As of October 2026, Glendale allows one attached and one detached ADU on a standard lot, adopted by City Council on December 10, 2024. An ADU can be as large as the main home's floor area but never more than 1,000 sq ft. Each ADU must have separate utility meters, including its own city water meter.
What are Glendale's standards?
- Rear and side setbacks of at least 5 feet; the front setback of the zoning district.
- Height, lot coverage and building frontage of the zoning district.
- On a lot of one acre or more, two detached ADUs plus one attached, if one is recorded as restricted-affordable.
- No additional parking, and no separate driveway or parking area for the ADU.
- At least a kitchenette: sink, refrigerator and an electrical outlet.
- No separate street address; the ADU uses the main address with a Unit 1 or Unit 2 suffix.
What does Glendale charge?
The city's June 30, 2025 handout estimates fees for a 1,000 sq ft ADU:
| Item | Detached | Attached |
|---|---|---|
| Water impact fee (0.75 inch) | $3,330 | $3,330 |
| Sewer impact fee (0.75 inch) | $3,795 | $3,795 |
| Parks, library, police and fire impact fees | $2,505 | $1,655 |
| Permits, plan review and meter set | About $3,404 | About $3,404 |
| Estimated total | $13,034.08 | $12,184.08 |
Detached ADUs pay single-family impact fees and attached ones pay multifamily rates, which explains the gap. The estimate assumes a construction valuation of $120,750; the city's figure is for fees, not building cost.
Why does the water meter matter?
Glendale notes that a separate water connection usually means a new tap to the city main in the street or right-of-way, with its own permits and a specially licensed contractor. On some lots that is a bigger job than the meter fee suggests. We price the tap route during the site visit.
What usually matters on a Glendale lot?
- Utility easements. An ADU cannot sit on a public utility easement without written consent from each holder.
- Distance to the street. A long water and sewer run to a back-corner casita adds trenching and restoration.
- Airport areas. Glendale is home to Luke Air Force Base, and state law exempts land in the vicinity of a military airport from the ADU mandate. We check the parcel.