ADU Rules in Anaheim, CA (2026)

Anaheim, CA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. California state law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Anaheim, the Anaheim Planning and Building Department — Building Division handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Anaheim.

ADU Size Limits

ADU Size Limits in Anaheim: Detached ADU: up to 1200 sq ft (max height: 16 feet). Attached ADU: 50% of primary dwelling up to 1200 sqft. Junior ADU (JADU): up to 500 sq ft — must be within the existing primary dwelling or accessory structure. Detached ADU maximum 1,200 sqft per California Gov Code 65852.2(c)(2)(B). JADU maximum 500 sqft within existing primary structure per Gov Code 65852.22. Anaheim has many post-WWII single-family homes with large rear yards suitable for detached ADUs. Anaheim Municipal Code Section 18.36.060.

Permit Fees

ADU Permit Fees in Anaheim: Plan check fee: $500–$2,800. Building permit fee: $1,000–$5,000 depending on valuation. Impact fees: None. School fees: Exempt for ADUs under 750 sqft. ADUs 750+ sqft subject to Anaheim City School District and Anaheim Union High School District developer fees.. Total estimated permit cost: $2,000–$8,500 total permit fees. Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sqft per Gov Code 65852.2(f)(3). Anaheim Public Utilities connection fees may apply for new water/sewer service. Anaheim owns its own utilities (Anaheim Public Utilities, Anaheim Resort Utilities), unlike much of Orange County served by SCE.

Permit Timeline

Anaheim ADU Permit Timeline: Anaheim Planning and Building processes ADU permits through AnaheimPermits online portal. Ministerial approval within 60 days for compliant applications. Standard plan review: 3-6 weeks. Anaheim has a large permit volume given its construction activity near the Resort District — residential ADU permits are processed separately from resort/commercial permits. Apply through the Anaheim Planning and Building Department — Building Division online permit portal. Phone: (714) 765-5153.

Setback Requirements

ADU Setback Requirements in Anaheim: Front setback: Same as zone standard. Side setback: 4 feet. Rear setback: 4 feet. 4-foot side and rear setbacks for new detached ADUs per California Gov Code 65852.2(c)(2)(E). Front setback follows RS zone standard — typically 20-25 ft in Anaheim's established residential neighborhoods. No setback for ADU replacing existing structure in same footprint.

Parking Requirements

Parking Requirements: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of ARTIC (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center), Anaheim Metrolink/Amtrak station, or OCTA bus rapid transit routes. No replacement parking when garage converted to ADU. Per California Gov Code 65852.2(d).

Restrictions & Requirements

• •ADU must comply with Anaheim Municipal Code Title 18 objective zoning standards
• •ADU cannot be sold separately from primary dwelling
• •Short-term rental of ADU requires separate Anaheim STR permit
• •Resort District (Disneyland-area) and Platinum Triangle overlay zones have separate land use controls that affect residential development adjacent to these districts
• •ADU must have permanent foundation
• •Alley-facing properties must meet alley setback standards

How Many ADUs Are Allowed?

Number of ADUs Allowed in Anaheim: Single-family lots: 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot. Multifamily properties: Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 2) as detached ADUs; non-livable space conversions by-right per Gov Code 65852.2(e). California state law governs ADU counts in Anaheim. Resort District properties adjacent to Disneyland are generally not residential and do not fall under ADU provisions.

State Law & Preemption

Historic District Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions