Skip to content

Title 10 — ZONING REGULATIONS›Chapter 1 — ZONING 1›Article 27 — NORTH SAN FERNANDO COMMERCIAL ZONE

Burbank Municipal Code Div. 3 Building Standards

Burbank Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-22 · Burbank

Cite as: Burbank Municipal Code Division 3 · Text as of 2026-10-22

10-1-2706: STOREFRONT BUILDINGS:

10-1-2706.1: DESCRIPTION:

A. A Storefront Building is a single or multi-story building that is placed along or near a public sidewalk. The front facade contains ground floor storefronts that support commercial businesses. If provided, upper floors may contain commercial office space or residential apartments or condominiums (with the approval of an Administrative Use Permit pursuant to Section 10-1-2706.8).

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2706.2: BUILDING PLACEMENT:

A. The front facade of Storefront Buildings shall be located within 0’ to 15’ of the front lot line.

B. On corner lots, a Storefront Building shall be required at the street corner of the lot. The street-facing side facade of the building shall be located within 0’ to 15’ of the street-facing side lot line (the side lot line adjacent to the street).

C. If a lot has two street corners along North San Fernando Boulevard, both street corners of the lot shall be occupied by a Storefront Building in compliance with standards A and B.

D. Setbacks are not required from rear and side lot lines that are shared with alleys, lots within a non-residential zoning district, and lots within the North San Fernando Boulevard Zone. However, within a horizontal mixed-use project, setbacks are required from Townhome/Live-Work Unit sites (see Standard F below).

[Figure]

E. Storefront Buildings shall be set back at least 20’ from rear and side lot lines that are shared with lots zoned Single Family Residential (R-1) and Low Density Residential (R-2).1

F. Storefront Buildings shall be set back at least 10’ from Townhome/Live-Work Unit sites (see Section 10-1-2705) and rear and side lot lines that are shared with lots zoned Medium Density Residential (R-3) and High Density Residential (R-4).1

[Figure]

1 Additional step-back requirements may be required based on the height of the building and its distance from the residential lot line (see Standard H in Section 10-1-2706.4).

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2706.3: PARKING LOCATIONS, OFF-STREET LOADING, AND GARBAGE/RECYCLE STORAGE:

A. Surface parking lots are prohibited between front facades and sidewalks and between street-facing side facades and sidewalks. They are allowed behind Storefront Buildings, between two Storefront Buildings on the same lot, and between a Storefront Building and an interior side lot line.

B. Surface parking lots, including parking lot landscaping, shall be designed in compliance with Divisions 1 and 4 of Article 14 (General Off Street Parking Standards) with the following exceptions:

  1. Section 10-1-1417.1 (Setbacks and Walls) shall not apply.

  2. Section 10-1-1417.2 (Parking Lots Abutting and Adjacent to Residential Zones) shall not apply.

[Figure]

C. All surface parking lots shall be set back at least 5’ from front and street-facing side lot lines. This setback shall be landscaped.

D. When a parking lot is located across the street from a residential zoned lot, a hedge with a height of 40” to 48” (as measured from the grade of the parking lot) shall be located within the landscaped setback of the parking lot. This standard may be waived or reduced by the Community Development Director if the parking lot is set below the elevation of the adjacent sidewalk. The hedge height shall be reduced where needed to comply with Section 10-1-2714 (Corner Cutoff).

E. Underground/partially underground structured parking and ground floor structured parking is allowed in Storefront Buildings. However, parking is prohibited on the ground floor along the front facade, as commercial storefronts are required in this location.

F. Above ground structured parking on upper floors may be permitted within Storefront Buildings with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

[Figure]

G. Parking structure facades shall comply with the design standards in Section 10-1-2710.2 (Parking Structure Facades).

H. To the extent feasible, vehicle access to structured parking should not be provided on the front facade of Storefront Buildings.

I. Shared driveways that provide access to multiple lots within a block are encouraged to minimize curb cuts along sidewalks.

J. Off-street loading spaces shall be required in compliance with Article 15 (General Off-Street Loading Standards) with the following exception:

  1. The off-street loading standards may be waived or reduced by the Community Development Director if an on-street delivery zone is provided adjacent to the lot. The on-street delivery zone shall have a yellow curb and signage that restricts regular parking during daytime business hours (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Street trees shall be pruned to maintain at least 14’ of vertical clearance above the on-street delivery zone. The businesses and/or property owners that utilize the on-street delivery zone shall reimburse the City for related maintenance expenses, such as curb painting, the replacement of signs, and tree pruning.

K. Garbage/recycle storage areas shall be located within the interior of the building, within a building recess located along a rear or interior side facade, or within a trash enclosure that is located within a parking lot adjacent to the rear facade or interior side facade. If the lot abuts an alley, the garbage/recycle storage area shall be accessible from the alley.

L. Trash enclosures shall be designed to comply with the following standards:

  1. Trash enclosures shall be set back at least 5’ from rear and side lot lines that are shared with Townhome/Live-Work Unit sites (see Section 10-1-2705), and lots zoned Medium Density Residential (R-3) and High Density Residential (R-4). This setback shall be landscaped.

  2. Trash enclosures shall be set back at least 40’ from front and street-facing side lot lines.

  3. All sides of the trash enclosure (excluding the door opening) shall consist of masonry walls that are at least 6’ tall. A solid metal door (or doors) with a height of at least 6’ shall provide access to the enclosure. The door(s) shall not swing open into driveway aisles, parking spaces, walkways, or alleys.

  4. The design of trash enclosures shall be compatible with the architecture of buildings on the site.

  5. Trash dumpster lids shall be non-metallic.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2706.4: BUILDING MASS AND HEIGHT:

A. The maximum width of a Storefront Building shall be 250’.

B. The maximum depth of a Storefront Building shall be 150’.

C. The ground floor shall have a ceiling height of at least 16’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor to the elevation of the bottom of the ceiling joist).

