Local zoning · Anaheim

Anaheim — Zoning

Zoning under the Anaheim local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Anaheim's local zoning rules are codified in Title 18 (Zoning Code); Title 18 establishes base zones, overlays, and Specific Plans that control allowable land uses, site layout, height and bulk, and required approvals. The official city Zoning Map is on file at the Planning Department and controls the actual district applied to a parcel; disputes about map lines or uses are resolved under the Code's interpretation rules. § 18.01.010, § 18.90.040–050 .

Note: this page covers zoning rules and districts in the Anaheim Municipal Code (Title 18) only. For specific development standards and technical construction rules see the city's Anaheim Development Standards and the California Building Standards Code (Title 24).

How the Code is organized (quick)

  • Title 18 is the Zoning Code and sets base zones (Chapters 18.04–18.14), overlays (Chapters 18.18–18.32), and Specific Plans (Chapters 18.100+) § 18.01.030 .
  • The City’s official Zoning Map is incorporated by reference and is on file with the Planning Department; where boundaries are unclear the rules in § 18.90.050 apply (follow streets, use scale, etc.) .
  • Specific Plans (e.g., Anaheim Resort, Anaheim Canyon, Beach Boulevard) typically replace or supplement base-zone rules inside their boundaries and require Final Site Plan compliance; see Chapter 18.72 and individual Specific Plan chapters (e.g., 18.116, 18.120, 18.122) .

Links you will see in this page: when the topic appears naturally you'll find the city's pages for Anaheim Land Use, Anaheim Development Standards, Anaheim Parking, Anaheim Design Review, Anaheim Overlay Districts, Anaheim ADUs, Anaheim Signage, and the California Building Standards Code (Title 24).

District-by-district (selected decision‑relevant districts)

Below are the districts called out in Title 18 and in the major Specific Plans. Each subsection gives the purpose (what the zone is for), typical permitted uses (summary), the key dimensional or numeric standards found in the Code (or notes when numeric specifics were not in the retrieved files), and where the district typically applies.

Single‑Family Residential zones (examples: RH-1, RH-2, RH-3, RS-1)

  • Purpose: create healthy, safe neighborhoods and implement corresponding General Plan residential designations § 18.04.010 .
  • Typical permitted uses: detached single‑family dwellings, accessory uses consistent with residential neighborhoods (see Chapter 18.04 for the full list).
  • Key numeric standards: the Code defines minimum lot sizes for several single‑family zone variants — for example RH‑1 minimum lot size 43,560 sq ft, RH‑2 22,000 sq ft, RH‑3 10,000 sq ft, RS‑1 10,000 sq ft (intent and minimums listed under 18.04.020). Where specific front‑yard/setback tables exist they are listed as Appendices referenced by the chapter (e.g., Appendix B - Setbacks) § 18.04.020; Subsection 18.04.100.010 .
  • Where it applies: citywide areas mapped as single‑family on the Zoning Map; see Planning Department map per § 18.90.040 .

RM‑1, RM‑2, RM‑3, RM‑3.5, RM‑4 (Multiple‑Family Residential zones)

  • Purpose: provide a spectrum of multi‑family densities and housing types, from corridor/townhouse conversions (RM‑1) to higher‑density multifamily (RM‑4) § 18.06.020 .
  • Typical permitted uses: multi-family dwellings, townhouses, accessory uses appropriate to residential zones (refer to Table 6‑A and Chapters 18.36, 18.06).
  • Key numeric standards (explicit in Title 18):
    • RM‑1: minimum building site area per dwelling unit 3,350 sq ft.
    • RM‑2: 3,000 sq ft per unit.
    • RM‑3: 2,400 sq ft per unit.
    • RM‑3.5: 1,600 sq ft per unit.
    • RM‑4: 1,200 sq ft per unit.
    • Minimum unit floor area and rules for studios/1‑bed/2‑bed etc appear in Table 6‑G (Floor Area: Multiple‑Family) § 18.06.020–030; Table 6‑G .
  • Where it applies: areas mapped RM on the City's Zoning Map; some Specific Plans reference an underlying RM zone where the Specific Plan is silent (e.g., Beach Blvd uses RM‑3 / RM‑4 as underlying zones) § 18.122.030 .

