ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) In Anaheim, CA

Anaheim stands as one of Orange County's venerable cities, boasting the title of the second-largest city in the county with regards to land area. It's notably famous for hosting the Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Convention Center, and several major league sports franchises.

Culturally diverse, Anaheim also exhibits a burgeoning real estate market that holds a substantial allure. A notable aspect of Anaheim's real estate is the relatively larger lot sizes, especially when compared to numerous properties in Los Angeles or the southern parts of the county. This particular feature renders Anaheim an attractive location for constructing both attached and detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), embarking on additional projects, and more.

Types of construction projects we handle in Anaheim, CA

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Custom Home Construction
Addition & Expansion
Garage Transformation
3D Visualization
Financing Options

Building Permit Application Process in Anaheim

The process for obtaining a building permit for ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) construction in Anaheim involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the key steps involved:

Step 1: Research and Planning
Understand Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with Anaheim’s specific regulations for ADUs. This includes zoning, size limitations, setback requirements, and other local ordinances.
Check Property Eligibility: Ensure your property meets the criteria for ADU construction, such as lot size, existing structures, and usage.

Step 2: Pre-Application
Consult with the Planning Department: Schedule a pre-application meeting with the Anaheim Planning Department to discuss your project and get feedback on initial plans.
Preliminary Plan Preparation: Create preliminary plans and designs for your ADU. This may include sketches or basic blueprints.

Step 3: Design and Documentation
Hire Professionals: Engage architects, engineers, or designers to create detailed construction plans that comply with Anaheim’s building codes and regulations.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including site plans, floor plans, elevations, and any other required technical drawings.
Check for Additional Requirements: Ensure you have all additional documentation such as energy calculations, structural calculations, and potentially a soil report.

Step 4: Submit Permit Application
Complete Application Forms: Fill out the necessary application forms provided by the Anaheim Building Department.
Submit Application Package: Submit the complete application package, including plans, documentation, and any required fees, to the Anaheim Building Department.
Pay Fees: Pay all associated fees for plan review and permit processing.

Step 5: Plan Review
Initial Review: The Building Department will review your application and plans for compliance with local codes and regulations.
Respond to Comments: If the review results in comments or required revisions, make the necessary changes and resubmit the plans.
Obtain Approvals: Once all reviews are complete and the plans are approved, you will receive a building permit.

Step 6: Construction
Commence Construction: Begin construction according to the approved plans and in compliance with all local regulations.
Schedule Inspections: Throughout the construction process, schedule required inspections with the Building Department to ensure compliance with the approved plans and codes.

Step 7: Final Inspection and Approval
Final Inspection: Once construction is complete, schedule a final inspection to verify that the ADU meets all requirements.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy: After passing the final inspection, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Department, allowing the ADU to be legally inhabited.

When submitting plans for an ADU construction project in Anaheim, please be aware that the Anaheim Building Department requires four printed copies of the plans. These copies should be in black and white. Ensure that all copies are clear and complete to facilitate the review process. This requirement helps streamline the permit application process and ensures that all necessary departments have access to the required documentation for your project.

Key Contacts and Resources

Anaheim Planning and Building Department: Main contact for permit applications and regulatory information.

City of Anaheim Website: Provides resources, application forms, and guidelines for ADU construction.

Steps to Schedule Inspections in Advance

In the process of constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Anaheim, timely scheduling of inspections is crucial. Scheduling inspections a few days in advance ensures that your project stays on track and complies with local building codes and regulations. This proactive approach helps avoid delays and potential rework, leading to a smoother construction process.

Plan Your Inspection Timeline:

Identify the key milestones in your construction project that will require inspections. Create a timeline to ensure inspections are scheduled well in advance.

2. Contact the Anaheim Building Department:

Reach out to the Anaheim Building Department to schedule your inspections. Provide them with the necessary details, including the type of inspection, project address, and preferred dates.

3. Provide Required Documentation:

Ensure you have all the necessary documentation and permits ready when scheduling your inspections. This includes approved building plans, permits, and any relevant certificates.

4. Confirm Inspection Date and Time:

Confirm the inspection date and time with the Building Department. It’s advisable to schedule the inspection a few days before you actually need it to account for any unforeseen delays.

5. Prepare for the Inspection:

Ensure your site is ready for the inspection. This includes having all relevant areas accessible and any required documentation readily available for the inspector.

Certificate of Line and Grade Requirement for
Foundation Inspection in Anaheim (ADU Construction)

Before passing the foundation inspection for your ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) construction in Anaheim, it is mandatory to obtain a Certificate of Line and Grade. This certificate ensures that the project complies with the required property lines and elevations, which is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and adhering to local regulations.