D. The maximum building height shall be 38’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor to the elevation at the bottom of the upper floor ceiling joist). With the approval of a Conditional Use Permit, this height may increase to 50’. If the building is located at least 300’ from an R-1 or R-2 lot line, this height may increase to 70’ (with a Conditional Use Permit).

E. Sloped roofs and tower elements may extend an additional 15’ above the allowed building height (38’) or conditionally approved building height (See Standard D).

F. Roof parapets may extend an additional 6’ above the allowed building height (38’) or conditionally approved building height (see Standard D).

[Figure]

G. The maximum pitch of a sloped roof shall be 6:12 (rise:run).

H. If the lot is within 25’ of a Single Family Residential (R-1) or Low Density Residential (R-2) lot, the external height of the structure (at any given point) shall never exceed the horizontal distance from the R-1 or R-2 lot line to the given point.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2706.5: FACADE STANDARDS:

A. Storefront Entrances: Individual storefront entrances are required for each commercial space on the ground floor that has a street frontage. The primary storefront entrance to these commercial spaces shall be located on a street-fronting facade (front or street-facing side facade).

B. Lobby Entrances: The primary lobby entrance to upper floor uses (if provided) and ground floor uses without street frontage (if provided) shall be located along a street fronting facade.

C. Ground Floor Windows: on the front facade, windows shall occupy at least 50 percent of the surface area of the ground floor elevation (as measured by multiplying the ceiling height by the width of the front facade). Vehicle entrances to structured parking shall be excluded from the surface area of the ground facade.

D. Upper Floor Windows: on the front facade, windows shall occupy at least 30 percent of the surface area of each upper floor facade (as measured by the multiplying the ceiling height by the width of the front facade).

[Figure]

E. If the building facade is located along or near the public sidewalk, recessed building entrances may be required so that doors do not encroach into the sidewalk when open.

F. At least 25 percent of the surface area of the street-facing side facade shall consist of windows (as measured by multiplying the facade height by the width of the side facade). Roofs, including parapets/cornices, and vehicle entrances to structured parking shall be excluded from the total surface area calculation of the facade.

[Figure]

G. Arcades and recessed storefronts are allowed along all facades. Arcades shall not encroach over any lot line nor cross over public sidewalks.

H. Secondary storefront and lobby entrances are allowed on rear and interior side facades.

I. Exterior fire escapes and exterior stairways and hallways providing access to upper floor uses are prohibited along front and street-facing side facades.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2706.6: FACADE PROJECTIONS:

A. On front and street-facing side facades, awnings and canopies may encroach into setbacks and sidewalks at a maximum depth of 6’ (as measured from the facade) if at least 8’ of vertical clearance is provided. Supporting poles for canopies are prohibited in sidewalks.

B. On front and street-facing side facades, balconies, bay windows, and window shades (horizontal or vertical) may encroach into setbacks and sidewalks by a maximum depth of 3’ (as measured from the facade) if at least 16’ of vertical clearance is provided.

C. On front and street-facing side facades, cornices, belt/sill courses, and similar features may encroach into setbacks and sidewalks by a maximum depth of 2’ (as measured from the facade) if at least 8’ of vertical clearance is provided.

D. On front and street-facing side facades, roof overhangs may encroach into setbacks and sidewalks by a maximum depth of 4’ (as measured from the facade).

[Figure]

E. For facades along an alley or a required setback from a residential lot line or Townhome/Live-Work Unit site (see Standards E and F in Section 10-1-2706.2), all of the projections listed in Standards A through D may encroach into the alley or setback by a maximum depth of 2’ (as measured from the facade). All of the vertical clearance standards listed in Standards A through D shall also apply.

F. Chimneys, exterior fire escapes, and exterior stairways to upper floor uses shall not encroach into setbacks.

G. Buildings with hotels, motels, convalescent homes, senior housing, and similar uses may have porte-cocheres on front and street-facing side facades. Porte-cocheres may be recessed into the facade and/or covered by projecting a canopy. The canopy may encroach up to 6’ into the sidewalk if at least 16’ of vertical clearance is provided. Supporting columns for the canopy are prohibited in the sidewalk.

[Figure]

H. Parking structure gates, when open or opening, shall not encroach across any lot line.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2706.7: YARDS AND OPEN SPACE:

A. If provided, front yards (the area between the front facade and the sidewalk) shall be improved as individual patio yards for each storefront or as a common patio yard for multiple storefronts. Landscaped surfaces shall occupy at least 30 percent of each patio yard (individual or common).

B. If provided, street-adjacent side yards (the area between the street-facing side facade and the sidewalk) may be landscaped, improved as an individual patio yards for an adjacent storefront, or improved as a common patio yard for multiple storefronts along the side facade. Landscaped surfaces shall occupy at least 30 percent of each patio yard (individual or common).

C. Front yards and street-adjacent side yards may be elevated above or set below the grade of the sidewalk if ADA access is provided between the sidewalk and storefront entrances. ADA ramps may be located in front yards or side yards (street-adjacent side and interior side yards).

[Figure]

D. Hedges, fences, or walls within 15’ of street rights-of-way shall not exceed a height of 36” (as measured from the grade of the yard). This standard does not apply to parking lot hedges required to meet Standard D in Section 10-1-2706.3, guardrails required to meet Building Code requirements, and entry arbors. Hedges, fences, or walls in other locations may have a maximum height of 8’.

E. Entry arbors shall be limited to a maximum height of nine 9’ (as measured from the highest abutting finished ground surface), a maximum width of six 6’, and a maximum depth of 3’.

[Figure]

F. Fence posts, wall columns, and gates may exceed the height of the fence or wall by an additional 4”.

G. Retaining walls (regardless of their location) shall not exceed an exposed height of 42” (as measured from the nearest grade).

