Burbank — Development Standards

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Burbank's zoning ordinance says about development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage, density/FAR) for specific Burbank zoning districts. It is drawn from the text of the local code excerpts provided (Burbank Zoning Ordinance; Title numbering in the retrieved materials uses the 10-series headings). Where the code text is not present in the retrieved materials I note that and advise verification with the City. For procedural topics like parking, design review, overlays, and ADUs I link to the related GoCodebook topic pages for quick cross-reference.

How to read this page

• District names and numeric standards are shown in bold.
• Each numeric requirement is grounded in the ordinance and cites the controlling § from the retrieved files.
• Where the ordinance text was not in the retrieved files I state "Not found in retrieved materials" and flag the item for verification.

I link related planning topics in-line so you can jump to detailed pages for parking (/us/california/burbank/parking), design review (/us/california/burbank/design-review), overlay districts (/us/california/burbank/overlay-districts), ADUs (/us/california/burbank/adu), the California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes), landscaping and screening (/us/california/burbank/landscaping-and-screening), variances and exceptions (/us/california/burbank/variances-and-exceptions), and historic preservation (/us/california/burbank/historic-preservation).

District-by-district development standards (code-grounded)

Note: the retrieved ordinance excerpts use section numbers beginning with "10-1-…". Below I give each district heading, its stated purpose in the code, the most decision-relevant permitted/typical uses, then the key dimensional/development standards that are visible in the retrieved materials with the code citation.

GO (Garden Office) — GO

• Purpose / typical uses: The GO Zone is intended to provide a well-landscaped, low-profile office environment; uses are governed by the City’s use tables and must be consistent with General Plan FAR/density tables. § 10-1-2420; see the GO-specific development table in § 10-1-2420.5.
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Maximum height: 35 ft measured from grade; roof/architectural features may exceed by up to 15 ft if a 45° plane is maintained (no CUP required for those features under those conditions). § 10-1-2425(A).
  • Maximum FAR and residential density are set by the General Plan table referenced in § 10-1-2420.5 (e.g., Downtown Commercial up to 2.5 FAR, other designations lower). § 10-1-2420.5.
  • Open-space and setback rules apply per the GO property standards. § 10-1-2425(B).

NB (Neighborhood Business) — NB

• Purpose / typical uses: Small-scale neighborhood commercial with design standards intended to be compatible with adjacent residential neighborhoods. § 10-1-2413.
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Maximum height: 25 ft measured from grade; roof/architectural features can exceed this up to 15 ft if a 45° plane is maintained; a CUP is required for structures higher than 25 ft. § 10-1-2417(A).
  • Front setback: All structures (except fully subterranean and certain parking) must be set back at least 10 ft from the front lot line. § 10-1-2417(C)(2)(a).
  • Open space / buffering: Where commercial abuts R-1 / R-2, an open space area of at least 20 ft is required along the shared property line; a landscaped strip of 5 ft nearest the residential property is required unless a public ROW is used. § 10-1-2417(B).

BCC-1 (Burbank Center Commercial Retail-Professional) — BCC-1

• Purpose / typical uses: Downtown retail / office with residential allowed above commercial; governed by downtown-specific standards. § 10-1-2503.
• Key dimensional standards:
  • FAR/density: Uses must be consistent with the General Plan FAR table, including Downtown Commercial up to 2.5 FAR and densities shown in § 10-1-2503.5. § 10-1-2503.5.
  • Property development standards defer to the C-1/C-2/C-4 standards as noted in the BCC divisions where applicable. § 10-1-2507.

BCC-2 and BCCM — BCC-2, BCCM

• Purpose / typical uses: Retail centers, mixed-use and multifamily in the Burbank Center; BCCM and BCC-2 developments must follow the referenced C-zone development standards or the specific mixed-use article when applicable. § 10-1-2513; § 10-1-2524.
• Key dimensional standards:
  • FAR/density: Same General Plan consistency table applies; the code repeatedly points to General Plan FAR/density tables (e.g., 2.5 FAR in Downtown Commercial). § 10-1-2524.

MPC-1, MPC-2, MPC-3 (Magnolia Park / Media Districts) — MPC-1, MPC-2, MPC-3

• Purpose / typical uses: Limited business and mixed-use corridors tailored to neighborhood context. § 10-1-2601.5.
• Key dimensional standards:
  • MPC-1 / MPC-2: Maximum height: 27 ft, but at distances of less than 25 ft from a residential lot line, no part of the structure may exceed a 1:1 height-to-distance ratio (i.e., 1 ft height per 1 ft distance). § 10-1-2603(A)(1).
  • MPC-3: Maximum height: 27 ft, with similar transitional height plane rules; if structure is ≥25 ft from a residential lot line, roof features may exceed up to 35 ft when a 45° angle plane is maintained. § 10-1-2613(A).
  • Open space buffer: When abutting R-1/R-2, provide 20 ft of open space along the abutting property line; if abutting R-3/R-4, 10 ft is required. § 10-1-2613(B).

