ADU Regulations In Anaheim, California

Anaheim, California has established specific guidelines for the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to address housing needs and improve housing opportunities. Here is an overview of the current ADU regulations in Anaheim [1]:

Types of ADUs:  You've got options! You can build a completely new ADU, either attached to your house or standing separately on your property, or you can convert existing spaces like a garage or basement into a new ADU.

JADU Restrictions: Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are a bit more specific. They're only allowed on single-family lots and have to be within the walls of your existing house, which can include an attached garage. Also, if you're building a JADU, the owner needs to live on the property.

Promoting Housing: Both ADUs and JADUs are seen as great ways to tackle housing shortages and offer more affordable places to live.

Important Facts and Requirements:

Zoning and Lot Size:

ADUs: Good news! ADUs are allowed in any zone that already permits single- or multi-family housing, and there's no minimum lot size requirement.

JADUs: JADUs are a little more restrictive, only being allowed on single-family lots, but like ADUs, there’s no minimum lot size.

Unit Size and Design:

New Construction: For new ADUs, the maximum size depends on how many bedrooms you're planning. Studios and one-bedroom units can be up to 850 sq ft, while units with two or more bedrooms can go up to 1,200 sq ft. If it's an attached ADU, it can't be more than half the size of your main house.

Conversions: If you're converting an existing structure into an ADU, there may be different size limits.

Height: All ADUs are limited to one storey and 16 feet in height.

Attached ADUs: The size of an attached ADU is limited to 50% of the size of the main house, or the maximum allowable square footage based on number of bedrooms, whichever is less.

Detached ADUs: Detached ADUs have their own size limits, as mentioned above.

Architectural Compatibility: ADUs need to look like they belong with the main house. That means similar roof types, exterior finishes, and colours.

Parking:

ADUs: You’ll generally need one parking space for a new ADU, unless you're within a half-mile of public transport. If you are converting an existing space, you don't need an additional parking space

JADUs: JADUs don't need their own dedicated parking space, but if you’re converting a garage, you'll need to replace that parking.

Conversions:

Permitted Spaces: You can convert existing living spaces in single-family homes, or non-living areas in multi-family buildings.

Attached Accessory Structures: If you're converting a detached structure, you can expand it by up to 150 sq ft to make way for an entryway.

Proof of Permits:  You'll need to show building permits for the space you’re converting.

Multi-Family ADU Specifics:

New Construction:  If you have a multi-family property, you can build up to two detached ADUs.

Conversions:You can also convert up to 25% of existing units into ADUs.

Building Code Requirements: All ADUs and JADUs must meet the California Building Code.

• ADUs can have their own utility connections.

• JADUs need to share the same utility connections as the main house.

• Fire sprinklers are required only if the main house needs them.

• Each ADU and JADU will get its own separate address.

Owner Occupancy: For ADUs approved between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, you don't have to live on the property. This means you can rent out the main house or the ADU, or both.

Rental Regulations: You can't rent out your ADU or JADU for short stays (less than 30 days), but longer rentals are okay.

Separate Entrance: Every ADU needs its own separate entrance.

Kitchen Requirements: Both ADUs and JADUs need a full kitchen. ADUs need separate living, cooking and bathroom areas, whereas JADUs need their own cooking area, counter, and cabinets.

Utility Connections: ADUs can have separate connections for water, gas, electricity, and sewage, while JADUs must use the same connections as the main house.

Permit Fees: There’s a permit fee involved, but if your ADU is under 750 sq ft, you won't have to pay impact fees.

Approval Process: If your ADU plans meet all the requirements, the review process should take about 60 days.

Other things to consider

State Law is Top Priority: If there's any disagreement between that and the Fremont Municipal Code (FMC) or California state law, the law always wins [1] .

JADU Ownership: You cannot sell a JADU separately from the main house.

Existing Issues with Your Property: If you have any existing legal issues or nonconformities on your property, they may need to be resolved before you can build an ADU.

Pathways and Addresses: Make sure emergency services can easily access both the main house and your ADU or JADU. ADUs and JADUs will each be given their own separate address.

Selling Your ADU: You cannot sell an ADU separately from the main house, and the parcel cannot be subdivided.

Sewage Systems: The city may not permit ADUs in areas with insufficient sewer infrastructure.

Need a quote on your ADU project in Anaheim? Visit: https://anaheimaduconstruction.com

Sources:

[1] Anaheim City ADU - https://www.anaheim.net/6350/ADU-Express-Process [2] Anaheim City ADU Express - https://www.anaheim.net/6349/ADUheim 

[3]  Anaheim Municipal Building Code Guidelines - https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/anaheim/latest/anaheim_ca/0-0-0-67963

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consulting the official Municipal Code or seeking guidance from your local Community and Economic Development Department.