H. A setback shall be provided between the outer edge of a retaining wall and a nearby fence, wall, or retaining wall. The setback shall be at least the height of the upper fence, wall, or retaining wall. This standard does not apply to guardrails required to meet Building Code requirements.

[Figure]

I. A landscaped buffer shall be required along the edges of all lot lines that are shared with a residential-zoned lot (R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4) and Townhome/Live-Work sites. The landscaped buffer shall be at least 5’ wide and shall contain a decorative masonry wall along the common lot line and a row of evergreen trees to screen views to and from the adjacent lots. The decorative masonry wall shall be at least 6’ tall. The requirement for the evergreen trees and the decorative wall may be waived by the Community Development Director if those features are already provided on the adjacent site.

[Figure]

J. Private open space areas shall be provided for each residential unit in the form of a patio, balcony, or roof-top garden. At least 50 square feet of private open space is required per unit. The minimum dimension of any private open space area shall be 5’.

K. If the Storefront Building contains 6 or more residential units, common open space for the residents shall also be required at a rate of 150 square feet per unit. The minimum dimension of any common open space area shall be 20’. Common open space may be provided in the form of a courtyard or roof-top patio or garden.

L. Common open spaces shall include a combination of paved surfaces and landscaped areas. At least 35 percent of the area shall consist of landscaped surfaces.

M. Common open space areas shall include features that encourage people to gather and socialize. Such features include, but are not limited to, playgrounds, seating areas, pools, spas, outdoor dining, and barbeque areas.

N. Common open space areas shall be designed to mitigate the effects of building glare and heat by incorporating trees and shade structures, such as arbors and gazebos.

O. Community gardens and/or orchard trees are allowed in common open space areas.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2706.8: LAND USES:

A. Land uses shall be permitted in accordance with the C-3 Zone under Table 10-1-502 of the Zoning Ordinance with the following exceptions:

  1. Residential above commercial uses shall require an Administrative Use Permit.

  2. If residential above commercial is permitted with an Administrative Use Permit, Home Occupations are permitted in residential units per the requirements in Title 10, Article 6, Division 11 (Home Occupations) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance.

  3. With the approval of an Administrative Use Permit, live-work units are permitted on the ground floor of Storefront Buildings located in Zone 2 (see standard B for use standards related to live-work units).

  4. The outdoor storage of products, equipment, and materials shall only be allowed to the rear of Storefront Buildings within an area enclosed by a fence or wall that is at least 6’ tall, subject to standard D in Section 10-1-2706.7.

  5. Drive throughs, including drive-through driveways, shall be prohibited in front yards (the area between the front facade and the sidewalk) and street-adjacent side yards (the area between the street-facing side facade and the sidewalk).

B. The following uses are permitted in live-work units within a Storefront Building (see Standard A.3):

  1. Residential dwelling.

  2. Small family daycare home per the requirements of the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (California Health and Safety Code, Section 1596.70-1596.799).

  3. Home occupations (excluding music home occupations) per the requirements in Title 10, Article 6, Division 11 (Home Occupations) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance, with the following exceptions and additional standards:

a. The home occupation does not have to be an incidental or secondary use to the residential dwelling.

b. Dance and fitness training (such as yoga, Pilates, and martial arts) are additional home occupations allowed in live-work units, provided that on-site classes do not create noise or vibrations in adjacent units or yards in excess of what is normally expected in a multi-family residential environment.

c. Employees that do not live in the unit are allowed. However, only one of these employees is allowed to work within the unit at any given time. Increased staffing with more than one additional employee may be permitted with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

d. The maximum area of the work space for home occupations shall not exceed 60percent of the total square footage of the unit.

e. Art work and jewelry created by the home occupation may be displayed and sold on the premises.

f. Section 10-1-672.I (Pedestrian and Vehicle Traffic) does not apply to home occupations in live-work units.

g. Section 10-1-672.K (Signs and Advertising) does not apply to home occupations in live-work units. Commercial signs are allowed per the standards and guidelines in Section 10-1-2711.

h. Home occupations shall have no more than two clients, customers, and or guests at one time. This standard does not apply to residential gatherings.

i. Ceramic kilns, glass blowing furnaces, and welding (as a form of artistry) may be permitted with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Additional permits may also be required to meet Building Code requirements.

j. The residential guest parking provided in compliance with Section 10-1-2706.9 shall meet all guest parking requirements for home occupations. No additional guest or customer parking is required for home occupations.

k. Large family daycare homes per the requirements of the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (California Health and Safety Code, Section 1596.70-1596.799) and Title 10, Article 6, Division 13 (Large Family Day Care Home) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance may be permitted with an Administrative Use Permit.

l. Music home occupations, per the requirements in Title 10, Article 6, Division 11 (Home Occupations) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance, may be permitted with an Administrative Use Permit with the following exceptions and additional standards:

• The music home occupation does not have to be an incidental or secondary use to the residential dwelling.

• Music lessons and studio recordings are allowed in live-work units that share a common wall with another unit provided that the instruments and singing voices do not create noise or vibrations in adjacent units or yards in excess of what is normally expected in a multi-family residential environment.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2706.9: OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS:

A. Commercial Parking Requirements: Parking for commercial uses shall be provided in compliance with Section 10-1-1408(2) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance (Spaces Required: Commercial Uses Outside of Central Business District Downtown Parking Area). The number of spaces required may be reduced through the use of shared parking per the requirements and procedures in Section 10-1-2715 (Shared Parking).

B. Apartment Requirements: Parking for apartments within a Storefront Building shall be provided based on the following ratios2.

  1. 1.25 spaces per studio unit that is 500 square feet or less.

  2. 1.75 spaces per 1 bedroom unit and studio unit that is over 500 square feet.

  3. Two (2) spaces per two (2) or more bedroom units.

  4. One (1) guest parking space for every four (4) units. A minimum of two (2) guest parking spaces is required if less than eight (8) units are provided.

