Prefab ADUs in Glendale
Glendale has permitted more than 2,600 ADUs since 2021 — in 2025, almost every new home the City permitted was an ADU. We deliver an all-in prefab ADU from our factory in Lathrop — permits, foundation, delivery and installation included — at one fixed price.
Free lot check · zoning, setbacks, utilities · reply with a fixed price
Licensed builder · Our own factory in Lathrop, CA
Real homes we build, start to finish
Quick answer
ADUs in Glendale — key facts for 2026
Most Glendale homeowners can add a detached ADU — state law guarantees at least 800 sq ft and 16 ft — with no impact fees under 750 sq ft. Bay Modular delivers a factory-built ADU all-in for $124,900–$271,900 — the same price anywhere in California.
- Can I build an ADU in Glendale?
- Yes, on most residential lots. State law guarantees a detached ADU of at least 800 sq ft and 16 ft with 4-ft side and rear setbacks; Glendale's ordinance (GMC 30.34.080) sets the details for larger units.
- How long does a Glendale ADU permit take?
- ADUs are approved ministerially; state law requires a decision within 60 days of a complete application. Glendale Water & Power reviews utilities before plan check.
- What fees does Glendale charge?
- No impact fees under 750 sq ft (state law). School fees apply only over 500 sq ft; permit and utility fees apply.
- How much does a prefab ADU cost in Glendale?
- Bay Modular: $124,900–$271,900 all-in, the same price as anywhere in California, permits and installation included.
- How many ADUs does Glendale build?
- 371 ADU permits in 2025 and 2,604 from 2021 to 2025.
- What does an ADU rent for in Glendale?
- Average asking rent in Glendale was $2,790 a month in August 2026 (Zillow), up 26% since January 2021.
Sources: HCD APR 2025, Glendale ADU page (GMC 30.34.080), City–HCD MOU statement (Oct 2025), Zillow ZORI Aug 2026. Last reviewed October 2026.
Glendale in numbers
Glendale has built 2,600+ ADUs since 2021
Glendale issued 2,604 ADU permits from 2021 to 2025 — and in 2025, 371 of 387 new homes permitted were ADUs.
ADU permits issued in the City of Glendale
Source: California HCD Annual Progress Report data (Table A2), City of Glendale, permits issued per year. Percent = ADUs among all housing units permitted in the city that year.
average Glendale asking rent since January 2021 ($2,210 → $2,790)
Zillow Observed Rent Index, City of Glendale, Aug 2026ADU permits issued in Glendale in five years (2021–2025)
HCD APR data, 2021–2025Can I build in Glendale?
Most Glendale lots with a house can add an ADU
Glendale’s ADU rules (GMC 30.34.080) are being updated under an agreement with the state; state ADU law sets the floor. Here is what matters for most homeowners:
State law guarantees a detached ADU of at least 800 sq ft; Glendale's ordinance sets limits for larger units. All our models are 640 sq ft or less.
An 800 sq ft ADU with 4-ft side and rear setbacks and 16 ft of height can't be denied under state law.
Glendale Water & Power must approve electric and water service — including power-line clearances — before plan check.
Under state law, no parking is required within half a mile walking of public transit or for conversions.
Glendale records an ADU covenant and agreement — you can apply for it online.
Under an October 2025 agreement with the state, Glendale committed to amend its ADU ordinance to match state law.
Based on the City of Glendale ADU page, the City’s statement on its MOU with HCD (Oct 2025) and state ADU law (Gov. Code §§66314–66323). Not legal advice — rules depend on your exact lot. More in our ADU guides.
New in 2027: under AB 956 (Chapter 791, Statutes of 2026), from January 1, 2027 state law lets you build two detached ADUs on a lot with a single-family home, and HOA rules can’t block an ADU on a lot zoned to allow one.
Costs & fees in Glendale
What an ADU costs in Glendale
Same all-in price as anywhere in California. Our models are all under 750 sq ft, so none pays impact fees — and four of five pay no school fees.
| Model | All-in price | School fees | City impact fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard Studio120 sq ft · home office or guest studio, not a rentable ADU | $75,900 | $0 | $0 |
| Small Studio256 sq ft | $124,900 | $0 | $0 |
| Large Studio ADU320 sq ft | $154,900 | $0 | $0 |
| 1 Bedroom ADU480 sq ft | $214,900 | $0 | $0 |
| 2 Bedroom ADU640 sq ft | $271,900 | $3,443 | $0 |
Sources: Gov. Code §66311.5; Ed. Code §17620 and State Allocation Board 2026 school fee maximum; Gov. Code §66311.5. Launch pricing runs through December 31, 2026. Comparison is general — every project differs.
Renting in Glendale
Renting out an ADU in Glendale
average asking rent for all homes in Glendale — up 26% since 2021. HUD's 2027 fair rent for a 2-bedroom in the area is $2,964.
