San Gabriel Valley · Timeline
How long an ADU really takes in San Gabriel Valley
Total elapsed schedule from the first site walk to the final inspection. Plan check is rarely the long pole — utility coordination and trade scheduling usually are.
Stage by stage
- Survey + design
- 3–5 — Most SGV lots are flat — minimal site work.
- Landmark District review
- 4–8 — Skip if not in a designated district.
- City plan check
- 4–6 — Pasadena / Glendale / Burbank counters are quick.
- Construction
- 16–22 — Detached new-build, slab to final.
Permit clock vs total schedule
- Ministerial permit
- 6–10 weeks
- Discretionary review (when triggered)
- 12–20 weeks
What slips schedules in this area
- Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank each run their own building & safety — generally faster than LADBS.
- Pasadena has 11 designated Landmark Districts — design review applies on contributing structures.
- Burbank Water & Power and Glendale Water & Power are separate from LADWP — different fees and timelines.