C-2 (General Commercial) and other C-zones — C-2 (and C-series)

• Purpose / typical uses: General commercial uses consistent with the General Plan; specific C-zone articles provide property development standards. § 10-1-708.5; § 10-1-712.
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Height: For C-2 the maximum height is determined by distance from the closest lot line of any property zoned residential; the controlling table and method are stated in § 10-1-712(A)(1) (exact distance-height formula appears in that section). § 10-1-712.
  • Multifamily in nonresidential zones: Where multifamily-only is proposed in a nonresidential zone, Table 10-1-624(A) sets minimum lot area 6,000 sq ft, minimum lot width 50 ft, minimum lot depth 100 ft, and other standards (front/rear/interior setbacks, lot coverage, etc.). § 10-1-624(A).

Multifamily development in nonresidential zones (special rules)

• Where multifamily residential is proposed in nonresidential zones the ordinance has a dedicated set of property development standards and a table: Table 10-1-624(A). This includes:
  • Minimum lot area: 6,000 sq ft; minimum width: 50 ft; minimum depth: 100 ft. § 10-1-624(A).
  • Front minimum setback: at least 5 ft or 20% of building height, whichever is greater, but no greater than 10 ft; the code allows averaging in some circumstances. § 10-1-624(E).
  • Maximum lot coverage: identified as 80% in the nonresidential multifamily standards table (see Table 10-1-624(A)). § 10-1-624(A).

Open Space Zone — Open Space

• Purpose / typical uses: Parks, open recreation, conservation; development is limited and subject to development review. § 10-1-921.
• Key standards:
  • All uses must be consistent with General Plan FAR/density where applicable; development review is required and no structure shall be erected until a Development Review Application is approved (except where specifically exempted). § 10-1-924.

North San Fernando Boulevard Zone — (special overlay-like district)

• This zone contains its own development standards and explicitly replaces/overrides several general code sections (lot frontage, corner cutoff, some parking and improvement standards, and more). If your site lies in this zone follow the North San Fernando article in its entirety. § 10-1-2702.
• Development in this zone is subject to mandatory Development Review; several general yard and parking sections are noted as not applying here. § 10-1-2702(A–C).

Yard, lot coverage and modulation rules (citywide design details)

• Lot coverage: defined as the ratio of the total footprint area of all structures to net lot area; specified inclusions and exclusions are in § 10-1-603(F) (e.g., excludes uncovered decks <18" high, eaves up to 2 ft, up to two accessory structures under 120 sq ft, swimming pools not enclosed). § 10-1-603(F).
• Yard modulation/second-story setbacks: the code contains specific second-story modulation alternatives (setback percentages and daylight plane) in § 10-1-603(E)(2–3), including a 45° daylight plane option and percentage-based offsets for second story massing. § 10-1-603(E).
• Setback averaging and street side yard rules are spelled out in the related yard sections and the multifamily-in-nonresidential standards (e.g., front minimum equals 5 ft or 20% of height up to 10 ft). § 10-1-603; § 10-1-624(E).

Quick-reference table — selected decision-relevant standards

Practical guidance / synthesis

• Where the code gives a maximum height expressed as a plain number (e.g., 25 ft for NB or 35 ft for GO) also look for the 45° daylight plane clause that allows limited architectural projection above the numeric limit when the plane is maintained — this is repeated across several zone articles (example § 10-1-2425(A) and § 10-1-2417(A)).
• For multifamily projects in commercial zones use Table 10-1-624(A) as your starting checklist for lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and height transitions; the table supersedes conflicting chapter provisions for residential-only developments in nonresidential zones. § 10-1-624.
• The code ties allowable FAR and maximum residential densities to General Plan land-use designations repeatedly (see the multiple zone consistent-FAR tables referencing Downtown Commercial 2.5 FAR, Corridor Commercial 1.0 FAR, etc.). Always check the parcel’s General Plan land use designation in combination with the zoning map to determine the effective FAR/density for the site. § 10-1-2420.5; § 10-1-2503.5; § 10-1-2524.
• For accessory units, state ADU law places constraints on local lot coverage, setbacks, and sizes; Burbank’s ordinance excerpts in the retrieved materials reference and must be read alongside state law. See the ADU guidance page and the ADU state summary in the provided materials. For ADU-specific zoning limitations the state restricts lot-size, coverage, FAR and setback rules from being used to preclude at least an 800–850 sf ADU with four-foot side/rear setbacks. (State law summary in the ADU handbook excerpt).