C‑R (Commercial‑Recreation) District and Anaheim Resort Specific Plan (SP 92‑1) — C‑R and PR

  • Purpose: support Anaheim Resort uses (hotels, tourism, entertainment, retail) and public recreation § 18.116.020 .
  • Typical permitted uses: hotels, theme‑park‑support uses, retail and entertainment; overlays (ARR, TP, MHP, Parking) further refine allowed uses and processes § 18.116.050 .
  • Key numeric standards and special rules:
    • Specific setback minima for certain frontages: e.g., Clementine Street: 20 ft (≤75 ft height) or 30 ft (if >75 ft); Katella Avenue: 11 ft minimum; Harbor Boulevard: 26 ft minimum § 18.114.050/.060; 18.116.050–060 .
    • Maximum heights are tied to a Resort Height Map and are specifically controlled in the Resort SP (reference to Section 18.40.080 and Tables in the Resort chapter) § 18.116.080; 18.40.080 .
  • Where it applies: The Anaheim Resort Specific Plan boundaries shown in the Specific Plan exhibits; the Zoning Map reflects these areas after reclassification § 18.116.040; § 18.72.040 .

Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan (Chapter 18.120) — Development Areas DA‑1 → DA‑6 (and DA‑7 Flex)

  • Purpose: create a regional employment/industrial center with mixed uses around transit § 18.120.010–030 .
  • Typical uses: industrial, recycling, transit‑oriented mixed use, local & general commercial, open space and water management areas (DA‑1 through DA‑6; DA‑7 combines DA‑1 & DA‑5 standards) § 18.120.020.030 .
  • Key standards/process: Specific Plan implementation requires Final Site Plan approval and the Specific Plan's standards supersede or supplement base Title 18 standards where they conflict; see 18.118.040 and 18.72.040 for procedural rules § 18.118.040; 18.72.040 .
  • Where it applies: defined plan area and development area maps in the Specific Plan; Zoning Map is amended when the Specific Plan is adopted § 18.120.020–030 .

Disneyland Resort Specific Plan (Chapter 18.114) — Theme Park, Parking, Southeast, District A, overlays

  • Purpose & Uses: tailored rules for the Resort area; encourages tourist‑oriented facilities and integrated design; includes Theme Park District and PR District rules and multiple overlays (GardenWalk, C‑R Overlay, TP, P) § 18.114.020–050 .
  • Key procedural rule: Final Site Plan approvals are required and building plans must demonstrate substantial compliance before permits are issued; limited Final Site Plan exemptions exist § 18.118.040; 18.116.040 .

Overlay Districts (selected)

  • Floodplain (FP) Overlay: applied over base zones where FEMA maps or City Engineer indicate flood hazard; more restrictive overlay provisions control and may supersede underlying zone § 18.28.010–020 .
  • Scenic Corridor (SC) Overlay: many Specific Plans and base zones make projects subject to Chapter 18.18 (SC) (e.g., Anaheim Canyon and other SP chapters reference SC) § 18.120.020.060; 18.112 .
  • MHP, ARR, TP, P — overlays inside Resort/Specific Plan areas with their own rules and boundaries shown on Specific Plan exhibits; where conflict occurs the more restrictive overlay or Specific Plan provision will govern § 18.116.050–060; 18.72.040 .

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant standards / permitted uses

District / Overlay Key decision-relevant standard or typical permitted use Code reference
RM‑1 Minimum building site area per dwelling unit 3,350 sq ft; intended for corridor/townhouse conversion § 18.06.020 .010
RM‑4 Minimum building site area per dwelling unit 1,200 sq ft; higher-density multifamily § 18.06.020 .040
C‑R (Anaheim Resort) Specific setbacks: Clementine 20 ft / 30 ft, Katella 11 ft, Harbor 26 ft; Resort Height Map controls max height § 18.116.050–060; 18.40.080
FP (Floodplain Overlay) Floodplain rules apply above base zone; restricts new construction in regulatory floodway, references FEMA FIRM § 18.28.010–020
Anaheim Canyon DA‑3 (Transit‑Oriented Area) Specific Plan controls allowed mix of residential and commercial; SP requires Final Site Plan before permits § 18.120.020–030; 18.118.040

(For complete permitted‑uses lists, consult the applicable Tables in Chapters 18.04–18.14, Chapter 18.36 (Types of Uses), and the Tables inside each Specific Plan chapter.) § 18.06.030; 18.36.030–040 .

