City ADU planning guide

Anaheim ADU regulations and next steps

Start with the most important planning decisions, then review the detailed city rules below before choosing a detached ADU plan or requesting a property-specific feasibility review.

Anaheim ADU rules overview

Detailed local requirements vary by property. Use this section as a starting point for setbacks, parking, height, utilities, and approval considerations.

Lot fit

Setbacks and buildable area

Start with rear and side setbacks, lot coverage, access, and where a detached ADU can realistically sit on the property.

Design limits

Size, height, and unit type

Check whether the property is better suited for a detached ADU, attached ADU, garage conversion, or junior ADU.

Approvals

Parking, utilities, and permits

Confirm parking exemptions, utility connection requirements, impact fees, and city review steps before finalizing plans.

Anaheim, California, like many cities in the state, has regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that align with California state laws aimed at making it easier for homeowners to build additional housing units. These regulations aim to increase housing availability while maintaining the integrity of residential neighborhoods. Anaheim’s ADU regulations are designed to streamline the permitting process and reduce barriers for homeowners who want to add ADUs to their properties.

Here’s a summary of the ADU regulations in Anaheim as of 2024:

Types of ADUs Allowed:

  • Anaheim allows several types of ADUs, including
    • Detached ADUs: Standalone units that are separate from the primary residence, typically located in the backyard or other areas of the property.
    • Attached ADUs: Units physically connected to the primary dwelling, such as units added to an existing structure (e.g., above a garage or an expansion to the side or rear of the house).
    • Junior ADUs (JADUs): Smaller units, up to 500 square feet, that are created by converting an existing room or space within the primary dwelling (like a bedroom, basement, or garage).

Zoning and Location Requirements:

  • Permitted Zones: ADUs are allowed in most residential zoning districts in Anaheim, including
    • Single-Family Residential (R-1)
    • Multi-family Residential (R-2, R-3, etc.)
    • ADUs are typically permitted in both single-family and multi-family residential zones, though additional regulations apply to multi-family zoning.
  • Minimum Lot Size There is no minimum lot size requirement for ADUs in Anaheim, although the specific feasibility of constructing an ADU depends on the size of the lot and other zoning regulations (setbacks, coverage, etc.).

Size Limits for ADUs:

  • Detached ADUs
    • The maximum size for a detached ADU is generally 1,200 square feet.
  • Attached ADUs
    • The size of an attached ADU is generally limited to 50% of the existing living area of the primary dwelling or a maximum of 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller.
  • Junior ADUs (JADUs)
    • The maximum size for a Junior ADU is 500 square feet.

Setbacks and Lot Coverage:

  • Setbacks
    • Rear Setback: Detached ADUs generally require a 4-foot setback from the rear property line.
    • Side Setback: Detached ADUs typically require a 4-foot setback from the side property line.
    • Front Setback: The front setback for ADUs generally follows the requirements of the primary dwelling unless the ADU is a second-story unit or has a unique design.
  • Lot Coverage Anaheim limits the total lot coverage (including both the primary dwelling and the ADU) to the maximum percentage allowed for the residential zone, typically ranging from 40% to 50% depending on the zoning district.

Parking Requirements:

  • Parking Exemptions: Parking requirements for ADUs are relaxed under certain conditions
    • No additional parking is required for ADUs if they are located within ½ mile of a public transit stop or major transit corridor (such as near a bus or rail station).
    • Junior ADUs (JADUs) are exempt from additional parking requirements.
    • No additional parking is required if the ADU is created by converting an existing garage or carport.
  • Standard Parking Requirements If no parking exemptions apply, typically one off-street parking space is required for each ADU. This parking can be located in a garage, a driveway, or as tandem parking (stacked parking).

Height Limits:

  • Detached ADUs The maximum height for a detached ADU is generally 16 feet, though this can vary depending on the design of the ADU (e.g., if it’s a second-story unit or built above an existing structure).
  • Attached ADUs The height of an attached ADU cannot exceed the height of the primary dwelling.

