Before You Build in Anaheim, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Anaheim requires a zoning permit for fences and walls per the city's Planning Division. Wood fences up to 6 feet and masonry walls up to 36 inches may not need a building permit but require zoning review. Walls over 7 feet need both.

Anaheim exempts retaining walls up to 4 feet from building permits unless supporting a surcharge. Walls visible from public areas must include landscaping per AMC 18.46.110. Height measured from bottom of footing to top.

Anaheim typically allows 6-foot fences in rear/side yards and 3.5-foot in front yards. Screening fences for outdoor storage must be at least 6 feet with view-obscuring material. Building permits may be required for taller walls.

Anaheim fence regulations under AMC 18.46.110 require height measurement from highest adjacent finished grade. Property line fences are subject to California Civil Code good-neighbor fence provisions (CC 841).

Anaheim requires pool barriers per AMC 6.56 and California Building Code Appendix Sections 419-421. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, swinging away from the pool. Barrier height and design must prevent child access.

Anaheim requires pool barriers per AMC 6.56 and California Building Code. Minimum 60-inch barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates. All metal within 5 feet of pool water must be bonded to pool shell reinforcement.

Anaheim requires building permits for hot tubs and spas. Barrier requirements under AMC 6.56 apply unless the spa has an approved ASTM F1346 safety cover. Electrical connections require inspection and NEC compliance.

Anaheim requires building permits for all swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. Applications must include two sets of plans with plot plans, cross sections, and engineered construction details.

Anaheim enforces California Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S Code 115920+) requirements including anti-entrapment covers, barriers, and at least two of seven safety features for new pool construction.

Anaheim requires building permits for above-ground pools just like in-ground pools. All pools must have compliant barriers per AMC 6.56 and California Building Code. Setback and drainage requirements apply.

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 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 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 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 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 allows recreational fires under CA Fire Code §307 — max 3 feet diameter, 15 feet from structures. Gas fire pits generally allowed even on SCAQMD no-burn days. Wood-burning restricted on no-burn days.

Anaheim requires recreational fire compliance with Anaheim Fire & Rescue guidelines. Chimineas and portable fire pits must be placed at least 15 feet from structures. No fires on Red Flag days or during Santa Ana winds. No permit needed for portable fire pits.

Anaheim protects specimen trees under AMC 18.18.040 and street trees under AMC 13.12. Specimen trees (oaks, sycamores, eucalyptus, pepper trees 8-inch+ trunk diameter) require a removal permit from the Planning Commission.

Anaheim requires pruning of required and specimen trees to comply with ISA standards per AMC 18.46.090 and Chapter 13.12. Street tree maintenance is coordinated by the city. Topping of trees is prohibited.

Anaheim's Landscape Water Efficiency Ordinance (AMC 10.19) requires water-efficient irrigation for new landscaping. Automatic timer-controlled systems required. State water restrictions may impose additional limits during drought.