Anaheim ADU Regulations & Building Guide

Anaheim is a vibrant city in Southern California known for its unique charm and diverse population. It offers a blend of urban and suburban experiences.

California State ADU Laws

California has some of the most progressive ADU legislation in the country. Recent laws including AB 68, SB 13, and AB 881 have significantly streamlined the ADU approval process and reduced barriers for homeowners.

Key California ADU Regulations:

• Size Limits: Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft. Attached ADUs can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less.
• Setbacks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks for detached ADUs.
• Height: Generally up to 16 feet, with some exceptions for two-story ADUs (up to 25 feet in certain zones).
• Parking: No additional parking required in most cases, especially near transit.
• Owner Occupancy: No owner-occupancy requirement until 2025 for most ADUs.

Anaheim Local Requirements

While California state law provides baseline regulations, Anaheim may have additional local requirements. GatherADU's team stays current with Anaheim's specific zoning codes, architectural guidelines, and permit processes to ensure your ADU project meets all requirements.

Common local considerations in Anaheim include:

• Design review requirements and architectural standards
• Utility connection fees and impact fees
• Fire department access requirements
• Neighborhood-specific overlay zones

California law (AB 68, AB 881, SB 9, and subsequent legislation) guarantees your right to build ADUs. Cities cannot:

• Require owner-occupancy for ADUs permitted after 2020
• Require additional parking for ADUs near transit
• Charge impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft
• Deny ADUs that meet state minimum standards
• Impose lot coverage limits that prevent a 800 sq ft ADU

If you believe your ADU application is being unfairly denied, California HCD can intervene on your behalf.

California ADU Legislation Overview

California leads the nation in ADU-friendly legislation. The state has passed numerous laws to encourage ADU construction as a solution to the housing crisis.

Key California ADU Laws:

• AB 68 (2020): Reduced local government review time and expanded ADU construction options.
• SB 13 (2020): Limited impact fees and reduced owner-occupancy requirements.
• AB 881 (2020): Prohibited minimum lot size requirements and allowed JADUs in all zones.
• AB 2221 (2022): Further streamlined the ADU approval process.
• SB 897 (2022): Increased height limits for ADUs in certain zones.

California ADU Benefits:

• Property value increase of 20-30% on average
• Rental income potential of $1,500-$3,500+ monthly
• Housing flexibility for family members
• No owner-occupancy requirements (until 2025)

Anaheim, located in Orange County, is the most populous city in the county and the 10th most populous in California. Best known as the home of Disneyland Resort, Anaheim is a diverse city with a strong tourism industry and growing tech sector.

Population: Anaheim has a population of approximately 352,005 residents. It's part of the larger Los Angeles metropolitan area, which is home to about 13 million people.

Local Economy: Anaheim's economy is diverse, with several key sectors:

1. Tourism: Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center are major economic drivers.
2. Sports and Entertainment: Home to the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and Los Angeles Angels (MLB).
3. Technology: The Anaheim Canyon business park hosts many tech and manufacturing companies.
4. Healthcare: Several major hospitals are significant employers.
5. Manufacturing: Including food processing and electronics.
6. Retail and Services: Supporting both residents and the tourism industry.

Popular Neighborhoods:

1. Anaheim Hills: An affluent area in the eastern part of the city.
2. Platinum Triangle: An up-and-coming area near Angel Stadium, undergoing significant development.
3. Downtown Anaheim: Historic area experiencing revitalization.
4. The Colony: A historic district known for its craftsman-style homes.
5. West Anaheim: A diverse area with a mix of housing types.
6. Resort District: The area surrounding Disneyland and the Convention Center.

ADU Regulations in Anaheim:

Anaheim has implemented ADU regulations in line with California state law:

1. Zoning: ADUs are permitted in all residential zones and mixed-use zones that allow residential uses.
2. Types of ADUs: Both attached and detached ADUs are allowed, as well as Junior ADUs (JADUs).
3. Size Limits:
   • Detached ADUs: Up to 1,200 square feet.
   • Attached ADUs: Up to 50% of the primary dwelling's living area or 1,200 square feet, whichever is less.
   • JADUs: Up to 500 square feet.
4. Height Restrictions: Detached ADUs are generally limited to 16 feet in height, with some exceptions allowing up to 25 feet.
5. Parking: Generally, no additional parking is required for ADUs, especially if they're located within half a mile of public transit.
6. Owner Occupancy: As of 2020, there is no owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs built between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025. Owner occupancy is required for properties with JADUs.
7. Approval Process: ADUs that meet certain criteria are eligible for ministerial approval, streamlining the process.
8. Multiple ADUs: In multi-family properties, up to two detached ADUs are allowed, or ADUs for 25% of the existing units within the structure, whichever is greater.
9. Impact Fees: Reduced impact fees for ADUs smaller than 750 square feet.
10. Design Standards: ADUs must be designed to be compatible with the primary residence and neighborhood character.

These regulations aim to increase housing options in Anaheim and address the city's housing needs.

Unique Aspects of Anaheim:

Anaheim is most famous for being the home of Disneyland Resort, which opened in 1955 and has since become one of the world's most visited tourist attractions.

The city has a rich history dating back to its founding by German settlers in 1857. The Anaheim Colony Historic District preserves much of the city's early architecture.

Anaheim has been making efforts to diversify its economy beyond tourism. The Anaheim Canyon business park is the largest industrial district in Orange County and hosts a growing number of tech and manufacturing companies.

The city is known for its commitment to sustainability. Anaheim Public Utilities, the only municipal electric utility in Orange County, has been a leader in renewable energy adoption.

Anaheim's diverse population is reflected in its cultural offerings, including Little Arabia, a neighborhood known for its Middle Eastern shops and restaurants.

The Packing District, a food hall and entertainment complex in a renovated citrus packing plant, has become a popular destination and symbol of Anaheim's revitalization efforts.

In conclusion, Anaheim offers a unique blend of tourist attractions, suburban living, and growing business opportunities. Its ADU regulations reflect the city's efforts to address housing needs in a region known for high housing costs. As Anaheim continues to grow and diversify its economy, ADUs may play an increasingly important role in providing more affordable housing options and increasing density in this predominantly suburban city.

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