Design and Aesthetic Requirements:

  • Architectural Compatibility ADUs in Anaheim must be designed to be compatible with the primary dwelling in terms of materials, color, and architectural style. This ensures the ADU blends with the surrounding neighborhood.
  • Privacy Considerations New ADUs must respect the privacy of neighboring properties. This may include window placement or adding landscaping or fencing to reduce potential privacy issues.
  • Building Materials The building materials used for the ADU must be complementary to those of the main house to maintain a cohesive aesthetic.

Permit and Approval Process:

  • Ministerial Approval ADUs in Anaheim are generally subject to a ministerial review process. This means if the project complies with the city’s zoning, building codes, and other applicable regulations, the ADU is approved without the need for public hearings or discretionary review.
  • Expedited Approval In accordance with state law, ADU applications must be processed within 60 days of the submittal of a complete application.
  • Building and Safety Review While the process is streamlined, the ADU still needs to comply with all building codes, including those for structural integrity, safety, plumbing, and electrical systems.

State Laws Impacting ADUs in Anaheim:

  • SB 9 (2021) California Senate Bill 9 allows for the creation of up to two housing units on a single-family lot, which can include an ADU in addition to the primary residence. This law also simplifies the approval process for splitting a lot and building multiple units, including ADUs.
  • SB 13 (2019) and AB 68 (2019)
    • These state laws reduce restrictions on ADUs by limiting local control over things like parking, setbacks, and fees for smaller ADUs (under 750 square feet). They also streamline the permitting process for ADUs, requiring approval within 60 days.

Impact Fees:

  • Impact Fees Impact fees for ADUs in Anaheim generally apply to units that are larger than 750 square feet. These fees help cover the costs of infrastructure improvements such as parks, transportation, and schools. The fee amount varies depending on the size of the ADU and its location within the city.
  • Affordable Housing Impact Fees Larger ADUs may be subject to affordable housing impact fees, which are charged to help fund affordable housing projects. Smaller ADUs, especially Junior ADUs, are generally exempt from these fees.

Utilities and Services:

  • Utility Connections ADUs in Anaheim must be connected to the same utilities (water, sewer, electricity) as the primary dwelling. If the existing utility infrastructure is insufficient, the homeowner may be required to upgrade or install additional infrastructure.
  • Water Conservation ADUs must comply with California’s water conservation laws, which may include using low-flow fixtures, energy-efficient appliances, and other water-saving technologies to reduce consumption.

Financing and Incentives:

  • Financing Options Homeowners interested in building an ADU in Anaheim can access various financing programs, such as California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) or local programs aimed at helping with the construction costs of an ADU.
  • Fee Reductions Anaheim may offer reduced or waived fees for ADU projects that contribute to affordable housing or for ADUs located near public transit corridors.
Show More

ADU planning resources

Explore ADU service areas and planning next steps

Compare nearby ADU city pages, review plan options, and move from early research to a property-specific ADU conversation.

Start here

Compare detached ADU plans

Review sizes, layouts, and configurable ADU options before your feasibility call.

Browse ADU plans
Budget

Understand ADU financing

See common funding paths and how homeowners think about ADU return potential.

Explore ADU financing
Process

Know what happens next

Walk through feasibility, design, permitting, and construction with Metricon Homes.

See how ADUs work

More ADU service areas

Bay Area ADUsCosta Mesa ADUsLos Angeles ADUsOakland ADUsSacramento ADUsSan Diego ADUsSan Francisco ADUsSan Jose ADUs

Build Your ADU with Metricon Homes

Metricon Homes helps you plan and build a fully custom Accessory Dwelling Unit tailored to your property, lot, and local regulations. From feasibility and design through permitting and construction, our team manages the entire process so you can add flexible living space, host family, or generate rental income with confidence.

Contact us today for a free property assessment and start planning your ADU.

CALL (833) 400-2497

Explore our ADU plans

Learn More(833) 400-2497