Setbacks & Height Limits in Anaheim

This guide summarizes the basic setback, height, and lot coverage rules that apply to residential construction in Anaheim. The exact numbers depend on your zoning district, any applicable overlay zones (such as the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan or the Scenic Corridor Overlay), and your lot geometry. Always confirm with the Anaheim Planning & Building Department before finalizing plans.

What Are Setbacks?

A setback is the minimum required distance between a building and a property line. Setbacks are measured from the property line to the nearest wall of the building. Anaheim's zoning code (Title 18 of the Anaheim Municipal Code) specifies front, side, and rear setbacks separately for each zoning district.

Corner lots have two "front" setbacks — one along each street frontage — plus one interior side and one rear.

Typical Residential Setbacks

For Anaheim's most common single-family and multi-family residential zones:

These are the base standards from Title 18. Specific plans such as the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan and the Platinum Triangle Master Land Use Plan may impose different requirements on properties within their boundaries.

Height Limits

Maximum building height in Anaheim's single-family zones (RS-2 and RS-3) is 28 ft or 2 stories, measured from the average grade to the highest point of the roof structure. In the RM-1 multi-family zone, height may reach 35 ft or 3 stories.

Height rules are further constrained in:

• Scenic Corridor Overlay — additional design and height review along designated corridors
• Anaheim Resort Specific Plan — unique standards in the Disneyland Resort area
• Airport influence zones — FAA Part 77 airspace limits near John Wayne Airport and Fullerton Municipal Airport
• Hillside areas — stepped-back massing requirements

Lot Coverage and FAR

Beyond setbacks and height, two other numbers shape how much you can build:

• Lot coverage — the percentage of the lot covered by buildings. Anaheim allows 40% in RS-2, 50% in RS-3, and 55% in RM-1.
• Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — the ratio of total floor area to lot area. RM-1 carries a FAR of 1.0; single-family zones primarily rely on coverage and setback controls rather than explicit FAR caps.

Common Exceptions and Encroachments

Anaheim's zoning code, like most California cities, allows certain features to project into required setbacks:

• Eaves, gutters, and cornices (typically up to 2 ft)
• Chimneys and flues (up to 2 ft)
• Uncovered porches, stoops, and steps
• Bay windows (limited projection)
• Air conditioning condensers, subject to noise limits

Fences, retaining walls, and accessory structures follow separate rules in Title 18. Always check the current code before relying on any encroachment allowance.

State ADU Overrides

If your project is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), California state law overrides local setback and height rules. Under AB 68, SB 13, AB 881, and AB 2221, Anaheim must allow a minimum 4 ft side and rear setback for new detached ADUs, may not impose setbacks on the conversion of existing legal structures, and must permit at least 16 ft of height for a detached ADU (18 ft or 25 ft in certain transit or multifamily contexts). See the ADU rules page for Anaheim-specific details.

How to Look Up Your Specific Requirements

1. Find your zoning district — use the Anaheim zoning map linked in the sources above
2. Read the district regulations — your zone's chapter in Title 18 of the Anaheim Municipal Code lists setbacks, height, lot coverage, and any FAR
3. Check for overlays and specific plans — Anaheim Resort, Platinum Triangle, Scenic Corridor, and hillside overlays can modify the base standards
4. Contact Planning staff — Anaheim Planning & Building offers a zoning information counter to confirm requirements before you invest in design

Variances

If your project cannot meet the strict letter of the zoning code, you may apply for a variance — a discretionary request to deviate from the rules based on hardship specific to your lot. Variances require findings of fact and typically a public hearing before the Planning Commission. See the Variance Application Guide for the general process.

Official Sources

See the sources linked in the frontmatter for the Anaheim Municipal Code (Title 18 on Municode) and the Anaheim Planning & Building Department. This guide is informational and is not a substitute for direct confirmation from planning staff.

Disclaimer: Zoning regulations change. Always verify the current rules with the Anaheim Planning & Building Department before making design, purchase, or construction decisions.