The purpose of this chapter is to describe allowable land uses and property development standards, including density of development, for the single-family residential zones to create healthy, safe and attractive neighborhoods in the City of Anaheim, consistent with the policy direction in the Anaheim General Plan. The intent of each of the single-family residential zones is described below. (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)

   The single-family residential zones consist of the following.

   .010   “RH-1” Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone. The intent of the “RH-1” Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone is to provide an attractive, safe, and healthy environment of a spacious and semi-rural character, with single-family dwelling units on a minimum lot size of forty three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet. This zone implements the Estate Residential land use designation in the General Plan.

   .020   “RH-2” Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone. The intent of the “RH-2” Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone is to provide an attractive, safe, and healthy environment of a spacious and semi-rural character, with single-family dwelling units on a minimum lot size of twenty two thousand (22,000) square feet. This zone implements the Estate Residential land use designation in the General Plan.

   .030   “RH-3” Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone. The intent of the “RH-3” Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone is to provide an attractive, safe, and healthy environment in keeping with the natural amenities and scenic resources of the area, with single-family dwelling units on a minimum lot size of ten thousand (10,000) square feet. This zone implements the Low Density Residential land use designation in the General Plan.

   .040   “RS-1” Single-Family Residential Zone. The intent of the “RS-1” Single-Family Residential Zone is to provide an attractive, safe, and healthy environment with single-family dwelling units on a minimum lot size of ten thousand (10,000) square feet. This zone implements the Low Density Residential land use designation in the General Plan.

   .050   “RS-2” Single-Family Residential Zone. The intent of the “RS-2” Single-Family Residential Zone is to provide an attractive, safe, and healthy environment with single-family dwelling units on a minimum lot size of seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet. This zone implements the Low Density Residential land use designation in the General Plan.

   .060   “RS-3” Single-Family Residential Zone. The intent of the “RS-3” Single-Family Residential Zone is to provide an attractive, safe, and healthy environment with single-family dwelling units on a minimum lot size of five thousand (5,000) square feet. This zone implements the Low Density Residential and Low-Medium Hillside Density Residential land use designations in the General Plan.

   .070   “RS-4” Single-Family Residential Zone. The intent of the “RS-4” Single-Family Residential Zone is to provide for and encourage the development of high-quality residential units on small lots, in order to provide additional housing choices and use land efficiently. This zone implements the Corridor Residential land use designation in the General Plan for projects with proposed densities that are no greater than 13 dwelling units per acre, and the Low-Medium Density Residential and Low-Medium Hillside Density land use designations in the General Plan. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6522 § 1; January 25, 2022.)

   .010   Primary Uses. Table 4-A (Primary Uses: Single-Family Residential Zones) identifies allowable primary uses, listed by classes of uses, as defined in Section 18.36.030 and Section 18.36.040 of Chapter 18.36 (Types of Uses).

   .020   Accessory Uses. Table 4-B (Accessory Uses and Structures: Single-Family Residential Zones) identifies allowable accessory uses and structures, listed by classes of uses, as defined in Section 18.36.050 of Chapter 18.36 (Types of Uses).

   .030   Temporary Uses. Table 4-C (Temporary Uses and Structures: Single-Family Residential Zones) identifies allowable temporary uses and structures, listed by classes of uses, as defined in Section 18.36.060 of Chapter 18.36 (Types of Uses).

   .040   The allowable uses in Tables 4-A, 4-B and 4-C for each zone are established by letter designations as follows:

      .0401   “P” designates classes of uses permitted by right;

      .0402   “C” designates classes of uses permitted with a conditional use permit; and

      .0403   “M” designates classes of uses permitted with a minor conditional use permit; and

      .0404   “N” designates classes of uses that are prohibited.

   .050   Interpreting Classes of Uses. The provisions for interpreting the classes of uses in Tables 4-A, 4-B or 4-C are set forth in Section 18.36.020 (Classification of Uses) of Chapter 18.36 (Types of Uses).

   .060   Unlisted Uses. Any class of use that is not listed in Tables 4-A, 4-B or 4-C is not permitted.

