Anaheim, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing plan
- Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan No. 2015-1
- TOD zone
- Development Area 3 (DA-3)
- Base zone
- MU-H Mixed-Use High
- Anchor
- Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station
- Housing focus
- Workforce and affordable commuter housing
- Reviewing body
- Planning Department, development review process
Summary
Anaheim zones a dedicated Transit Oriented Area (DA-3) inside the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan, built around the Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station. It carries an MU-H Mixed-Use High base zone meant to pair commuter housing, including affordable units, with walkable, bike-friendly development next to the rail platform.
Transit Oriented Area (DA-3). The intent of the Transit Oriented Area (DA-3) is to provide for and encourage the development of a high-quality, pedestrian and bicycle friendly mixed-use district that will define the core of Anaheim Canyon and take full advantage of the Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station and convenient access to the Riverside Freeway and open space areas. This area provides a unique location for new workforce and commuter housing within Anaheim Canyon, including affordable housing. ... The underlying, base zone for this area is the "MU-H" Mixed-Use High Zone and, unless otherwise indicated, the standards of the "MU-H" Mixed-Use High Zone shall apply.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Code: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026 | Zoning: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
Anaheim's transit-oriented zoning lives in the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan No. 120. " The code specifically calls out DA-3 as a location for "new workforce and commuter housing within Anaheim Canyon, including affordable housing," and ties the designation to the city's interest in preserving competitive growth potential near the rail line. 100) govern what can be built in DA-3. 0204), but does not itself create a stand-alone TOD zoning area the way DA-3 does. 020, applicable citywide within the Specific Plan Area, rather than a generic conditional use permit process.
Violations & Fines
There is no separate penalty schedule for building outside the DA-3 standards; a project that does not conform to the Transit Oriented Area's use, density or design standards is processed as a zoning code violation under the city's general enforcement chapter, and a non-conforming structure built without the required development review approval under Section 18.120.020 is subject to a stop-work order and cannot receive final building permits or certificates of occupancy until the Planning Department confirms compliance with the DA-3 standards in Sections 18.120.040 through 18.120.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Anaheim's transit-oriented development zone?
Is this the same as the Platinum Triangle TOD reference?
What can be built in the DA-3 Transit Oriented Area?
What permit process applies to a DA-3 project?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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