Glendale · Land use · Church or place of worship
Where is a church or other place of worship allowed in Glendale?
In Glendale, a church or other place of worship is allowed in 2 base zones (MS and SR, 1 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 11 (ROS, R1R, R1, R3050, R2250 and 6 more) and not allowed in 3 (Glendale use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MS and SR
- Needs a permit: ROS, R1R, R1, R3050, R2250, R1650, R1250, IMU and 3 more
- Not allowed: CE, CEM and TOD II
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Glendale Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a church or other place of worship can go
Glendale's code calls this use “Places of worship”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| MS | Allowed | § 30.15.020 |
| SR | Allowed — see note Note 4: Places of worship in the SR zone must have been in existence as of September 26, 2006. | § 30.15.020 |
| ROS | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.11.020 |
| R1R | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.11.020 |
| R1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.11.020 |
| R3050 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.11.020 |
| R2250 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.11.020 |
| R1650 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.11.020 |
| R1250 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.11.020 |
| IMU | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.14.020 |
| IMU-R | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.14.020 |
| SFMU | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.14.020 |
| TOD I | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.16.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- No size split. PRD overlay row 'Churches, synagogues, temples and houses of worship' is C but PRD is an overlay.
- State law: Federal law (RLUIPA) bars zoning rules that treat religious assembly worse than other assembly uses.
- Not covered here: Commercial districts (C1, C2, C3 etc.) and any other base zones whose use tables are not in the packet; Chapter 30.70 use definitions and Section 30.03.010 (uses not listed) are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Glendale
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the ROS zone in Glendale?
Only with a conditional use permit. Glendale's use table lists it that way in ROS (§ 30.11.020).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the CE zone in Glendale?
No. Glendale's use table does not allow it in CE (§ 30.15.020).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the MS zone in Glendale?
Yes. Glendale's use table lists it as allowed in MS (§ 30.15.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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