Single Family Residential

Development Standards
All development standards for the R-1 and R-1-H zones have now been incorporated into the Municipal Code available for download on this web site.  Please follow the links below to view the Code.

» R-1 and R-1-H Standards
» Second Dwelling Unit Standards
» Home Occupation Requirements

Application Forms
Application forms for all land use and planning permits in the R-1 and R-1-H zones are available on the applications and fees page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have "granny flat" or "guest house" on my property?
"Granny flats" or "guest houses" are known in the Burbank Municipal Code as second dwelling units and are allowed in the R-1 zone, subject to specific development standards and a separation requirement between units.  The standards for second dwelling units and procedures for second dwelling unit approval are found in the Burbank Municipal Code.  Second dwelling units are not allowed in the R-1-H horsekeeping zone.

An accessory structure that has not been approved as a second dwelling unit through the second dwelling unit permit process may not be rented out or otherwise used for living purposes.  Granny flats and guest houses are not legal in Burbank unless they have been specifically approved by the City as a second dwelling unit.  If you have a question or concern about the legal status of a guest house on your property or another property, please contact the Planning Division.

Can I work out of my home?
Yes.  The City of Burbank has a home occupation ordinance that allows individuals to work out of their homes for certain types of businesses.  In general, home occupations are limited to office work or similar types of work that would not change the residential character of the neighborhood.  Employees are limited only to residents of your home, and no outside clients or other visitors related to the business may come to your home.  There are also limitations on the area of your home that can be devoted to the business.  For more information, please review on the Home Occupation section of the Municipal Code or contact the License and Code Services Division at (818) 238-5280.

Can I tear down my existing house and/or garage and construct a new one? 
A house and/or garage may be torn down and rebuilt so long as they are designed and built in accordance with current standards of the Burbank Municipal Code. If a home was built before certain requirements were adopted, then the existing structure(s) may be legal non-conforming and may be continued in their current state.  However, if you wish to completely rebuild a structure that is legal non-conforming, you would be required to build the new structure in accordance with the current Burbank Municipal Code requirements, including all applicable Building Code and Zoning Ordinance standards.  This requirement applies any time a structure is destroyed to an extent of 50 percent or more of its replacement value.  Leaving one wall standing will not allow you to grandfather any part of your existing home, including but not limited to substandard setbacks.

Can I create a recreation/hobby/work room space or structure inside, on top of, or adjacent to my garage or detached from my main dwelling unit?
Any structure that is not attached to the main dwelling unit, aside from a garage or carport used solely for purposes of automobile storage, is considered a structure accessory to the primary dwelling unit, or an "accessory structure."  Accessory structures are permitted if they are 300 square feet or less in size, provided they comply with certain requirements.  Accessory structures up to 1,000 square feet are permitted with approval of a special permit.   All accessory structures that contain plumbing fixtures require the signing of a covenant to prevent the use of the accessory structure as an illegal second dwelling unit or rental unit.

Can I construct bathroom and shower facilities separate from my main dwelling unit for my swimming pool?
Bathroom fixtures are allowed in accessory structures.  Fixtures are limited to a sink and toilet or a sink, toilet, and shower if in conjunction with an on-site in-ground swimming pool. Again, a covenant agreement must be entered into before a building permit can be issued.

What is the difference between a garage, carport, and porte-cochere and do I need one?
A garage or carport for at least two vehicles is required for every single family home.  If the house is bigger than 3,400 square feet, a garage or carport for three vehicles must be provided.

A garage is enclosed on all four sides.  A carport must be enclosed from the ground up on three sides by an opaque wall for at least two-thirds of the height of each wall.  Four posts with a roof covering but no enclosing walls is not considered a carport, and cannot be used to satisfy the parking requirement.

A porte-cochere is a canopy attached to a residence, which is open on all sides, except where attached to a residence.  The canopy extends over a driveway to provide shade and shelter, but cannot be used to satisfy the off-street parking requirement.

Am I allowed to operate a child care in my home?
All child care facilities are regulated by the State of California.  City approval (aside from a mandatory Fire Department inspection) is not required to operate a "small family day care home" for up to eight children.  For a "large family day care home" for up to 14 children, the operator must first receive approval of an administrative use permit.

Please consult Burbank Municipal Code Chapter 31, Article 6, Division 13 for the provisions that pertain to family day care homes in single family residential zones.  For both small and large family day care homes, please contact the State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division at (323) 981-3350 for further information and requirements.