Practical guidance & interpretation notes

  • Always start by verifying the parcel's official zoning on the city's Zoning Map on file at Planning; the Code explicit states the map is controlling and on file with the Planning Department § 18.90.040 .
  • If your parcel sits inside a Specific Plan (e.g., Anaheim Resort, Anaheim Canyon, Beach Boulevard), the Specific Plan chapter (e.g., 18.114, 18.120, 18.122) may replace base zone rules for uses, setbacks, heights, and procedural requirements — read the Specific Plan chapter first; when silent, the underlying zone applies § 18.116.020; 18.120.010–020; 18.122.020 .
  • Many projects inside Specific Plans require a Final Site Plan or Final Plan Review before building permits; the Code lists required contents for final site plans (parking counts, elevations, landscaping, signage, etc.) § 18.118.040 .020; 18.70 .
  • For parking requirements consult the City's parking chapter and the Specific Plan rules where they supersede base parking rules — the Code expects parking to be shown on Final Site Plan submittals § 18.118.040.020.02 and the city's parking rules (refer to the city's planning pages) . See the city Anaheim Parking page for guidance.
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Title 18 contains dwelling‑use controls, but state ADU law and local ADU rules interact — confirm both (see Anaheim ADUs and California ADU law). If the local code is silent or more restrictive than state law, verify applicability — Title 18 chapters mentioning dwellings and Specific Plan provisions reference underlying zones for dwelling permissions § 18.04; 18.72 .

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Confirm parcel's official zoning on the City Zoning Map (Zoning Map on file with Planning) § 18.90.040
  • Identify whether property lies inside a Specific Plan (e.g., 18.114, 18.120, 18.122) and use that chapter as primary guidance § 18.72.040; 18.116; 18.120; 18.122
  • Review permitted uses and Table references in the applicable base zone chapter (e.g., Chapter 18.06 for RM zones; Chapter 18.04 for single‑family) § 18.06.030; 18.04.010
  • Assemble Final Site Plan (if in a Specific Plan or if Code requires) with required elements: property lines, uses, building plans/elevations, parking counts, landscaping, signage § 18.118.040.020
  • Determine whether a Conditional Use Permit / Variance / Density Bonus is required and prepare required findings (Chapters 18.66, 18.74, 18.52) § 18.66; 18.74; 18.52
  • Check overlay zones that apply (FP, SC, ARR, MHP, etc.) and adjust standards accordingly § 18.28; 18.18; 18.116
  • Verify signage and any sign program compliance (Special Plan sign chapters and Chapter 18.116.160) and show signage on Final Site Plan § 18.118.040.020.07; 18.116.160

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Zoning map boundary ambiguity Boundaries "follow street or lot lines" or must be measured by map scale; small shifts can change allowed uses Confirm the official map in Planning and invoke interpretation rules § 18.90.050
Specific Plan vs. Base Zone conflict Specific Plan provisions may supersede base Title 18 standards in their area Determine whether the property is inside a Specific Plan and which chapter controls; read both SP chapter and 18.72.040 on SP implementation § 18.72.040; 18.116; 18.120
Missing numeric standard for a particular lot (setbacks, lot coverage) City uses appendix tables and Specific Plan exhibits for many numeric standards If the numeric standard is not in the base zone text, consult Appendix tables (e.g., Appendix B) and the specific plan exhibits; if still missing, "Verify with the jurisdiction" Subsec. 18.04.100.010; Appendix B
Overlays that change height/setback rules Overlay zones (FP, SC, ARR, TP) can change what is allowed and require greater restrictions Check overlay boundaries on the Zoning Map and the overlay chapter text (e.g., § 18.28 FP)
Nonconforming structures / expansion rules Expansion of nonconforming buildings has special limits and may trigger additional site standards Review Chapter 18.56 (Nonconformities) and SP provisions on expansions (example: Anaheim Resort/SP expansion rules) § 18.56; 18.116.050.05

Plain‑English summary

Anaheim's zoning lives in Title 18: check the City's official Zoning Map first; then read the base zone chapter that applies (single‑family, RM, commercial, etc.). If your lot is inside a Specific Plan (Anaheim Resort, Anaheim Canyon, Beach Boulevard), the Specific Plan chapter normally controls uses, setbacks, and approval steps — you will probably need a Final Site Plan and may need discretionary permits depending on the proposed use. Always verify overlays and the official Zoning Map with Planning. § 18.01.030; 18.90.040; 18.72.040; 18.118.040