C. Condominium/Live Work Unit Requirements: Parking for condominiums within a Storefront Building shall be provided based on the following ratios2:

  1. Two (2) spaces per unit, regardless of the unit size.

  2. One (1) guest parking space for every four (4) units. A minimum of two (2) guest parking spaces is required if less than eight (8) units are provided. Guest parking does not have to be located in a parking structure or covered carport.

D. Bicycle Parking Requirements: Bicycle parking, in the form of a secure bike rack or bike locker, shall be provided at a minimum rate of one (1) bicycle space for every four (4) units (including apartment, condominium, and live work units). A minimum of two (2) bicycle spaces are required if less than eight (8) units are provided. Fractions are subject to normal rounding procedures (a fraction 0.5 or greater counts as an additional space).

E. Parking may be unbundled from rental/lease agreements.

F. If affordable housing units are provided in compliance with the California State Density Bonus Law, the City of Burbank shall reduce the residential parking requirements for both market and affordable units in accordance with State Law.

2 The number of required parking spaces for all units and guests, including fractions of a space, is added together before rounding. The sum total is subject to normal rounding procedures (a fraction 0.5 or greater counts as an additional space).

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707: COMMERCIAL BUILDING:

10-1-2707.1: DESCRIPTION:

A. Description: A Commercial Building is a single or multi-story building that is set back from the public sidewalk. Parking is allowed on all sides of the building.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707.2: BUILDING PLACEMENT:

A. Commercial Buildings shall be located in Zone 2 of the lot (see standards B and D in Section 10-1-2704).

B. Commercial Buildings shall be located at least 10’ from lot lines along streets.

C. Setbacks are not required from rear and side lot lines that are shared with alleys, lots within a non-residential zoning district, and lots within the North San Fernando Boulevard Zone. However, within a horizontal mixed-use project, setbacks are required from Townhome/Live-Work Unit sites (see Standard E below).

[Figure]

D. Commercial Buildings shall be set back at least 20’ from rear and side lot lines that are shared with lots zoned Single Family Residential (R-1) and Low Density Residential (R-2).3

E. Commercial Buildings shall be set back at least 10’ from rear and side lot lines that are shared with Townhome/Live-Work Unit sites (see Section 10-1-2705), and lots zoned Medium Density Residential (R-3) and High Density Residential (R-4).3

[Figure]

3 Additional step-back requirements may be required based on the height of the building and its distance from the residential lot line (see Standard F in Section 10-1-2707.4).

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707.3: PARKING LOCATIONS, OFF-STREET LOADING, AND GARBAGE/RECYCLING STORAGE:

A. Surface parking is allowed on all sides of a Commercial Building.

B. Surface parking lots, including parking lot landscaping, shall be designed in compliance with Divisions 1 and 4 of Article 14 (General Off Street Parking Standards) with the following exceptions:

  1. Section 10-1-1417.1 (Setbacks and Walls) shall not apply.

  2. Section 10-1-1417.2 (Parking Lots Abutting and Adjacent to Residential Zones) shall not apply.

[Figure]

C. All surface parking lots shall be set back at least 5’ from front and street-facing side lot lines. This setback shall be landscaped.

D. When a parking lot is located across the street from a residential zoned lot, a hedge with a height of 40” to 48” (as measured from the grade of the parking lot) shall be located within the landscaped setback of the parking lot. This standard may be waived or reduced by the Community Development Director if the parking lot is set below the elevation of the adjacent sidewalk. The hedge height shall be reduced where needed to comply with Section 10-1-2714 (Corner Cutoff).

E. Underground/partially underground structured parking and ground floor structured parking is allowed in Commercial Buildings. However, parking is prohibited on the ground floor along the front facade, as commercial space is required in this location.

F. Above ground structured parking may be permitted within Commercial Buildings with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

[Figure]

G. Parking structure facades shall comply with the design standards in Section 10-1-2710.2 (Parking Structure Facades).

H. To the extent feasible, vehicle access to structured parking should not be provided on the front facade of Commercial Buildings.

I. Shared driveways that provide access to multiple lots within a block are encouraged to minimize curb cuts along sidewalks.

J. Off-street loading spaces shall be required in compliance with Article 15 (General Off-Street Loading Standards) with the following exception:

  1. The off-street loading standards may be waived or reduced by the Community Development Director if an on-street delivery zone is provided adjacent to the lot. The on-street delivery zone shall have a yellow curb and signage that restricts regular parking during daytime business hours (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Street trees shall be pruned to maintain at least 14’ of vertical clearance above the on-street delivery zone. The businesses and/or property owners that utilize the on-street delivery zone shall reimburse the City for related maintenance expenses, such as curb painting, the replacement of signs, and tree pruning.

K. Garbage/recycle storage areas shall be located within the interior of the building, within a building recess located along a rear or interior side facade, or within a trash enclosure that is located within a parking lot adjacent to the rear facade or interior side facade. If the lot abuts an alley, the garbage/recycle storage area shall be accessible from the alley.

L. Trash enclosures shall be designed to comply with the following standards:

  1. Trash enclosures shall be set back at least 5’ from rear and side lot lines that are shared with Townhome/Live-Work Unit sites (see Section 10-1-2705), and lots zoned Medium Density Residential (R-3) and High Density Residential (R-4). This setback shall be landscaped.

  2. Trash enclosures shall be set back at least 40’ from front and street-facing side lot lines.

  3. All sides of the trash enclosure (excluding the door opening) shall consist of masonry walls that are at least 6’ tall. A solid metal door (or doors) with a height of at least 6’ shall provide access to the enclosure. The door(s) shall not swing open into driveway aisles, parking spaces, walkways, or alleys.

