Home Remodeling · Burbank
Remodeling a Home in Burbank
Burbank is its own city with its own building department and utility, so projects follow Burbank’s rules, not Los Angeles’.
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Design by Astrid Lind. Construction by Jacob Construction Inc., a licensed California general contractor, CSLB #1073757.
Burbank at a glance
Before You Plan a Remodel in Burbank
Who issues permits
Burbank is its own city, with its own plan check and its own utility.
Official site (opens in a new tab)Typical homes
- Bungalows around Magnolia Park
- The Rancho equestrian area
- Hillside homes
Worth checking first
- Burbank plan check, not LADBS
- Burbank Water and Power for service changes
- Burbank’s own ADU standards
Burbank Rules
Burbank Runs Its Own Plan Check
Burbank permits come from the city’s Building and Safety Division, and electrical service changes are coordinated with Burbank Water and Power, not LADWP. Burbank has its own ADU standards within state law, and the Rancho area near Griffith Park is zoned for horses, which affects what can go in a back yard there. Check both with the city before planning.
Its Own City
Burbank Permits and Utilities
Burbank is an independent city at the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley. Building permits are issued by the City of Burbank’s Building and Safety Division, and electricity and water are provided by Burbank Water and Power (BWP), the city’s own utility.
That matters for planning: plan-check requirements, utility service upgrades and local ADU standards are Burbank’s, and a contractor should be familiar with them.
Building and Safety
City of Burbank Community Development Department handles plan check and inspections.
Burbank Water and Power
Coordinate early if your project needs a larger electrical service.
Local ADU standards
Burbank applies state ADU law through its own ordinance.
Neighborhoods
From Magnolia Park to the Hills
Burbank’s housing ranges from 1920s-1950s bungalows and ranch houses in areas like Magnolia Park, to the equestrian Rancho neighborhood near Griffith Park, to hillside homes in the Verdugo foothills.
Each brings different considerations. Older flatland houses often need system updates. Rancho properties may have horsekeeping considerations. Hillside lots involve slope, access and fire-hazard requirements.
Older bungalows
Plan for electrical and plumbing upgrades in pre-war homes.
Rancho equestrian area
Horse-keeping properties may have special zoning considerations.
Hillside homes
Slope, access and fire-zone requirements affect additions.
Practical Planning
What to Gather Before a Burbank Consultation
Burbank homeowners can speed up a consultation by gathering past permits, any original plans, and recent utility bills. Permit history shows what was legally built, and utility information helps judge whether the electrical service can support a new kitchen, an EV charger or an ADU.
If your home is in the hills, note any slope, retaining walls or drainage issues. If you are in the Rancho area, note any horse-keeping facilities. These details shape what a qualified contractor will recommend and how a project should be sequenced.
Burbank’s own ADU rules, setbacks and design standards may differ from neighboring Los Angeles, so it helps to work with a contractor familiar with Burbank plan check.
What People Build
What Homeowners in Burbank Typically Plan
Burbank homeowners commonly plan kitchen and bathroom remodels, ADUs and garage conversions, whole-home updates of older houses, and room additions.
Starting points: Burbank ADU and kitchen remodel options.
Also Nearby
Toluca Lake · North Hollywood · Studio City · Valley Village
Design concept
A Design Concept for a Burbank Home
Design illustration — not a completed project
A kitchen concept for a Burbank bungalow. New appliances can mean a larger electrical service, and in Burbank that question involves Burbank Water and Power.
Talk through what your house allowsBurbank: Common Questions
Who provides electricity and water in Burbank?
Burbank Water and Power (BWP), the city-owned utility.
Can I build an ADU in Burbank?
Generally yes on residential lots, under state ADU law as implemented by the City of Burbank.
Are there special rules in the Rancho area?
The Rancho neighborhood allows horse-keeping on qualifying lots, which can affect where new structures go. Check with the city for your parcel.
Does Burbank Water and Power need to approve a panel upgrade?
A service upgrade is coordinated with BWP in addition to the city electrical permit. Ask about their timeline early, because it can set the pace of the project.