ADU Permits: Anaheim vs Santa Ana
How do adu permits rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Anaheim and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
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.
View full Anaheim rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana reviews ADU applications ministerially through the Planning Division of the Planning and Building Agency under SAMC Section 41-194 (recently updated to align with SB 1211, effective January 1, 2025). Plan review is local through the City's E-Plan electronic submittal system; the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sets statewide standards but does not review individual permits.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | AMC 18.38.110; Gov. Code §65852.2 | SAMC §41-194 |
| Review | Ministerial, 60-day cap | - |
| Detached Max | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| JADU Max | 500 sq ft | - |
| Setback | 4 ft side/rear | - |
| State Law | - | CA Gov Code §65852.2; SB 1211 (2025) |
| Review Department | - | Planning & Building Agency |
| Processing Cap | - | 60 days after complete application |
| Submittal | - | E-Plan electronic system |
| Pre-Approved Plans | - | Available through City |
| AB 1033 Condo-ization | - | Not opted in |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
How long does ADU review take in Anaheim?
State law caps ministerial review at 60 days from a complete application, per California Government Code §65852.2. Anaheim Planning & Building issues permits over-the-counter when plans meet AMC 18.38.110 objective standards.
Do I need a public hearing for an Anaheim ADU?
No. AMC 18.38.110 and Gov. Code §65852.2 require ministerial review only — no Planning Commission hearing, no neighbor notice, no discretionary findings. Only objective standards apply.
Santa Ana FAQ
Does Santa Ana require a public hearing for an ADU?
No. SAMC §41-194 implements state law requiring ministerial review without a public hearing. The Planning Division decides based on objective standards.
Who reviews my Santa Ana ADU plans?
The City of Santa Ana Planning and Building Agency reviews ADU applications locally through E-Plan. HCD sets statewide minimums but does not review individual permits.
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