Express is a defined City program—not a label for every small ADU or every pre-approved plan project.
The City says ADU Express is available only to certain qualified single-family properties. Begin with its address-based eligibility tool.
The City’s ADU hub describes Express as selecting one of the pre-approved detached ADUs in its catalogue.
Catalogue selection does not replace site screening. Staff review the property, plan choice, meter information, and any additional documents.
If the property is not eligible, Anaheim directs owners to the standard Building Division permit review process.
Program source: City of Anaheim ADU hub ↗
Current catalogue snapshot
Four listed plans, each with a different program
| Current reference | Program | Listed size | Planning use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan 001 | Studio | 224 sq. ft. | Smallest current catalogue option |
| Plan 002 | 1 bed / 1 bath | 499 sq. ft. | Compact one-bedroom option |
| Plan 003 | 2 bed / 2 bath | 990 sq. ft. | Two-bedroom program |
| Plan 004 | 3 bed / 3 bath | 1,199 sq. ft. | Largest current listed plan |
The catalogue page says to review each plan’s notes and check back as plans may be added. Treat these sizes as a September 5, 2026 snapshot, not a permanent inventory.
Live catalogue: Anaheim Pre-Approved Plan Catalogue ↗
The City’s published sequence
Seven steps from eligibility to inspections
Verify eligibility
Search the property address with Anaheim’s ADU Express Eligibility Tool. A result is a starting screen; City staff conduct the project review.
Select a pre-approved plan
Review the current catalogue’s sizes, options, images, notes, and any additional document requirements.
Contact City staff
The City currently directs eligible owners to obtain the specified Anaheim Public Utilities meter spot, then provide the report and selected plan number to Planning and Building staff.
Meet with City staff
After preliminary reviews, City staff describe an in-person meeting to create the site plan, review construction requirements, and answer questions.
Complete the online application
Express materials are uploaded to the City portal; the City says staff assist during the meeting and construction documents are obtained through the portal.
Building review and approval
The Building Division identifies applicable impact or school-district fees. Required fees must be handled before permit issuance.
Permits and inspections
A permit is not the end of the process. Required inspections occur at different construction stages and are scheduled through the City system.
Process source: Anaheim ADU Express Process ↗. Follow the City page for its current contacts, wording, timing, and submission instructions.
Pre-approved ≠ property-approved
The site plan is still a real design document.
Placement, access, utilities, meter location, clearances, easements, fire considerations, and the relationship to the primary home remain lot-specific. A catalogue plan can simplify one part of the work without eliminating the rest.
Capture your site unknowns in the project planner →