   .070   Development in the “RS-4” Zone. All development in the “RS-4” Zone is subject to the provisions of Section 18.04.160 of this chapter.

   .080   Special Provisions. Special provisions related to a use are referenced in the “Special Provisions” column of Tables 4-A, 4-B and 4-C. Such provisions may include references to other applicable code sections, or limitations to the specified land use.

   .090   Overlay Zones. Any property that is located within an overlay zone may be subject to additional requirements as specified in the overlay zone.

 

 

   .095   Building Articulation. Articulate building facades along street frontages by using color, arrangement of facade elements, a change in materials, or other architectural devices.

   .100   Design Compatibility of Detached Accessory Structure. Any detached structure that is used to accommodate an accessory use listed in Table 4-B (Accessory Uses and Structures: Single-Family Residential Zones), and that is more than one hundred twenty (120) square feet in total floor area, shall not have metal, vinyl, or plastic siding, unless the main structure has similar metal, vinyl, or plastic siding.

 

 

   .110   Additional Restrictions for Temporary Uses.

      .1101   Cargo containers may be permitted for the storage of construction materials only when building permits have been issued for substantial construction on the site. The containers shall not be used for the storage of furniture or other household items, and shall not block vehicular or pedestrian access to the property.

      .1102   Portable canopies, sunshades, sails, tarps or similar shade apparatus are not permitted if visible from a public right-of-way and shall not be used as a permanent shield or patio cover where visible to residential uses.

      .1103   Window and door awnings or similar shade structures are not considered temporary structures when they are attached to residential structures. Said window and door awnings or similar shade structures shall be permanently attached to the residential structure and limited in width to 120% of the window or door they are shading.

      .1104   Holiday decorations shall be removed within forty-five (45) calendar days after the holiday. This includes but is not limited to any projecting light devices, inflatable devices, exterior string lights generally associated with holidays, or other ground mounted decorations. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 5998 § 1; October 25, 2005: Ord. 6000 § 1; November 8, 2005: Ord. 6007 § 1; November 11, 2005: Ord. 6030 § 1: August 22, 2006: Ord. 6031 § 2: August 22, 2006: Ord. 6101 § 2 (part); April 22, 2008: Ord. 6289 § 1; October 8, 2013: Ord. 6299 § 2; May 13, 2014: Ord. 6351 § 1; December 15, 2015: Ord. 6419 § 2; August 29, 2017: Ord. 6432, §§ 1, 2; April 10, 2018: Ord. 6461 §§ 1, 2; April 16, 2019: Ord. 6483 § 1; June 9, 2020: Ord. 6493 § 1; September 29, 2020: Ord. 6506 § 3; February 9, 2021: Ord. 6524 § 3; January 25, 2022: Ord. 6526 § 1; February 15, 2022: Ord. 6555 § 3; April 4, 2023: Ord. 6602 § 1; January 28, 2025; Ord. 6620 §§ 5 - 7; January 13, 2026.)

   .010   Density and Minimum Lot Area. The minimum lot area for single-family residential zones is shown in Table 4-D. The maximum density permitted on a development site shall be the lesser of what is permitted by the following table or the maximum density permitted based on the site’s General Plan land use designation. The boundaries of the development site used to determine the maximum density permitted by the General Plan is based on the Gross Acre(s) of the property as defined in Section 18.92.040 (Acres, Gross).

 

   .020   Unless specified otherwise, the minimum lot area measurement in Table 4-D excludes public and private streets, alley rights-of-way, and public and private easements for ingress and egress. The minimum lot area shall consist of contiguous land area, not divided into two (2) or more separate parts by such streets or easements for ingress and egress.

   .030   Building site requirements in Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards) also apply. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6286 § 1; September 3, 2013.)

   .010   Lot Width. The minimum lot width for single-family residential zones is shown in Table 4-E.

 

   .020   Lot Width on Cul-de-Sac or Knuckle Lots. The lot width for a cul-de-sac or knuckle lot shall be measured at the required front setback line. (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)

   .010   Lots Adjacent to Freeways or Scenic Expressways. Single-family residential lots adjacent to freeways and scenic expressways shall rear-on or side-on the freeway or expressway.

   .020   Lots Adjacent to Other Arterial Highways or Railroad Rights-Of-Way. Single-family residential lots adjacent to all arterial highways, other than those described in subsection .010 above, or railroad rights-of-way shall not take vehicular access from the arterial highway. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6382 § 26; October 18, 2016.)

   .010   Maximum Height. The maximum structural heights for single-family residential zones are shown in Table 4-F.

 

   .020   Other Standards. The standards in this section apply in addition to the Structural Height Limitations and Structural Setback in Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards).

   .030   Accessory Buildings. Non-habitable and habitable accessory structures, including but not limited to, garages, garden and storage sheds, and accessory living quarters, shall not exceed a height of one (1) story or sixteen (16) feet, whichever is less. This provision shall not apply to structures that are located outside of all required setback areas and comply with the same provisions as the main dwelling. All accessory structures encroaching into required setback areas may be subject to additional height restrictions as outlined in Section 18.04.100 (Table 4-J — Permitted Encroachments for Accessory Uses/Structures: Single- Family Residential Zones). (Ord. 5944 1; September 28, 2004: Ord. 6137 § 1; April 14, 2009.)

   .040   Exceptions.

      .0401   Pursuant to the conditions of approval of Tract Nos. 8418 and 8647, a one (1) story height overlay zone is hereby established and imposed upon those certain lots abutting the area known as "Peralta Hills," and located on the north side of Valley Gate Drive, the east side of Sleepy Meadow Lane north of Forest Glen Road, and the north side of Forest Glen Road and Old Bucket Lane between Sleepy Meadow Lane and Nohl Ranch Road, and further described as Lot Nos. 65 through 79, inclusive, of Tract No. 8418, and Lot Nos. 24 through 46, inclusive, of Tract No. 8647. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, the maximum structural height on said lots shall not exceed one (1) story or twenty-five (25) feet, whichever is less, except as permitted pursuant to Chapter 18.18 (Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone). The term "One Story," as used in this subsection, shall mean a single habitable floor, and shall not permit any loft, mezzanine, balcony or similar habitable floor or area above such single habitable floor.

      .0402   The maximum height of any building in the area known as "Hidden Canyon," defined as the area south of Avenida de Santiago in the City of Anaheim, shall be thirty-five (35) feet, except as otherwise permitted in Section 18.40.030 (Structural Height Limitations) of Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards).

      .0403   Lots within Tract Nos. 10996, 10997, 10998 and 13760 are subject to Resolution No. 80-1407 of the Board of Supervisors of Orange County, dated September 2, 1980. This resolution indicates "Texaco-Anaheim Hills, Inc. has given verbal assurance that the viewshed from the floor of Weir Canyon will be protected from proposed residential development along the westerly rim of the canyon through private open space mitigations such as estate densities, restricted grading, landscaping edge treatments, and/or covenants, conditions and restrictions." Any new construction within these tracts must receive County approval, indicating compliance with this agreement. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6101 § 2 (part); April 22, 2008: Ord. 6316 § 1; March 3, 2015: Ord. 6382 § 27; October 18, 2016: Ord. 6483 § 2; June 9, 2020.)

   .010   Floor Area. The minimum livable floor area per dwelling, exclusive of garage area, for single-family residential zones is shown in Table 4-G.

 

   .020   Detached Accessory Buildings and Structures. The maximum cumulative square footage of all enclosed accessory structures, as identified in Table 4-B (Accessory Uses and Structures: Single-Family Residential Zones) of this chapter, shall be limited to the minimum livable floor area of the main dwelling for the underlying zone, as identified in Table 4-G above, and shall not exceed the square footage of the main dwelling. Any detached garage spaces that are required by this Code shall not be counted towards this limitation. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6526 § 2; February 15, 2022.)

   .010   Lot Coverage. The maximum lot coverage for single-family residential zones is shown in Table 4-H.

 

   .020   Patio Structure. Patio structures are accessory structures, but not subject to lot coverage or area limitations, except as required by the Building Code and Table 4-J (Permitted Encroachments for Accessory Uses/Structures: Single-Family Residential Zones).

   .030   Accessory Buildings and Structures. All accessory buildings and structures shall be included in the maximum lot coverage calculation except as otherwise specified in this chapter. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 5998 § 2; October 25, 2005: Ord. 6101 § 2 (part); April 22, 2008: Ord. 6570 §§ 1, 2; March 19, 2024.)

   .010   Setbacks for Single-Family Residential Zones.

      .0101   The minimum setbacks for single-family residential zones are shown in Table 4-I. These setbacks apply in addition to the setback and yard requirements of Sections 18.40.040 (Structural Setbacks and Yards) and 18.40.050 (Special Area Setbacks) of Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards). Encroachments into setback areas are contained in subsection .040 below.

      .0102   Unless otherwise provided in this title, setbacks shall be measured from the ultimate right-of-way, recorded access easement, or recorded riding and hiking trails.

      .0103   In addition to the provisions of Table 4-I, a tilt-up garage door shall be set back a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the ultimate right-of-way line of the street used for access, and a roll-up garage door shall be set back a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the ultimate right-of-way line of the street used for access. If the underlying zone requires a greater setback, the greater setback shall be provided.

      .0104   Notwithstanding any other provision, any structure used for human habitation shall maintain a setback of not less than ten (10) feet from any riding and hiking trail easement of record.

      .0105   Notwithstanding any other provision, any enclosed detached accessory structure in excess of 120 square feet intended for habitation having finished interior, insulated ceiling and/or wall, ability to be temperature controlled, such as a guest room, recreation room, workshop, office etc. shall conform to setback requirements for the primary residence.

 

   .020   Other Code Provisions. The standards in this section apply in addition to the setback and yard requirements in Section 18.40.040 and the special area setbacks in Section 18.40.060 of Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards).

   .030   Accessory Buildings and Structures. Accessory buildings or structures can be attached to a main building or be entirely detached.

      .0301   If an accessory building or structure is attached to the main building by means of a common wall, it shall comply with the requirements of this title applicable to the main building, including side and rear setbacks except as set forth in Table 4-J below.

      .0302   If an accessory building or structure is not attached to the main building, it shall be separated from the main building the minimum distance established by the Uniform Building Code, and shall comply with the provisions of subsection .040 below.

   .040   Permitted Encroachments. Allowable encroachments into the required setbacks in Table 4-I are set forth in Table 4-J, except as provided herein.

      .0401   For zones other than the RS-1 and RS-2 Zones, the cumulative square footage of all encroachments shall not exceed two hundred forty (240) square feet.

      .0402   Accessory structures, except for fences, walls and hedges that do not exceed three (3) feet in height, and pilasters/freestanding light fixtures that do not exceed four (4) feet in height, shall not encroach into a required street side setback.

      .0403   Any encroachment that conflicts with the Uniform Building Code, as adopted by the City, shall not be permitted.

 

(Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 5998 § 3; October 25, 2005: Ord. 6031 §§ 3 through 5: August 22, 2006: Ord. 6101 §§ 2 (part), 3; April 22, 2008: Ord. 6116 § 2; October 14, 2008: Ord. 6169 § 1; April 27, 2010: Ord. 6218 § 1; July 19, 2011: Ord. 6286 §§ 2, 3; September 3, 2013: Ord. 6316 § 2; March 3, 2015: Ord. 6425 § 1; December 19, 2017: Ord. 6473 §§ 1, 2; December 3, 2019: Ord. 6506 § 4; February 9, 2021: Ord. 6570 §§ 3, 4; March 19, 2024: Ord. 6601, § 1; January 14, 2025: Ord. 6604, § 1; March 25, 2025: Ord. 6620 § 8; January 13, 2026.)

   Street wall facades shall be architecturally enhanced through the use of arcades, colonnades, recessed entrances, window details, bays, variations in building materials, and other details such as cornices and contrasting colors. Total blank walls (without windows and entrances) are prohibited. In addition to architectural massing requirements, building facades shall be articulated through the use of separated wall surfaces, contrasting colors and materials, variations in building setbacks, and attractive window fenestrations. (Ord. 6031 § 6; August 22, 2006.)