Checklist

• Confirm the parcel's zoning designation on the City zoning map and the corresponding Burbank zone article (e.g., GO § 10-1-2425; NB § 10-1-2417).
• Confirm General Plan land-use designation and applicable FAR / density table for that designation (used by multiple zones; e.g., Downtown Commercial 2.5 FAR). § 10-1-2420.5.
• Calculate lot coverage using the ordinance definition and exclusions in § 10-1-603(F).
• Verify building height and any 45° daylight plane exceptions in the zone article (e.g., § 10-1-2425(A); § 10-1-2417(A)).
• Confirm front/rear/side setback standards — for multifamily in nonresidential zones use § 10-1-624(E).
• Determine whether the project requires development review or any discretionary permits for height, open space reductions, or deviations (see each zone’s Development Review sections). Link to the city’s design-review page for process details. (/us/california/burbank/design-review)
• Confirm parking requirements and whether any North San Fernando modifications apply (see the North San Fernando article that lists parking exemptions). (/us/california/burbank/parking)
• If proposing ADUs, reconcile local rules with state ADU constraints (see ADU materials). (/us/california/burbank/adu)

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Burbank’s zoning rules set numeric caps and buffering rules that vary by zone: many commercial and mixed-use zones list a maximum height (commonly mid‑20s to mid‑30s in feet) with an allowance for limited architectural projection if a 45° daylight plane is respected, lot coverage is computed using the footprint rules in § 10-1-603(F), and FAR/density is frequently tied to the parcel’s General Plan land-use designation (see the multiple zone General Plan consistency tables). Always check the zone article, the General Plan designation, and any overlay rules that override the base zone.

Source References

• Burbank Zoning Ordinance excerpts (GO Zone, property development standards): § 10-1-2425; § 10-1-2420.5.
• NB Zone property standards (height, setbacks, open space): § 10-1-2417.
• Multifamily-in-nonresidential standards (Table 10-1-624(A), setbacks, lot area): § 10-1-624 (A–E).
• C-2 zone property development standards and height/distance rules: § 10-1-712; § 10-1-708.5.
• MPC / Magnolia Park articles and MPC-3 height/open-space rules: § 10-1-2601.5; § 10-1-2613.
• Lot coverage definitions, second-story modulation standards and diagrams: § 10-1-603 (E, F, G).
• North San Fernando Boulevard Zone: § 10-1-2702 (development review and exemptions).
• Open Space zone and development review: § 10-1-921; § 10-1-924.
• ADU state/federal context and constraints (summary from provided ADU handbook excerpt): Not a Burbank ordinance citation, but relevant state law constraints on ADU setbacks/coverage are summarized in the ADU handbook excerpt.

(Not found in retrieved materials: any explicit "Title 17 Zoning" label for Burbank — the retrieved Burbank code excerpts use Title/Article numbering beginning with "10-1-…". If Title 17 exists on the City site it was not present in the retrieved files. Verify with the City of Burbank code index if you expect a different Title numbering. Verify parcel-specific height/setback interpretations with the Community Development Department.)

Retrieved passages

• CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance show source text
• Burbank Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Burbank Zoning Code (Section 10-1-1113.1) High relevance show source text
• Burbank Zoning Code (Section 10-1-502.) High relevance show source text
• Burbank Zoning Code (Section 10-1-502.) High relevance show source text
• Burbank Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance show source text
• Burbank Zoning Code (Section 25319.1) High relevance show source text
• Burbank Zoning Code High relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Burbank Zoning Ordinance excerpts (GO Zone, property development standards): **§ 10-1-2425; § 10-1-2420.5**. (§ 10-1-2425)
• NB Zone property standards (height, setbacks, open space): **§ 10-1-2417**. (§ 10-1-2417)
• Multifamily-in-nonresidential standards (Table 10-1-624(A), setbacks, lot area): **§ 10-1-624 (A–E)**. (§ 10-1-624)
• C-2 zone property development standards and height/distance rules: **§ 10-1-712; § 10-1-708.5**. (§ 10-1-712)
• MPC / Magnolia Park articles and MPC-3 height/open-space rules: **§ 10-1-2601.5; § 10-1-2613**. (§ 10-1-2601.5)
• Lot coverage definitions, second-story modulation standards and diagrams: **§ 10-1-603 (E, F, G)**. (§ 10-1-603)
• North San Fernando Boulevard Zone: **§ 10-1-2702** (development review and exemptions). (§ 10-1-2702)
• Open Space zone and development review: **§ 10-1-921; § 10-1-924**. (§ 10-1-921)
• ADU state/federal context and constraints (summary from provided ADU handbook excerpt): Not a Burbank ordinance citation, but relevant state law constraints on ADU setbacks/coverage are summarized in the ADU handbook excerpt.
• Burbank_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California ADU handbook.md