  4. The design of trash enclosures shall be compatible with the architecture of buildings on the site.

  5. Trash dumpster lids shall be non-metallic.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707.4: BUILDING MASS AND HEIGHT:

A. The ground floor of a Commercial Building shall have a ceiling height of at least 16’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor to the elevation of the bottom of the ceiling joist).

B. The maximum building height shall be 38’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor to the elevation at the bottom of the upper floor ceiling joist). With the approval of a Conditional Use Permit, this height may increase to 50’. If the building is located at least 300’ from an R-1 or R-2 lot line, this height may increase to 70’ (with a Conditional Use Permit).

C. Sloped roofs and tower elements may extend an additional 15’ above the allowed building height (38’) or conditionally approved building height (see Standard B).

D. Roof parapets may extend an additional 6’ above the allowed building height (38’) or conditionally approved building height (see Standard B).

[Figure]

E. The maximum pitch of a sloped roof shall be 6:12 (rise:run).

F. If the lot is within 25’ of a Single Family Residential (R-1) or Low Density Residential (R-2) lot, the external height of the structure (at any given point) shall never exceed the horizontal distance from the R-1 or R-2 lot line to the given point.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707.5: FACADE STANDARDS:

A. Entrances: Primary entrances shall be architecturally highlighted. Design methods that may be considered to achieve this standard include, but are not limited to:

  1. Recessing entrances into the facade.

  2. Placing vertical tower elements above the entrance.

  3. Using unique design features at entrances, such as projecting awnings or canopies.

  4. Using unique building materials or colors at building entrances.

B. Windows: On the front facade (the facade with the primary building entrances) and other street fronting facades within 25’ of the street right-of-way, at least 25 percent of the surface area of the facade shall consist of windows Roofs, including parapets/cornices, and vehicle entrances to structured parking shall be excluded from the total surface area calculation of the facade. The Community Development Director may reduce this standard if the facade has a high level of articulation and if trees and landscaping are planted along the edge of the facade.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707.6: FACADE PROJECTIONS:

A. On front and street-facing side facades, awnings and canopies may encroach into setbacks at a maximum depth of 6’ (as measured from the facade) if at least 8’ of vertical clearance is provided.

B. On front and street-facing side facades, balconies, bay windows, and window shades (horizontal or vertical) may encroach into setbacks by a maximum depth of 3’ (as measured from the facade) if at least 16’ of vertical clearance is provided.

C. On front and street-facing side facades, cornices, belt/sill courses, and similar features may encroach into setbacks by a maximum depth of 2’ (as measured from the facade) if at least 8’ of vertical clearance is provided.

D. On front and street-facing side facades, roof overhangs may encroach into setbacks by a maximum depth of 4’ (as measured from the facade).

[Figure]

E. For facades along an alley or required setback from a residential lot line or townhouse/Live-Work Unit site (see Standards D and E in Section 10-1-2707.2), all of the projections listed in Standards A through D may encroach into the alley or setback by a maximum depth of 2’ (as measured from the facade). All of the vertical clearance standards listed in Standards A through D shall also apply.

F. Chimneys, exterior fire escapes, and exterior stairways to upper floor uses shall not encroach into setbacks.

G. Buildings with hotels, motels, convalescent homes, and similar uses may have porte-cocheres on front and street-facing side facades. Porte-cocheres may be recessed into the facade and/or covered by projecting a canopy. The canopy may encroach into the entire setback and up to 6’ over the sidewalk if at least 16’ of vertical clearance is provided. Supporting columns for the canopy are prohibited in the sidewalk.

[Figure]

H. Parking structure gates, when open or opening, shall not encroach across any lot line or open into the public right-of-way.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707.7: YARDS AND OPEN SPACE:

A. Hedges, fences, or walls within 10’ of street rights-of-way shall not exceed a height of 36” (as measured from the nearest grade). This standard does not apply to parking lot hedges required to meet Standard D in Section 10-1-2707.3, guardrails required to meet Building Code requirements, and entry arbors. Hedges, fences, or walls in other locations may have a maximum height of 8’.

B. Entry arbors shall be limited to a maximum height of nine 9’ (as measured from the highest abutting finished ground surface), a maximum width of six 6’, and a maximum depth of 3’.

[Figure]

C. Fence posts, wall columns, and gates may exceed the height of the fence or wall by an additional 4”.

D. Retaining walls (regardless of their location) shall not exceed an exposed height of 42” (as measured from the nearest grade).

E. A setback shall be provided between the outer edge of a retaining wall and a nearby fence, wall, or retaining wall. The setback shall be at least the height of the upper fence, wall, or retaining wall. This standard does not apply to guardrails required to meet Building Code requirements.

[Figure]

F. A landscaped buffer shall be required along the edges of all lot lines that are shared with a residential-zoned lot (R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4) and Townhome/Live-Work sites. The landscaped buffer shall be at least 5’ wide and shall contain a decorative masonry wall along the common lot line and a row of evergreen trees to screen views to and from the adjacent lots. The decorative masonry wall shall be at least 6’ tall. The requirement for the evergreen trees and the decorative wall may be waived by the Community Development Director if those features are already provided on the adjacent site.

[Figure]

G. All exterior areas of the site (excluding roofs, fences/walls, driveways, parking lots, off-street loading areas, and pedestrian walkways) shall be landscaped. Patios, courtyards, and paseos shall be considered landscaped if at least 35 percent of the patio/courtyard area consists of landscaped surfaces (in planters or pots), and hardscaped surfaces are improved with decorative materials, such as colored and scored concrete or concrete pavers.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707.8: LAND USES:

A. Land uses shall be permitted in accordance with the C-3 Zone under Table 10-1-502 of the Zoning Ordinance with the following exceptions:

  1. Residential above commercial uses are prohibited in this building type.
Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2707.9: OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS:

A. Commercial Parking Requirements: Parking for commercial uses shall be provided in compliance with Section 10-1-1408(2) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance (Spaces Required: Commercial Uses Outside of Central Business District Downtown Parking Area). The number of spaces required may be reduced through the use of shared parking per the requirements and procedures in Section 10-1-2715 (Shared Parking).

