In Burbank, ADU plans are reviewed by the Building Division and the Planning Division of Community Development. Permit issuance also involves Public Works, Burbank Water and Power (electric and water) and the Fire Department. Homeowners can use a custom design or a plan from the Burbank Preapproved ADU Program.
What is the Burbank Preapproved ADU Program?
As of October 2026, the Burbank Preapproved ADU Program (BPAP) offers ADU designs that the city has already reviewed, with the stated goal of reducing permit issuance to 30 days. Its library includes a 432 sq ft one-story studio designed by the City of Burbank, plus designs by private firms that city staff reviewed. Key limits:
- New construction only. Garage conversions are not part of the program.
- Up to 850 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom, and up to 1,000 sq ft for a two-bedroom, unless special zoning applies.
- Changes to the pre-approved drawings, even moving cabinets or bathroom fixtures, void the pre-approval.
- A pre-approval lasts for the building code cycle it was reviewed under.
How long does Burbank take to review ADU plans?
For the pre-approved program, the city lists as of October 2026 a 30-business-day initial review and 15 business days for rechecks, for both the enrollment review and the permit review. Custom designs follow regular plan check, within the state's 60-day limit once an application is complete.
Are there parts of Burbank with different ADU rules?
Yes. As of October 2026, the city's program page says new ADU construction is not allowed in the Rancho area, and ADUs in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are capped at 800 sq ft. The foothill neighborhoods on the city's northeast side are where slope, access and fire rules come into play. On the flat lots across most of the city, the main questions are yard size, setbacks and utility capacity.
Which fees apply to a Burbank ADU?
As of October 2026, the city lists enrollment fees for the pre-approved program based on square footage, matching its permit fees. Development impact fees apply only to ADUs over 750 sq ft, in proportion to the main home's size, as state law requires. The city also directs applicants to Burbank Unified School District about school fees.
Pre-approved plan or custom design in Burbank?
A pre-approved plan can save design time if one of the library designs fits your yard as drawn. A custom design makes sense if you want a garage conversion, a layout change or a size the library does not offer. We compare both for your lot during the consultation.