Single Family Guide - Community Development

Single Family Guide
On January 24, 2017, the City Council adopted new single-family development standards and design guidelines for all R-1 (Single-Family Residential) and R-1-H (Single-Family Residential Horsekeeping) zoned properties, including the Hillside area. With input from Burbank residents, the primary purpose for the regulations are to:
- Address concerns with bulk and mass of single-family home additions and new construction, and
- Provide options for architectural variety while maintaining neighborhood compatibility.
PROJECTS SUBJECT TO A PLANNING PERMIT AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY DESIGN GUIDELINES
The following residential projects are subject to a Single-Family Special Development Permit:
- All new single-family construction that exceeds a 0.35 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) or is larger than 3,000 square feet;
- All single-family construction or remodels where there is a whole house demolition (link to definition of Demolition, Whole House); or
- All single-family additions or remodels of existing homes adding more than 500 square feet that does not result in an FAR over 0.40.
The following residential projects are subject to a Hillside Development Permit:
- All new structures or modifications that increase the square footage or height of an existing structure, or otherwise alter the footprint, volume, mass, or dimensions of an existing structure;
- All new construction that involves the creation of a new building pad, cut or fill activity to expand an existing building pad, or any other grading activity, including (but not limited to), grading for structures, swimming pools, patios, driveways, and expanded yard areas;
- The structure extends beyond the front or rear yard setback lines per Section 10-1-606(E) (see graphic);
- The height of the proposed structure to the top of the roof exceeds 16 feet; or
- The total gross square footage of all structures and spaces included in FAR is greater than 3,000 square feet.
The State of California adopted a series of regulations for ADUs in all residential zoning districts in an effort to address growing housing demand and reducing affordability across California. These laws went into effect in all cities on January 1st each year:
2017
Senate Bill 1069
Assembly Bill 2299
2018
Senate Bill 229
Assembly Bill 494
2019
Senate Bill 68
Senate Bill 881
Senate Bill 13
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has prepared an Accessory Dwelling Unit Memorandum Guide (PDF) and contains more information on their website. In tandem, the City has prepared a map (PDF) to identify all properties within a 0.5 mile of a public transportation stop and station that qualify for an ADU under State law.
2017
Senate Bill 1069
Assembly Bill 2299
2018
Senate Bill 229
Assembly Bill 494
2019
Senate Bill 68
Senate Bill 881
Senate Bill 13
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has prepared an Accessory Dwelling Unit Memorandum Guide (PDF) and contains more information on their website. In tandem, the City has prepared a map (PDF) to identify all properties within a 0.5 mile of a public transportation stop and station that qualify for an ADU under State law.
Contact information
Location
Community Services Building
150 N. Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Community Services Building
150 N. Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Public Counter Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.