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2708: TOWNHOMES:

10-1-2708.1: DESCRIPTION:

A. Townhomes are residential units that are attached side-by-side. For privacy, the ground floor is elevated above the grade of the sidewalk and is accessed by a stoop or small porch. Each unit has a two-car garage (attached or detached) that is accessed from a rear alley.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2708.2: BUILDING PLACEMENT:

A. The front facade of each townhome unit shall be located within 12’ to 20’ of the front lot line.

B. The street-facing side facade of end units shall be set back at least 10’ from street-facing side lot lines, interior side lot lines (excluding interior side lots lot lines shared with attached townhome units), and alleys located to the side of units. This setback also applies to detached garages (if provided).

C. At least 10’ of space shall be provided between adjacent units that are separate and do not share a common wall.

D. If the unit has a detached garage, a rear yard shall be provided between the townhome unit and the detached garage. The rear yard shall be at least 10’ deep.

E. Setbacks for both townhome units and detached garages are not required from rear alleys.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2708.3: PARKING AND GARBAGE/RECYCLING STORAGE:

A. Each unit shall have an attached or detached two-car garage that is accessible from the rear alley. Garages with side-by-side parking are required. The side-by side parking area shall be at least 19’ wide and 19’ deep. Tandem parking arrangements are prohibited, unless the tandem parking arrangement provides an additional parking space.

B. Each garage shall be designed with adequate space to store garbage and recycling cans (3’ x 6’), which is in addition to the 19’ by 19’ area for the two (2) parked cars.

C. Off-street guest parking is not required for developments with 10 or fewer units. Off-street guest parking is required for developments with more than 10 units. One (1) space shall be required for every four (4) units (a fraction 0.5 or greater counts as an additional space). Guest parking spaces shall be located along the rear alleys that serve the townhome units. A pedestrian path shall be provided to connect the guest parking spaces to the sidewalk. Parking spaces shall be setback from building facades by at least 3’. This setback shall be landscaped.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2708.4: BUILDING MASS AND HEIGHT:

A. Townhome units shall have a width of 20’ (min.) to 30’ (max).

B. The maximum depth of a townhome unit shall be 45’.

C. The ground floor elevation at the front entrance of each townhome unit shall be located 24” to 60” above the average elevation of the sidewalk in front of the unit. This standard shall not apply to units that are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities.

D. The maximum building height shall be 25’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor to the elevation at the bottom of the second floor ceiling joist). If the ground floor is a split level, the building height shall be measured from the elevation of the ground floor at the front entrance.

E. Sloped roofs may extend an additional 12’ above the allowed building height of the unit.

F. Roof parapets may extend an additional 6’ above the allowed building height of the unit.

G. Detached garages shall have a maximum height of 18’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor to the highest point of the structure).

H. The maximum pitch of a sloped roof on a townhome unit and detached garage shall be 6:12 (rise:run).

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2708.5: FACADE STANDARDS:

A. The front door shall be located on the front facade of each townhome unit. A covered stoop or porch shall provide access to the front door. The stoop or porch may be recessed into the facade or may project from the facade into the front setback (see section 10-1-2708.6 for standards related to projecting stoops and porches).

B. Ground Floor Windows: on the front facade, windows shall occupy at least 20 percent of the surface area of the ground floor elevation (as measured by multiplying the ceiling height by the width of the unit).

C. Second Floor Windows: on the front facade, windows shall occupy at least 25 percent of the surface area of second floor facade (as measured by multiplying the ceiling height by the width of the unit).

D. The design of the front facade shall be differentiated from the front facades of adjacent units. Differentiation shall be achieved by changing the physical form of the facade and by using different building materials or color finishes.

[Figure]

E. Windows shall be provided along street-facing side facades. At least two (2) windows are required on each floor of the street-facing side facade.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2708.6: FACADE PROJECTIONS AND ENCROACHMENTS:

A. Stoops and porches may encroach into the front setback and street-facing side setback. The depth of the encroachment shall not exceed more than 50 percent of the setback depth. Stairs for the stoop or porch may be located anywhere in the setbacks. A wheelchair lift is allowed within these setbacks if it is visually compatible with the design of the yard and the architecture of the townhome unit.

B. On front facades, balconies, bay windows, and window shades (horizontal and vertical) may encroach into the setback by a maximum depth of 3’ (as measured from the facade). If a balcony covers a porch or stoop, the depth of the balcony encroachment may equal the depth of the stoop or porch encroachment.

C. On front facades, cornices, belt/sill courses, and similar features may encroach into the setback by a maximum depth of 2’ (as measured from the facade).

D. On front facades, roof overhangs may encroach into setbacks by a maximum depth of 4’ (as measured from the facade).

[Figure]

E. On side facades along required setbacks and rear facades along rear alleys, all of the projections listed in Standards A through D may encroach into the side setback or alley by a maximum depth of 2’ (as measured from the facade). At least 8’ of vertical clearance shall be provided for projections over alleys.

F. Chimneys shall not encroach into setbacks.

G. Garage doors, when open or opening, shall not encroach into alleys.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2708.7: YARDS AND OPEN SPACE:

A. Front yards shall be designed as individual yards for each unit. Landscaped surfaces shall occupy at least 70 percent of each front yard. Parts of the yard that are occupied by a porch or stoop (including stairs or a wheel chair lift) shall be excluded from the total area of the yard. A fence, wall, or landscaping (hedge or shrubs) shall define the edge along adjacent yards.

B. Street-facing side yards may be landscaped or designed as an extension of the adjacent unit’s front yard. Landscaped surfaces shall occupy at least 90 percent of street-facing side yards

C. Front yards, interior side yards, street-facing side yards, and rear yards may be elevated above the grade of the sidewalk.

