ADU Rules: Anaheim vs Midway City
How do adu rules rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Midway City, CA?
Midway City has fewer restrictions than Anaheim.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
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.
View full Anaheim rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (ADUs) and §65852.22 (JADUs). State law preempts most local restrictions: minimum 800 sqft, 16 ft height, and 4 ft side/rear setbacks must be allowed by right.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 800 sq ft (single-family) | - |
| JADU Max | 500 sq ft | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft (new detached) | - |
| Code | AMC 18.38.015 | - |
| State Law | - | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADU) & §65852.22 (JADU) |
| Local Code | - | OC Zoning Code Title 7, Division 9 |
| Max Detached ADU | - | 1,200 sqft |
| Max JADU | - | 500 sqft (within existing dwelling) |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft side/rear (state minimum) |
| Height | - | 16 ft minimum allowed; up to 18-25 ft per state law |
| Parking | - | None required if within 1/2 mi of transit or garage conversion |
| Owner-Occupancy | - | Required when JADU is present (§65852.22) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
How big can an ADU be in Anaheim?
Up to 800 sq ft on a single-family property. JADUs within the existing home are limited to 500 sq ft under AMC 18.38.015.
Do I need to replace parking if I convert my garage to an ADU?
No. AMC 18.38.015 exempts garage conversions from replacement parking requirements when the garage is converted directly to an ADU.
Midway City FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my unincorporated Orange County lot?
Yes — state law (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2) requires the County to allow at least one ADU on any lot zoned for residential use, including single-family and multifamily zones. Minimum lot size requirements are preempted.
Do I need to live on the property to rent out an ADU?
No owner-occupancy is required for a standalone ADU under §65852.2. However, if you build a JADU under §65852.22, the owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the JADU.
How tall can my detached ADU be?
State law guarantees at least 16 ft. Properties within 1/2 mile of transit or on multifamily lots can go up to 18 ft (single-story) or 25 ft (two-story) per Gov. Code §65852.2(c)(1)(D).
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