Anaheim, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Codes adopted
- 2025 CBC and CRC, by reference
- Shed/accessory exemption
- 120 sq ft, 10 ft height, 5 ft setback
- Exempt prefab pool limit
- Under 18 in. deep, 5,000 gallons, above ground
- Permit expiration
- 12 months unused or 180 days abandoned
- Extension length
- Up to 180 days, written request
Summary
Anaheim adopts the California Building and Residential Codes by reference and then narrows the state permit-exemption list with its own amendments. Most construction, alteration, or repair work needs a Building Official permit; only specific small accessory structures and prefab pools are carved out.
Subsection R105.2 of Section R105 of Division II of Chapter 1 is revised by amending item 1 as follows: 1. Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, gazebo, and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m²), the structure is not more than 10 (ten) feet in height above grade, the structure is not provided with electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical installations, and not used as carports or habitable rooms, with a minimum 5 (five) foot separation from any other structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Code: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026 | Zoning: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
03. Rather than leaving the state's standard work-exempt-from-permit list untouched, Anaheim rewrites it. 2 so that only "one-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, gazebo, and similar uses" skip the permit, and only if the floor area is 120 square feet or less, the structure is no more than 10 feet tall, it has no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical installations, it is not used as a carport or habitable room, and it sits at least 5 feet from any other structure. 2 to pools under a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, hold no more than 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground; anything larger or in-ground needs a permit.
5 so an issued permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 12 months, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, though the Building Official can grant written extensions of up to 180 days each on request with justifiable cause. 070 names the City Council or Planning Commission as the Board of Appeals for any Building Standards Codes decision.
Violations & Fines
Work that falls outside these narrow exemptions and proceeds without a permit is unpermitted construction subject to code enforcement action, and a permit obtained but left unused for 12 months, or abandoned for 180 days, expires automatically under Section 105.5 as amended, forcing a new application unless a written extension was granted in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Anaheim require a permit to build a backyard shed?
Can I install an above-ground pool in Anaheim without a permit?
How long is an Anaheim building permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California building safety overview
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle building permits.