[Figure]

D. Hedges, fences, and walls that define rear yards (if provided) shall not exceed a height of 6’ as measured from the nearest grade). Hedges, fences, and walls within front and side yards shall not exceed a height of 36” (as measured from the nearest grade). This standard does not apply to guardrails required to meet Building Code requirements and entry arbors.

E. Entry arbors shall be limited to a maximum height of nine 9’ (as measured from the highest abutting finished ground surface), a maximum width of six 6’, and a maximum depth of 3’.

F. Fence posts, wall columns, and gates may exceed the maximum height of the fence or wall by an additional 4”.

G. Retaining walls, regardless of their location, shall not exceed an exposed height of 42” (as measured from the nearest grade).

H. Within front and street-facing side yards, only one retaining wall is allowed.

I. Walls and solid fences are prohibited in front and street-facing side yards that are elevated above the grade of the sidewalk and supported by a retaining wall. A fence that is at least 50 percent open is allowed in elevated yards if it is set back from the outer edge of the retaining wall by at least 24”. This setback shall be landscaped.

J. As an alternative to Standard I, if the retaining wall for the elevated yard is set back from the sidewalk by at least 24”, a fence that is at least 50 percent open may be located directly above the retaining wall. The retaining wall setback shall be landscaped with a hedge that is equal to the height of the retaining wall.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2708.8: LAND USES:

A. The following uses are permitted in townhome units:

  1. Residential dwelling.

  2. Accessory residential uses that are located in a rear yard.

  3. Small family daycare home per the requirements of the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (California Health and Safety Code, Section 1596.70-1596.799).

  4. Home occupations (excluding music home occupations) per the requirements in Title 10, Article 6, Division 11 (Home Occupations) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance.

B. The following uses are permitted in townhome units with an Administrative Use Permit:

  1. Large family daycare homes per the requirements of the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (California Health and Safety Code, Section 1596.70-1596.799) and Title 10, Article 6, Division 13 (Large Family Day Care Home) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance.

  2. Music home occupations per the requirements in Title 10, Article 6, Division 11 (Home Occupations) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance, with the following exceptions and additional standards:

a. Music lessons and recordings are allowed in townhome units that share a common wall with another unit provided that on-site classes do not create noise or vibrations in adjacent units or yards in excess of what is normally expected in a multi-family residential environment.

b. On-site parking for clients, customers, and guests is not required as all townhome units would front a street (existing or new) with on-street parking.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2709: LIVE-WORK UNITS:

10-1-2709.1: DESCRIPTION:

A. Live-Work Units are residential units that are attached side-by-side and that contain a ground floor storefront. Residents can operate certain types of commercial businesses in the storefront. Each unit has a two-car garage (attached or detached) that is accessed from a rear alley.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2709.2: BUILDING PLACEMENT:

A. The front facade of each Live-Work Unit shall be located within 5’ to 12’ of the front lot line.

B. The street-facing side facade of end units shall be set back at least 10’ from street-facing side lot lines, interior side lot lines (excluding interior side lots lot lines shared with attached Live-Work Units), and alleys located to the side of units. This setback also applies to detached garages (if provided).

C. At least 10’ of space shall be provided between adjacent units that are separate and do not share a common wall.

D. If the unit has a detached garage, a rear yard shall be provided between the Live-Work Unit and the detached garage. The rear yard shall be at least 10’ deep.

E. Setbacks for both Live-Work Units and detached garages are not required from rear alleys.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2709.3: PARKING AND GARBAGE/RECYCLING STORAGE:

A. Each unit shall have an attached or detached two-car garage that is accessible from the rear alley. Garages with side-by-side parking are required. The side-by side parking area shall be at least 19’ wide and 19’ deep. Tandem parking arrangements are prohibited, unless the tandem parking arrangement provides an additional parking space.

B. Each garage shall be designed with adequate space to store garbage and recycling cans (3’ x 6’), which is in addition to the 19’ by 19’ area for the two (2) parked cars.

C. Off-street guest parking is not required for developments with 10 or fewer units. Off-street guest parking is required for developments with more than 10 units. One (1) space shall be required for every four (4) units (a fraction 0.5 or greater counts as an additional space). If provided, guest parking spaces shall be located along the rear alleys that serve the townhome units. A pedestrian path shall be provided to connect the guest parking spaces to the sidewalk. Parking spaces shall be setback from building facades by at least 3’. This setback shall be landscaped.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2709.4: BUILDING MASS AND HEIGHT:

A. Live-Work Units shall have a width of 20’ (min.) to 30’ (max).

B. The maximum depth of a Live-Work Unit shall be 50’.

C. The ground floor storefront shall have a ceiling height of at least 16’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor to the elevation at the bottom of the ceiling joist).

D. The maximum building height shall be 28’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor of the storefront to the elevation at the bottom of the upper floor ceiling joist).

E. Sloped roofs may extend an additional 12’ above the allowed building height of the unit.

F. Roof parapets may extend an additional 6’ above the allowed building height of the unit.

G. Detached garages shall have a maximum height of 18’ (as measured from the elevation of the ground floor to the highest point of the structure).

H. The maximum pitch of a sloped roof on a Live-Work Unit and detached garage shall be 6:12 (rise:run).

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2709.5: FACADE STANDARDS:

A. Storefront Entrances: Each unit shall have an individual storefront entrance on the front facade. Storefront entrances shall be recessed into the facade.

B. Ground Floor Windows: on the front facade, windows shall occupy at least 40 percent of the surface area of the ground floor elevation (as measured by multiplying the ceiling height of the storefront by the width of the unit).

C. Upper Floor Windows: on the front facade, windows shall occupy at least 25 percent of the surface area of the upper floor elevation (as measured by multiplying the ceiling height by the width of the unit).

