Accessory Structures in Anaheim, CA (2026)
4 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 allows one accessory dwelling unit and one junior accessory dwelling unit by right on any single-family lot, on top of the primary home, under Section 18.38.015. A detached unit can reach 1,200 square feet, an attached unit up to 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
Anaheim Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsAnaheim, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 18.38.015.030 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Accessory Dwelling Units - Junior)
.030 Permitted number of units in Single-Family Zones. .0301 One (1) Accessory Dwelling Unit located within an existing or proposed space of a single-family dwelling or associated accessory structure, which may include an expansion of not more than 150 square feet beyond the existing physical structure for the sole purpose of accommodating ingress and egress; .0302 One (1) new construction, Acc...
ADU Impact Fees
Anaheim exempts accessory dwelling units under 750 square feet from park, water and other agency impact fees under Municipal Code Section 17.08.240. Larger ADUs pay fees prorated to the primary home's square footage, not the flat per-unit rate charged to new houses.
Anaheim ADU Impact Fee Exemption Rules
Light RestrictionsAnaheim, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.08.240 (Population Density - ADU Impact Fee Exemption)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 66324, ADUs are exempt from incurring impact fees from local agencies, special districts, and water corporations if such unit is less than 750 square feet. If an ADU is 750 square feet or larger, impact fees shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the ADU to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit.
Shed & Carport Rules
Anaheim caps garden sheds, storage sheds, garages and other accessory structures in single-family zones at one story or 16 feet, whichever is less, under Section 18.04.070.030. Sheds built entirely outside required setback areas that match the main house's design can exceed that limit, and structures encroaching into setbacks face further height limits under the Table 4-J encroachment standards.
Anaheim Accessory Building Height Limit
Some RestrictionsAnaheim, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 18.04.070.030 (Structural Heights - Accessory Buildings)
.030 Accessory Buildings. Non-habitable and habitable accessory structures, including but not limited to, garages, garden and storage sheds, and accessory living quarters, shall not exceed a height of one (1) story or sixteen (16) feet, whichever is less. This provision shall not apply to structures that are located outside of all required setback areas and comply with the same provisions as th...
Garage Conversions
Anaheim lets homeowners convert an existing garage into livable space as an Accessory Dwelling Unit without meeting lot coverage, setback, height or building separation rules. If the garage door faces a public street, the door itself must stay in place even if it no longer opens.
Anaheim Garage Conversion to ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsAnaheim Municipal Code Sec. 18.38.015.140, .1402 & .0904
Conversion of legally established structures or conversions of space not previously legally established for habitable space, such as attics, basements, garages or any other part of a residential property, into an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be permitted. Conversions of legally permitted structures are exempt from lot coverage, structural setbacks, structural ...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Anaheim city rules.
Accessory Structures in Orange County →