Glendale · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in Glendale?
In Glendale, a live-work unit is allowed in 2 base zones (SFMU and TOD I, all with a condition), needs a permit in 3 (IND, IMU and IMU-R) and not allowed in 1 (Glendale use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: SFMU and TOD I
- Needs a permit: IND, IMU and IMU-R
- Not allowed: 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 live-work unit can go
Glendale's code calls this use “Live/work / Live/work units”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| SFMU | Allowed — see note Note 6: For lots having frontage along San Fernando Road, Broadway, and Colorado Street, manufacturing and processing uses shall not be on the ground floor fronting these streets. | § 30.14.020 |
| TOD I | Allowed — see note Note 6: For lots having frontage along San Fernando Road, Central Avenue, or Los Feliz Road, manufacturing and processing uses shall not be on the ground floor fronting these streets. | § 30.16.020 |
| IND | Needs a conditional use permit | § 30.13.020 |
| IMU | Needs an administrative use permit | § 30.14.020 |
| IMU-R | Needs an administrative use permit | § 30.14.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 30.34.090 Live/work units.
- 'Live/work units with conditionally permitted uses' is C in IMU, IMU-R, SFMU(6) and TOD I; 'Conversion of a live/work unit to entirely residential or entirely business use' is C in IND, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU, A in TOD I. Those are separate rows, not used. Note 6 is about ground-floor manufacturing, not live/work itself.
- 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 live-work unit in the IND zone in Glendale?
Only with a conditional use permit. Glendale's use table lists it that way in IND (§ 30.13.020).
Can I have a live-work unit in the TOD II zone in Glendale?
No. Glendale's use table does not allow it in TOD II (§ 30.16.020).
Can I have a live-work unit in the SFMU zone in Glendale?
Yes, with a condition. Glendale's use table lists it as allowed in SFMU (§ 30.14.020). The code adds a condition: “For lots having frontage along San Fernando Road, Broadway, and Colorado Street, manufacturing and processing uses shall not be on the ground floor fronting these streets.”
General information, not legal advice.
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