Anaheim processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under Anaheim Municipal Code (AMC) Chapter 18.38.110 and California Government Code §65852.2 (as amended by AB 68, AB 881, and SB 13). The Anaheim Planning and Building Department reviews permits over-the-counter with a 60-day state-law deadline. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
Anaheim adopted updated ADU regulations through AMC Section 18.38.110 to align with the state ADU laws codified in California Government Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. Applications are reviewed ministerially — no public hearing, no discretionary findings, and only objective design and development standards apply. State law caps review at 60 days from a complete application. Detached ADUs may reach 1,200 sq ft; attached ADUs are capped at 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, with a minimum 800 sq ft permitted by state by-right rule. The state-mandated 4-foot side and rear setback applies, and the height limit is 16 feet for standard detached ADUs (up to 18-25 feet near transit or for two-story attached units per Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(1)(D)). JADUs up to 500 sq ft are permitted within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. Applications are filed through the Anaheim Planning & Building Department; all ADUs must comply with the California Residential Code, Title 24 energy standards, and CalGreen.
Building an ADU without a permit is a violation of AMC Chapter 18.38 and the California Building Standards Code, subject to stop-work orders, code-enforcement citations under AMC Title 1, and double permit fees on after-the-fact applications. Unpermitted ADUs are ineligible for the ministerial path until properly permitted.
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