GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Anaheim, California

Last verified August 28, 2026

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Anaheim's Planning and Building Department reviews ADU applications for compliance with the city's ADU ordinance (AMC 18.38.015) through its ADUheim program. Applications are submitted online through the Anaheim Next portal or in person by appointment, and by state law must be approved or denied within 60 days (Anaheim's public materials cite up to 120 days for certain non-ministerial cases). Eligible new detached ADUs may qualify for the ADU Express Program, offering one-day permitting and zero design costs.

Typical timeline

State law requires action within 60 days of a complete application; Anaheim materials reference up to 120 days for certain applications. ADU Express Program offers one-day permitting for eligible new detached ADUs.

Where to apply

Department
Anaheim Planning and Building Department, Planning Services Division
Permit portal
Anaheim Next (Accela Citizen Access)
Office
200 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 162, Anaheim, CA 92805
Contact
(714) 765-5139

Step by step

  1. 1

    Review ADU requirements

    Review the Planning Services Division's Accessory Dwelling Unit Submittal Requirements Checklist and the Building Division's Plan Check Submittal requirements at Anaheim.net/ADUheim.

  2. 2

    Pre-submittal verifications

    Obtain a sewer capacity verification from Public Works (PWPermits@anaheim.net), a meter spot report if adding/upgrading/relocating a meter, and submit a New Address Request Application before plan submittal.

  3. 3

    Check ADU Express eligibility

    For new detached ADUs, check eligibility for the ADU Express Program (Anaheim.net/ADUexpress) for one-day permitting and zero design costs.

  4. 4

    JADU owner-occupancy covenant (JADU only)

    For Junior ADUs, provide a title report and grant deed so the City Attorney's office can prepare an owner-occupancy covenant, which must be recorded with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder before permit issuance.

  5. 5

    Submit application and plans

    Submit the planning and building plan check application online through the Anaheim Next portal or in person by appointment at the Planning Services Division counter.

  6. 6

    Plan check and corrections

    Planning and Building staff review for zoning and code compliance; respond to any correction comments and resubmit as needed.

  7. 7

    Pay fees and receive permit

    Pay applicable planning and building permit fees to receive the issued building permit.

  8. 8

    Construction, inspections, and final approval

    Build per approved plans, schedule required inspections, and pass final inspection before occupancy.

What you need to submit

  • Accessory Dwelling Unit Submittal Requirements Checklist items
  • Sewer deficiency verification (Public Works)
  • Meter spot report (if adding/upgrading/relocating an electric meter)
  • New Address Request Application and site plan
  • Title report and grant deed (JADU owner-occupancy covenant only)
  • Site plan, floor plans, elevations for building plan check

Anaheim ADU rules at a glance

JADU
JADU requires an owner-occupancy covenant (AMC 18.38.015.110) recorded with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder before building permit issuance, specifying the JADU cannot be sold separately and owner-occupancy binds successors in ownership.
Height
Reported as 18 ft plus 2 ft for roof pitch for detached ADUs, or the height of the main dwelling if greater; attached ADUs follow the underlying zone. (Secondary source.)
Parking
Up to 1 space required per ADU; waived within 1/2 mile of transit, for conversions, and for units inside the primary home. No replacement parking required when an existing garage/carport/parking space is demolished or converted for the ADU.
Max size
Detached ADU up to 1,200 sq ft (state floor is 800 sq ft); attached ADU generally up to 50% of the primary dwelling; JADU up to 500 sq ft. (Size figures from secondary sources summarizing AMC 18.38.015.)
Setbacks
Reported minimum 4 ft setback from rear and interior side property lines for new-construction ADUs; front and street-side setbacks may be greater per the underlying zone. (Secondary source.)

Pre-approved ADU plans

Anaheim publishes pre-approved plan sets, which can shorten plan check.

View pre-approved plans

Practical tips

  • Check ADU Express Program eligibility (Anaheim.net/ADUexpress) early - it can mean one-day permitting and zero design cost for new detached ADUs.
  • Start the sewer capacity verification and meter spot report requests early since each can take several business days to process.
  • Request a new address before plan submittal to avoid delays; in-person New Address Request submittals before 11:00 am get same-day processing.
  • JADU projects need extra lead time for the owner-occupancy covenant, which must be recorded with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder before permit issuance.

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages