01
Make sure the building can live in the yard
We measure the usable area and study how the new entry, windows, outdoor space, and path relate to the main home and neighboring properties. The drawing should leave enough room for the household to use the property during and after construction.
City rules control the allowed placement. Field review shows whether the proposed location also works for excavation, drainage, deliveries, scaffolding, roofing, and ongoing maintenance.
02
Trace every utility before setting the footprint
Sewer depth and direction can influence finished-floor elevation and plumbing layout. Electrical service, meter location, water route, heating and cooling equipment, and roof drainage also need space.
Anaheim’s current checklist calls for sewer-capacity verification and, in applicable electrical work, a meter spot report before plan-check submittal. Those tasks belong near the front of planning.
03
Build the shell for long-term use
A detached unit needs its own foundation, framing, roof, exterior openings, insulation, interior systems, kitchen, bathroom, finishes, and site connections. Material access and weather protection affect how the work is sequenced.
We want the proposal to identify the restoration around the building too: disturbed walks, planting, irrigation, walls, fences, and surfaces opened for trenches.
04
Choose the Anaheim review path that fits
Anaheim describes standard review, use of plans from its catalogue, and ADU Express for certain eligible properties. The Express path has its own address screening and plan requirements.
A custom site-built detached ADU can proceed through the standard route. The right choice depends on the property, desired layout, and current City requirements—not a marketing label.
City and state references
City and state references to revisit
Confirm public instructions before the contractor prices work that depends on an agency decision.
Continue from here
Carry this information into the next step
Bring us the property
Bring us the plans and site concerns
Describe the house, yard, and likely work area. Photos or older plans can make the call more useful.