How much does an ADU permit cost in Glendale?

All-in permit-related costs typically run $4,000–$12,000 (Andalusia Drafting 2026; Dynamic Quality Builders 2026). This includes building permit fees, plan check, and professional soft costs. Impact fees may apply for ADUs over 750 sq ft.

Do I need to replace parking when building an ADU in Glendale?

Yes — Glendale requires replacement parking for most ADU projects. Verify the current rule with the city planning department.

ADU permits · Glendale, California

Glendale ADU permit fees, timeline, and rules

Q: How long does an ADU permit take in Glendale?

Typically about 9 weeks from complete application to approval. NOTE: Glendale ADU code page updated Nov 7, 2025 - verify current rules. City does not publish a flat ADU fee schedule; Building Division (818-548-3200) quotes per project. Building permit ~$2,000-$4,500 valuation-based; plan check ~85-90% of permit. Development impact fee ~$5,000 ONLY if ADU is 750 sq ft or larger (under 750 exempt under state law). Glendale Water & Power (GWP) easement check mandatory and a common cause of project delays. STRICTER size limit: 1,000 sq ft maximum per GMC 30.34.080 (vs. state 1,200). Attached >800 sq ft cannot exceed 50% of primary; >850 sq ft requires 2nd bedroom. Max height: 25 ft attached, 16 ft detached (18 ft if within 0.5 mi of major transit). No rooftop decks; parapets capped at 18 inches. 1 space required for ADU UNLESS exempt per GMC 30.34.080(H)(4). Standard ADU Plan Program in early rollout (only Plan 1 live as of Nov 2025; Plans 2-3 coming soon).

Sourced permit fee ranges, typical approval timelines, and the ADU-specific rules that apply in Glendale. All numbers cross-referenced against published builder data and the city's planning department.

Last validated by OwnAdu: May 26, 2026 (manually verified)

Looking for the full Glendale ADU guide — cost, financing, ROI?See it here

Typical permit fees (all-in)

$4,000 – $12,000

Typical approval timeline

~9 weeks

Maximum ADU size

1,000 sq ft

Parking replacement required

Yes (check city map)

Owner-occupancy required

Setback requirements

4 ft side/rear for ADUs <=800 sq ft; above 800 sq ft, underlying zone setbacks apply. 0 ft for conversions.

What's distinctive about this jurisdiction

NOTE: Glendale ADU code page updated Nov 7, 2025 - verify current rules. City does not publish a flat ADU fee schedule; Building Division (818-548-3200) quotes per project. Building permit ~$2,000-$4,500 valuation-based; plan check ~85-90% of permit. Development impact fee ~$5,000 ONLY if ADU is 750 sq ft or larger (under 750 exempt under state law). Glendale Water & Power (GWP) easement check mandatory and a common cause of project delays. STRICTER size limit: 1,000 sq ft maximum per GMC 30.34.080 (vs. state 1,200). Attached >800 sq ft cannot exceed 50% of primary; >850 sq ft requires 2nd bedroom. Max height: 25 ft attached, 16 ft detached (18 ft if within 0.5 mi of major transit). No rooftop decks; parapets capped at 18 inches. 1 space required for ADU UNLESS exempt per GMC 30.34.080(H)(4). Standard ADU Plan Program in early rollout (only Plan 1 live as of Nov 2025; Plans 2-3 coming soon).

Source: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-development/development-services/adu

Buying a home with an ADU in California?

State law, typical premium, what to verify on a permitted ADU, and what to do if you find an unpermitted one.

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Glendale ADU permit fees, timeline, and rules

Last validated by OwnAdu: May 26, 2026 (manually verified)

Looking for the full Glendale ADU guide — cost, financing, ROI?See it here