ADU Impact Fees: Anaheim vs Santa Ana
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Anaheim and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
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.
View full Anaheim rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana cannot charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet under California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A), which preempts local fee schedules. For ADUs 750 sf and larger, impact fees must be charged proportionally to the size of the primary dwelling per square foot, as required by state law and implemented in SAMC §41-194.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Under 750 sq ft | All impact fees waived | - |
| 750+ sq ft | Proportional to principal dwelling | - |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) | - |
| School Fees | Proportional under SB 13 | Santa Ana USD, under Ed Code §17620 |
| Utility Tap | Waived when sharing service | - |
| Sub-750 sf Waiver | - | All impact fees waived (state law) |
| Statute | - | CA Gov Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A) |
| 750+ sf ADUs | - | Proportional to primary dwelling |
| Utility Connection | - | No new connection required for conversions |
| Building Permit Fees | - | Still apply at cost recovery |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Anaheim?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft — all local impact fees are waived by California Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay proportionally based on the principal dwelling's size, not the full single-family rate.
What ADU costs still apply?
Standard building permit fees based on construction valuation, plan-check fees, and Anaheim Public Utilities service fees if a new electric or water meter is needed. Property taxes will reassess on the added square footage.
Santa Ana FAQ
Will I pay impact fees on a 700 sf ADU in Santa Ana?
No. California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A) prohibits any city impact fee on an ADU under 750 sf, including parks, fire, police, and transportation fees.
Do I still pay plan check and building permit fees?
Yes. Cost-recovery fees for plan review, inspection, and permit issuance are not 'impact fees' and may be charged on any ADU regardless of size.
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