Accessory Structures in Anaheim, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Anaheim, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Anaheim regulates accessory dwelling units under AMC Section 18.38.015 and state law. One ADU is allowed per single-family lot with an existing or proposed primary home. JADUs up to 500 sq ft are permitted within the existing residence.
Anaheim ADU & Junior ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
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 ADU Permit and Ministerial Review
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Anaheim exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from all impact fees per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportionate to the principal dwelling's square footage. School district fees are governed by SB 13 (2019). Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through the Planning & Building Department fee schedule.
Anaheim ADU Impact Fee Exemption (Under 750 sq ft)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Anaheim cannot require owner occupancy on standard ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 because California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6), made permanent by AB 976 (2023), prohibits local owner-occupancy mandates. Junior ADUs (JADUs) under AMC 18.38.110 still require owner occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the JADU because they share walls and utilities.
Anaheim ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules (Preempted by State Law)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Anaheim ADUs may be rented long-term (30 days or more) without separate licensing. Short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited citywide by Anaheim Municipal Code Chapter 4.05 (Short-Term Rental Ordinance), originally adopted in 2014 and reaffirmed after litigation; ADUs are not eligible for any STR permit. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7)) also restricts STR use of ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020.
Anaheim ADU Short-Term Rental Restrictions (STR Ban via AMC 4.05)
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Anaheim requires building permits for most accessory structures. Structures under 120 sq ft typically exempt. All structures count toward lot coverage. Outdoor storage must be screened per AMC §18.38.200.
Anaheim Shed & Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Anaheim facilitates garage conversions to ADUs under state law. No replacement parking required. Building permits required. Conversions exempt from setback requirements. Must meet building code standards.
Anaheim Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Anaheim requires carports and covered parking structures to comply with AMC Title 18 zoning standards. Carports may be installed in areas designated for open-surface parking subject to Planning Director review and approval.
Anaheim Carport & Covered Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Anaheim does not have a separate tiny home ordinance. Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs under AMC 18.38.015 with minimum 150 sq ft floor area. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles subject to parking restrictions.
Anaheim Tiny Home Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Anaheim city rules.
Accessory Structures in Orange County →