Source References

  • Title 18 (Zoning Code) — Chapter organization, Title and purpose § 18.01.010–030
  • Single‑Family residential zones — purpose and intent § 18.04.010–020; Subsection 18.04.100.010 (Appendix B Setbacks)
  • Multiple‑Family zones (RM‑1 through RM‑4), minimum building site area per unit § 18.06.010–020; Table 6‑G
  • Zoning Map and interpretation rules § 18.90.040–050
  • Specific Plan procedures & Final Site Plan content § 18.72.040; § 18.118.040
  • Anaheim Resort Specific Plan chapter — C‑R, PR, overlays, setbacks and height rules § 18.116.020–090; 18.116.160; 18.40.080
  • Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan chapter § 18.120.010–030
  • Beach Boulevard Specific Plan chapter § 18.122.020–030
  • Floodplain (FP) Overlay § 18.28.010–020

Additional city planning resources referenced in the guidance above: Anaheim Land Use, Anaheim Development Standards, Anaheim Parking, Anaheim Design Review, Anaheim Overlay Districts, Anaheim ADUs, Anaheim Signage, California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (Chapter 18.01) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (Chapter 18.72) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (Chapter 18.72) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (Chapter 18.120) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (Section 18.116.130) High relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (Chapter 18.66) Medium relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (Chapter 18.72) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 2 (Chapter 18.72) Medium relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Anaheim Zoning Code (Chapter 18.06) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an RM‑3 lot in Anaheim?

You can build the uses listed for multiple‑family residential zones (townhouses, stacked flats, low‑rise apartments) as listed in the Code's uses tables; RM‑3 specifically has a minimum building site area per dwelling unit of 2,400 sq ft and floor‑area minimums are in Table 6‑G — consult § 18.06.020–030 and Table 6‑G for unit size rules and permitted primary uses § 18.06.020–030; Table 6‑G .

What are Anaheim's official zoning map and boundary rules?

The Zoning Map is the legal map on file in the Planning Department and is incorporated into the Code; where boundaries are unclear the Code instructs to follow street/lot lines or the map scale to resolve the boundary § 18.90.040–050 .

Do Specific Plans override base zoning in Anaheim?

Yes. A Specific Plan chapter (e.g., 18.116, 18.120, 18.122) generally governs within its area and may replace base Title 18 standards; where the Specific Plan is silent the underlying zone applies. Specific Plan implementation and reclassification are governed by Chapter 18.72 § 18.72.040; 18.116; 18.120 .

Do I always need a Final Site Plan before I get a building permit?

Many Specific Plans and some zones require Final Site Plan approval before issuance of building permits; the Code lists required Final Site Plan contents (property lines, parking, elevations, landscaping, signage) and also lists limited Final Site Plan exemptions § 18.118.040.020 .

What are the height and setback rules in the Anaheim Resort area?

Height is controlled by the Anaheim Resort Maximum Permitted Structural Height Map (see § 18.40.080 reference) and the Resort chapter sets specific street setbacks (example: Clementine 20/30 ft, Katella 11 ft, Harbor 26 ft) — consult § 18.116.050–060 and the Resort exhibits for exact parcel‑level heights § 18.116.050–060; 18.40.080 .

How do overlays like Floodplain (FP) affect what I can build?

Overlay zones modify the underlying zone; the Floodplain (FP) Overlay restricts encroachments and new construction in regulatory floodways and follows FEMA FIRM maps and City Engineer determinations § 18.28.010–020 .

Where do I find numerical setback or lot coverage limits?

Some numeric standards appear in the base chapter appendices (e.g., Appendix B Setbacks in Chapter 18.04) or in Specific Plan tables/exhibits. If a numeric standard is not present in the chapter text you must check the appendices, the Specific Plan exhibits, or contact Planning — the Code references appendices and tables where those values live Subsec. 18.04.100.010; Appendix B; Specific Plan tables .

Are nonconforming buildings allowed to be expanded?

Yes — the Code and several Specific Plans include rules for expansion of nonconforming structures; expansions are allowed under specified limits but may trigger compliance with site, landscaping, and signage requirements — see Chapter 18.56 (Nonconformities) and specific plan nonconforming rules § 18.56; 18.116.050 .

Do I need to check parking rules too?

Yes. Parking must be shown in Final Site Plans and parking standards in base Title 18 or a Specific Plan apply; verify the applicable parking rules and any Specific Plan exemptions § 18.118.040.020.02; Chapter references in Specific Plans .

If something isn't in Title 18, what next?

If the ordinance text or specific plan is silent on a topic, Title 18 tells you the Planning Commission/Director has authority to interpret or the Planning Commission can recommend an amendment; use Chapter 18.90.060 for resolution of ambiguities and 18.72.040 for Specific Plan adjustments § 18.90.060; 18.72.040 . ---

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