Can you build an ADU in Anaheim, CA?
Anaheim clearly has an ADU program and RS-2 standards reference detached ADUs, which is a positive signal for backyard infill. Because the full ADU standards were not captured, feasibility should be confirmed against the current ADU code and state law for the specific parcel.
Confidence: medium · Last researched May 2026
ADU rules
Anaheim maintains a dedicated ADU program page, and the RS-2 development standards expressly reference detached ADUs as part of accessory structure calculations.
- Detached ADUs count toward the RS-2 total maximum floor area for detached accessory structures of "1,225 sq. ft."
- Non-ADU detached structures within required setback areas cannot exceed "one (1) story or sixteen (16) feet, whichever is less," implying ADUs may be governed by separate standards not included in the handout.
- A dedicated city ADU webpage exists, but detailed standards were not visible in the provided content excerpt.
Dimensional standards in Anaheim, CA
| RS-2 — front setback | 25 feet or 25% of the depth of the lot, whichever is less |
| RS-2 — side setback | 5 feet — Street side setback is "9-feet" for a reversed corner lot or reversed building frontage lot. |
| RS-2 — rear setback | 25 feet — May be reduced to "10 feet" if no more than "35%" of the rear setback area is covered. |
| RS-2 — maximum rear yard setback coverage | 35% — Applied when proposing a "10’ rear yard setback." |
| PTMU Overlay (example from variance record) — minimum setback requirement along Katella Avenue | 18 feet — Referenced in variance resolution as Platinum Triangle minimum setback requirement. |
| PTMU Overlay (example from variance record) — minimum setback requirement along Lewis Street | 20 feet — Referenced in variance resolution as Platinum Triangle minimum setback requirement. |
Related questions
Are ADUs allowed in Anaheim, CA?
Anaheim maintains a dedicated ADU program page, and the RS-2 development standards expressly reference detached ADUs as part of accessory structure calculations.
Full investor analysis
You've seen the general rule. The full Anaheim, CA report shows which districts allow ADUs by-right vs. by special permit, the approval path and timeline, and the overlay/flood constraints that quietly kill ADU projects here. First town report is free.
Get the full Anaheim, CA report free →More about Anaheim, CA zoning
- Can you build a duplex in Anaheim, CA?→
- Are short-term rentals allowed in Anaheim, CA?→
- Is mixed-use development allowed in Anaheim, CA?→
- What are the setback requirements in Anaheim, CA?→
- What are the parking requirements in Anaheim, CA?→
This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with Anaheim, CA officials before making decisions.
More California zoning reports →