[Figure]

D. Windows shall be provided along street-facing side facades. At least two (2) windows are required on each floor of the street-facing side facade.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2709.6: FACADE PROJECTIONS AND ENCROACHMENT:

A. On front facades, awnings and canopies may encroach into setbacks and sidewalks at a maximum depth of 6’ (as measured from the facade) if at least 8’ of vertical clearance is provided. Supporting poles for canopies are prohibited in sidewalks.

B. On front and street-facing side facades, balconies, bay windows, and window shades (horizontal or vertical) may encroach into setbacks by a maximum depth of 3’ (as measured from the facade).

C. On front and street-facing side facades, cornices, belt/sill courses, and similar features may encroach into setbacks by a maximum depth of 2’ (as measured from the facade) if at least 8’ of vertical clearance is provided.

D. On front and street-facing side facades, roof overhangs may encroach into setbacks by a maximum depth of 4’ (as measured from the facade).

[Figure]

E. On side facades along required setbacks and rear facades along rear alleys, all of the projections listed in Standards A through D may encroach into the side setback or alley by a maximum depth of 2’ (as measured from the facade). All of the vertical clearance standards listed in Standards A through D shall apply.

F. Chimneys shall not encroach into setbacks.

G. Garage doors, when open or opening, shall not encroach into alleys.

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2709.7: YARDS AND OPEN SPACE:

A. Front yards shall be designed as individual patio yards for each unit or as a common patio yard for multiple units. Landscaped surfaces shall occupy at least 30 percent of each patio yard (individual or common).

B. Street-facing side yards may be landscaped or designed as an extension of the adjacent unit’s front patio yard. Landscaped surfaces shall occupy at least 30 percent of street-facing side yards.

C. Front yards, side yards, and rear yards may be elevated above or set below the grade of the sidewalk. ADA access shall be provided between the sidewalk and the storefront entrance of each unit. ADA ramps may be located in front or side yards.

[Figure]

D. Hedges, fences, and walls that define rear yards (if provided) shall not exceed a height of 6’ as measured from the nearest grade). Hedges, fences, and walls within front and side yards shall not exceed a height of 36” (as measured from the nearest grade). This standard does not apply to guardrails required to meet Building Code requirements and entry arbors.

E. Entry arbors shall be limited to a maximum height of nine 9’ (as measured from the highest abutting finished ground surface), a maximum width of six 6’, and a maximum depth of 3’.

F. Fence posts, wall columns, and gates may exceed the maximum height of the fence or wall by an additional 4”.

G. Retaining walls, regardless of their location, shall not exceed an exposed height of 42” (as measured from the nearest grade).

H. Within front and street-facing side yards, only one retaining wall is allowed.

I. Walls and solid fences are prohibited in front and street-facing side yards that are elevated above the grade of the sidewalk and supported by a retaining wall. A fence that is at least 50percent open is allowed in elevated yards if it is set back from the outer edge of the retaining wall by at least 24”. This setback shall be landscaped.

J. As an alternative to Standard I, if the retaining wall for the elevated yard is set back from the sidewalk by at least 24”, a fence that is at least 50 percent open may be located directly above the retaining wall. The retaining wall setback shall be landscaped with a hedge that is equal to the height of the retaining wall.

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

10-1-2709.8: LAND USES:

A. The following uses are permitted in Live-Work Units:

  1. Residential dwelling.

  2. Accessory residential uses that are located in a rear yard.

  3. Small family daycare home per the requirements of the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (California Health and Safety Code, Section 1596.70-1596.799).

  4. Home occupations (excluding music home occupations) per the requirements in Title 10, Article 6, Division 11 (Home Occupations) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance, with the following exceptions and additional standards:

a. The home occupation does not have to be an incidental or secondary use to the residential dwelling.

b. Dance and fitness training (such as yoga, Pilates, and martial arts) are additional home occupations allowed in live-work units, provided that on-site classes do not create noise or vibrations in adjacent units or yards in excess of what is normally expected in a multi-family residential environment.

c. Employees that do not live in the unit are allowed. However, only one of these employees is allowed to work within the unit at any given time. Increased staffing with more than one additional employee may be permitted with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

d. The maximum area of the work space for home occupations shall not exceed 60percent of the total square footage of the unit.

e. Art work and jewelry created by the home occupation may be displayed and sold on the premises.

f. Section 10-1-672.I (Pedestrian and Vehicle Traffic) does not apply to home occupations in Live-Work Units.

g. Section 10-1-672.K (Signs and Advertising) does not apply to home occupations in Live-Work Units. Commercial signs are allowed per the standards and guidelines in Section 10-1-2711.

h. Home occupations shall have no more than two clients, customers, and or guests at one time. This standard does not apply to residential gatherings.

i. Ceramic kilns, glass blowing furnaces, and welding (as a form of artistry) may be permitted with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Additional permits may also be required to meet Building Code requirements.

j. On-site parking for clients, customers, and guests is not required as all Live-Work Units would front a street (existing or new) with on-street parking.

k. Large family daycare homes per the requirements of the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (California Health and Safety Code, Section 1596.70-1596.799) and Title 10, Article 6, Division 13 (Large Family Day Care Home) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance may be permitted with an Administrative Use Permit.

l. Music home occupations may be permitted with an Administrative Use Permit per the requirements in Title 10, Article 6, Division 11 (Home Occupations) of the Burbank Zoning Ordinance, with the following exceptions and additional standards:

• The music home occupation does not have to be an incidental or secondary use to the residential dwelling.

• Music lessons and studio recordings are allowed in live-work units that share a common wall with another unit provided that the instruments and singing voices do not create noise or vibrations in adjacent units or yards in excess of what is normally expected in a multi-family residential environment.

• On-site parking for clients, customers, and guests is not required as all Live-Work Units would front a street (existing or new) with on-street parking.

Exceptions & meaning →

Explained in plain English

Burbank guides that cite this page.

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸Contents — Burbank Municipal Code

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.