ADU Builder in Anaheim & Anaheim Hills
Anaheim reported 441 ADU building permits in 2025, up from 349 in 2023, according to the City’s housing reports to the state. That’s the highest count of any city we focus on. Households here are large, averaging 3.18 people (Census), so a backyard unit is often about keeping family close as much as rental income.
ADU permits are climbing in Anaheim
Orange Home Builders is a design-build general contractor licensed by the CSLB (#1117595, class B). Our design team produces 3D designs and construction drawings, we handle the permits and any HOA paperwork, and a project manager runs the job, whether your lot is in central Anaheim or up in Anaheim Hills.
Two paths: ADU Express or a standard permit
ADU Express with a pre-approved plan
The City’s ADU Express program lets qualified single-family properties complete review in one to three days using a free plan from the City’s catalogue:
| Plan | Layout | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 001 | Studio | 224 sq ft |
| 002 | 1 bed / 1 bath | 499 sq ft |
| 003 | 2 bed / 2 bath | 990 sq ft |
| 004 | 3 bed / 3 bath | 1,199 sq ft |
The City says the plans include code requirements in effect as of July 1, 2024. Even with a pre-approved plan, some projects still need a site plan, Title 24 energy documents, structural details or a soils report.
The standard path
For an attached ADU, a garage conversion, a JADU or a custom layout, you go through the standard process with a design professional. That’s where our in-house design team comes in. Anaheim’s ADU rules are in Anaheim Municipal Code Section 18.38.015. Our ADU and additions service covers what we design and build.
How ADU Express works, step by step
The City’s ADU Express process, with our role at each step:
- Check eligibility with the City’s online ADU Express eligibility tool. We’ll go through it with you.
- Pick a plan from the catalogue that fits your yard and budget.
- Plan the meter. Call Anaheim Public Utilities at (714) 765-6847 for a free meter spot and request an “A 400 AMP, Multi-Meter Location.” The City says a site visit usually happens within three business days.
- Email the City at ADUAnaheim@anaheim.net to start.
- Meet at City Hall in person to create the site plan.
- Pay school fees. Anaheim is served by six school districts, and your fee goes to the district for your address.
- Get the permit. The City says it can be issued in one day once fees are paid.
Then the real work starts: foundation, framing, utilities, finishes and inspections, coordinated by your project manager.
JADUs and owner occupancy
A junior ADU is built within the existing home. Anaheim requires a deed restriction for owner occupancy on JADUs, so the owner lives in either the main house or the junior unit. Standard ADUs don’t carry that requirement under state law, as summarized in HCD’s ADU Handbook.
Building in the hills: fire hazard zones
The Anaheim Fire & Rescue Fire Hazard Severity Zones page notes that wildfire is a threat in the city, particularly in east Anaheim, and that CAL FIRE updated the zone maps in spring 2025. If your property is in a mapped zone, that can affect exterior materials, vents and defensible space around a new ADU.
- The City has a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist at (714) 765-4039 for home-hardening questions.
- The City lists rebates for home-hardening measures. We can point you to the current program before you choose materials.
We check the fire map for your address during feasibility, before design locks in your siding, roofing and windows.
What the numbers say about Anaheim homes
| Census measure | Anaheim |
|---|---|
| Households | 106,317 |
| Persons per household | 3.18 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 46.2% |
| Median owner-occupied value | $831,200 |
With a lower median home value than the coastal cities, a well-planned ADU adds living space without buying a second property.
Why work with Orange Home Builders
- CSLB #1117595, class B general building contractor.
- Design and build in one contract, with 3D designs before construction.
- Office: 4000 MacArthur Blvd #600, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
- Rated 5.0 on Google, 50 reviews. Read our testimonials.
Anaheim ADU FAQ
What is ADU Express in Anaheim?
ADU Express is the City’s fast-track program. Qualified single-family properties using one of the City’s free pre-approved plans can complete review in one to three days, and the permit can be issued in one day once fees are paid.
What sizes are Anaheim's pre-approved ADU plans?
The catalogue lists a 224 square foot studio, a 499 square foot one-bedroom, a 990 square foot two-bedroom and a 1,199 square foot three-bedroom plan.
Why do I need to call Anaheim Public Utilities before applying?
ADU Express asks you to call Anaheim Public Utilities at (714) 765-6847 for a free meter spot, requesting an A 400 AMP, Multi-Meter Location. The City says the site visit usually happens within three business days.
Does a JADU in Anaheim require owner occupancy?
Yes. Anaheim requires a deed restriction for owner occupancy on junior ADUs.
Does a pre-approved plan mean no other documents are needed?
Not always. The City notes that some projects using pre-approved plans still need a site plan, Title 24 energy documents, structural details or a soils report.
Do fire hazard zones affect ADUs in Anaheim Hills?
They can. Anaheim Fire & Rescue notes wildfire risk particularly in east Anaheim, and CAL FIRE updated the zone maps in spring 2025, so we check the map for your address before design.
Ready to choose a path?
Tell us your address and whether a pre-approved plan or a custom ADU interests you. Call (888) 599-7556 or contact us.