rented or used for family.
Questions Glendale homeowners ask about ADUs
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Glendale?
In most cases yes. Glendale runs its own permit process, so plan on a building permit for a new backyard ADU. Whether a garage conversion needs extra review depends on the lot and the city's review, so ask the builder to confirm the path for your property.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Glendale?
Often it can be, but it depends on the garage, its size, setbacks, parking and utilities. The city's review decides what is allowed on your lot. A local builder can check the current requirements before you commit to a design.
Can I rent out an ADU in Glendale?
Many homeowners rent their ADU, but local rules, your loan terms and HOA rules can limit how you use it. Confirm the rules for your property with the city and your lender before you plan around rental income.
How do I start an ADU project in Glendale?
Start by confirming what your lot allows and listing your goals, such as family housing or rental income. Then request a free estimate from a local builder, who can walk through the design, plan check and permit steps with you.
How many ADU permits does Glendale issue?
The state's annual housing report lists 371 ADU units with building permits issued in Glendale in 2025, as reported so far. Late reports can still raise that count, so check the latest figures before drawing conclusions.
How can I check a contractor's license in California?
You can check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) before you sign anything. Ask the builder for their license number and confirm it on the CSLB site.
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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