Zillow Observed Rent Index, City of Glendale, Aug 2026 · HUD FY2027 FMR ADU for rental incomeLong-term tenants are the safe plan; a JADU can't be rented for less than 30 days under state law.
Owner occupancy applies only to a JADU, not to an ADU, under state law.
A new ADU is exempt from California's statewide rent cap (AB 1482) for 15 years after its certificate of occupancy.
Same money, other options
Yearly income per dollar, before taxes and costs. An ADU wins because you already own the land. Full comparison →
Sources: Gov. Code §66333; Civil Code §1947.12. Comparison: HUD FY2027 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale area ($2,964) × 12 ÷ $271,900; U.S. Treasury (Oct 6, 2026); FTSE Nareit (Sep 2026); Zillow ZORI ÷ ZHVI, LA metro (Aug 2026); FDIC (Sep 2026). Not legal or investment advice.
Permits in Glendale
How your Glendale permit works — we handle it
Free lot check
Zoning, hillside and fire areas, power-line clearances, sewer and water for your Glendale address.
Utilities pre-approval
We send your site plan to Glendale Water & Power for electric and water approval before plan check.
Plans & City review
Our HCD-approved plans filed through the City's online permit portal, plus the ADU covenant.
Decision in 60 days
State law requires a decision on a complete ADU application within 60 days. Your ADU is built in our factory meanwhile.
Install & move in
Delivered from our Lathrop factory, installed in about a week, inspected, then your Certificate of Occupancy.
Based on the City of Glendale ADU page, GWP requirements and Gov. Code §66317.
Why now
Start your Glendale ADU with zero risk
Lock in launch pricing, see exactly what you get, and only decide once you have a fixed price for your lot.
All-in from $75,900 — everything included
- Backyard Studio (home office)$75,900All-in · fixed in writing
- Small Studio$124,900All-in · fixed in writing
- Large Studio ADU$154,900All-in · fixed in writing
- 1 Bedroom ADU$214,900All-in · fixed in writing
- 2 Bedroom ADU$271,900All-in · fixed in writing
Zero-risk start
- Free lot check & quoteNo obligation, no credit card.
- One fixed all-in priceDesign, permits, delivery and install — one number.
- HCD-approved plansState approval #1585366, financed and appraised like a home.
- 2-year warrantyOn materials and workmanship.
Visit our factory in Lathrop, CA and walk through a finished ADU.
Glendale ADU questions
Read our ADU guides, see all of California, or call (209) 214-6845.
Can I build an ADU on my lot in Glendale?
Most Glendale residential lots can add an ADU. State law guarantees a detached ADU of at least 800 sq ft and 16 ft with 4-foot side and rear setbacks; Glendale's ordinance covers larger units. We check your address for free.
How much does an ADU cost in Glendale?
Our all-in prices are the same as anywhere in California: from $124,900 for a Small Studio to $271,900 for a 2 Bedroom ADU, with launch pricing through December 31, 2026. No impact fees under 750 sq ft, and school fees only above 500 sq ft.
How long does an ADU permit take in Glendale?
ADUs are approved ministerially, and state law requires a decision within 60 days of a complete application. Your ADU is built in our factory at the same time, so most projects take 4–6 months from signing to keys.
Why does Glendale Water & Power need to approve my ADU?
Glendale requires GWP electric and water approval — including clearances from power lines — before plan check. We prepare the site plan and handle it.
Is Glendale changing its ADU rules?
Yes. In October 2025 Glendale agreed with the state housing department to amend its ADU ordinance, for example to explicitly allow ADUs above detached garages.
Do I need parking for an ADU in Glendale?
Under state law, no parking is required within half a mile walking of public transit or for conversions; we check your lot.
Can Bay Modular deliver to Glendale?
Yes. We build in our Lathrop factory and deliver statewide at the same all-in price, including Los Angeles County.
Is an ADU a better investment than a rental property in Glendale?
For most homeowners with room on their lot, yes: you don't buy land. A 2 Bedroom ADU at HUD's 2027 fair rent for a 2-bedroom in the LA-Long Beach area ($2,964) earns about 13.2% a year on its price before costs, vs. about 3.7% for a typical LA-metro rental home (Zillow, Aug 2026). Not investment advice.
Free · no obligation
Can you build an ADU on your Glendale lot?
Send your Glendale address. We'll check zoning, hillside and fire areas, power lines and utilities, and send a fixed all-in price — permits included.
HCD-approved plans (#1585366) · 2-year warranty · factory in Lathrop, CA
Sources: California HCD Annual Progress Report data, Table A2 (City of Glendale, 2021–2025, updated Oct 2026); Zillow Observed Rent Index, City of Glendale (Aug 2026); HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents (Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale); City of Glendale ADU page and statement on its MOU with HCD (Oct 2025); GWP ADU requirements; Gov. Code §§66314–66333. Prices: Bay Modular, October 2026. Not legal advice.