   Parking requirements for single-family residential zones are set forth in Chapter 18.42 (Parking and Loading). (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)

   Sign requirements for single-family residential zones are set forth in Chapter 18.44 (Signs). (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)

   Landscaping shall be required and/or permitted in single-family residential zones, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in Chapter 18.46 (Landscaping and Screening). (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)

   Fences, walls, hedges and berms shall be permitted and/or required in single-family residential zones, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in Section 18.46.110 of Chapter 18.46 (Landscaping and Screening). (Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)

   .010   Conditional Use Permit. All development in the RS-4 Zone shall be subject to the approval by the Planning Commission of an application for a conditional use permit. The application shall be processed pursuant to Chapter 18.66 (Conditional Use Permits).

   .020   Lot Area and Width. The lot area and width shall be established by the site plan approved through the conditional use permit.

   .030   Modification of Other Standards. The minimum floor area as set forth in Table 4-G, the maximum lot coverage as set forth in Table 4-H, and the minimum setbacks as set forth in Table 4-I may be modified in order to achieve a high quality project design, privacy, livability, and compatibility with surrounding uses.

   .040   Guidelines. An application for a conditional use permit shall be reviewed using the “Guidelines for Small-Lot Development” adopted by resolution of the Planning Commission, as may be amended from time to time.

   .050   Application. The application for a conditional use permit shall be submitted on forms approved by the Planning Director.

   .060   Findings. Before the Planning Commission approves the conditional use permit, it must make all of the following findings based on the plans submitted by the applicant:

      .0601   The uses within the project are compatible;

      .0602   New buildings or structures related to the project are compatible with the scale, mass, bulk, and orientation of existing buildings in the surrounding area, provided the existing buildings conform with the provisions of this title;

      .0603   Vehicular and pedestrian access are adequate;

      .0604   The project is consistent with any adopted design guidelines applicable to the parcel or parcels;

      .0605   The size and shape of the site proposed for the use is adequate to allow the full development of the proposed use in a manner not detrimental to the particular area;

      .0606   The traffic generated by the proposed use will not impose an undue burden upon the streets and highways designed and improved to carry the traffic in the area;

      .0607   The impact upon the surrounding area has been mitigated to the maximum extent practicable;

      .0608   The project complies with the General Plan and Subdivision Map Act; and

      .0609   The granting of the conditional use permit under the conditions imposed, if any, will not be detrimental to the health and safety of the citizens of the City of Anaheim.

   .070   Maintenance. If the ownership of part or all of any development is designed, intended or proposed to be divided into any form of joint group/individual ownership, i.e., exclusive right of occupancy or interest in any portion of the development coupled with an undivided interest in any portion of the development (including air space subdivisions), the corporation or limited partnership shall have the responsibility to maintain the buildings and use of the property for residential development. All mutually available features, such as recreational areas, community buildings and landscaping, as well as the general appearance of the premises and buildings, shall be adequately and professionally maintained as indicated on the approved final development plans. These provisions shall be included in a maintenance covenant, which shall be submitted to, and approved by, the City Attorney prior to recordation in the Office of the Orange County Recorder. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6245 § 20; June 5, 2012.)

   Notwithstanding any provision of this Code to the contrary, those certain properties located in the unincorporated territory of the County of Orange as of the date of adoption of this section (which properties are more particularly described as Area 11 in Zoning Reclassification No. 2005-00154, as set forth in City Council Resolution No. 2005-74) shall be permitted to be developed, used and maintained in accordance with all provisions of the zoning regulations of the County of Orange, which regulations were applicable to said property immediately prior to completion of the proceedings for annexation of the property to the City of Anaheim (the "County Regulations"). Said County Regulations are hereby adopted and deemed incorporated herein by this reference solely for purposes of this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the owner or occupant of any of the properties described in this section from developing, using or maintaining such property in accordance with the zoning regulations of the City of Anaheim otherwise applicable thereto, following annexation of said property to the City of Anaheim (the "City Regulations"). It shall be unlawful and a violation of this section for the owner or occupant of any property which is described in this section to develop, use or maintain said property in a manner which fails to comply with either the County Regulations or the City Regulations. (Ord. 5970 § 1; June 7, 2005.)