Steps to Obtain the Certificate of Line and Grade

Hire a Licensed Surveyor:

Engage a licensed land surveyor to perform a survey of your property. The surveyor will mark the property boundaries and determine the correct elevations according to the approved plans.

2. Survey and Measurements:

The surveyor will visit your site and take precise measurements to ensure that the foundation is within the designated property lines and at the correct elevation as per the city's zoning and building codes.

3. Prepare the Certificate:

Based on the survey, the surveyor will prepare the Certificate of Line and Grade, which will include detailed information about the property lines and elevation levels.

4. Submit to the City:

Submit the completed Certificate of Line and Grade to the Anaheim Building Department for review. Ensure all required documentation is attached and the certificate is accurately filled out.

5. Review and Approval:

The Building Department will review the certificate to ensure compliance with local regulations. This may involve a site inspection to verify the survey results.

6. Receive Approval:

Once the certificate is approved, you will receive confirmation from the Building Department. This approval is necessary to proceed with scheduling your foundation inspection.
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By following these steps and obtaining the Certificate of Line and Grade, you can ensure a smooth and compliant foundation inspection process for your ADU construction in Anaheim.

Contact Information

To schedule inspections, contact the Anaheim Building Department:

Phone:
General Information: (714) 765-5153
Inspection Scheduling: (714) 765-4626

Email:
General Inquiries: buildingdivision@anaheim.net
Inspection Scheduling: inspections@anaheim.net

Address:
Anaheim City Hall
200 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 145, Anaheim, CA 92805

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and public holidays

By contacting the Anaheim Building Department, you can schedule inspections, obtain necessary permits, and ensure your ADU construction project complies with local building codes and regulations.

The present moment unveils an unprecedented opportunity to embark on construction projects like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), additional structures, and garage conversions in Anaheim, CA, thanks to the state's directive encouraging cities to facilitate the development of ADUs. This is a golden window of opportunity, especially now that the demand is surging, hinting at a possible shift in legislative stance in the near future making it more difficult to build such projects.

Nevertheless, having approved plans in place serves as a safeguard, granting you the autonomy to proceed with your construction project even if such changes happen. Aside from many locales, Anaheim is blessed with a considerable number of properties featuring bigger than average sized lots, which is favorable for such additions, expansions or ADU developments. This characteristic is a substantial asset, given the increasing demand for additional housing. The city's geographical closeness to some of the best educational institutions such as Chapman University, Cal State Fullerton, Southern California Institute of Technology, West Coast University, Santiago Canyon College, Bethesda University, and many other colleges in neighboring cities, amplifies the exigency for augmented housing provisions.

Moreover, the attractiveness of Anaheim is further enriched by a unique mixture of urban living and the serene ambiance of Orange County, rendering it a magnet for a diverse populace. The city seamlessly intertwines the hustle of urban life with the calming reprieve availed by Orange County's serene environment, making it a highly desirable residence for many. Delving into projects like constructing an ADU, converting garages, or building additions to existing edifices not only increases the valuation of your property significantly but also provides a tangible solution to the escalating housing demand in the area. Each project undertaken not only personalizes your space or optimizes unused land but contributes wholesomely to addressing a community's growing need for housing.

The salience of this moment for initiating such projects cannot be overstated. Furthermore, financial limitations should not serve as a deterrent in your path towards contributing to solving the housing quandary. We extend financing avenues to propel your venture forward even in the absence of adequate savings. Our affiliated financing entities are primed to provide assistance in securing a loan, thereby capacitating you to kickstart your construction project without delay. The essence of time in harnessing this opportunity is paramount, and we're here to ensure that financial hurdles are surmounted so your construction vision can transition into tangible reality TODAY.

Opting for Avorino not only aligns you with a trusted name in the industry but also opens the gateway to our extensive network of premier ADU financing specialists particularly seasoned in the dynamics of Anaheim, California. These specialists have continually showcased their adeptness, facilitating a vast majority of our clientele to finance up to 100% of their projects using the resources and expertise of our selectively affiliated lenders in Orange County and broader Southern California.

If your vision encompasses leasing out your ADU in Anaheim, CA for an additional income stream, we transcend merely offering guidance – we evolve into your proactive partners. Our engagement encompasses in-depth consultations and meticulous planning sessions alongside you. Our mission is to intricately tailor your project in a manner that unfurls its maximum potential. This thorough methodology is calibrated to ensure that your anticipated rental revenue not only offsets but significantly surpasses your monthly loan repayments. This strategic orientation lays down a pathway for a robust monthly positive cash flow, fortifying your financial stability.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. For the most current and precise information regarding ADU construction requirements and regulations in the City of Anaheim, please refer to the official City of Anaheim website. We strongly recommend verifying all details with the official city resources before proceeding with any ADU project.

Official City of Anaheim website: https://www.anaheim.net/6349/ADUheim