.010    Purpose. The provisions contained herein shall govern zoning and development within the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan Area. Where the provisions contained herein do not discuss a specific condition or situation which arises, the provisions of the Anaheim Municipal Code, as it may be amended from time to time, shall apply to the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this chapter and the other provisions of the Anaheim Municipal Code, the provisions set forth in this chapter shall govern. All uses within the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan boundaries shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, ordinances and regulations.

   .020   Intent. The regulations set forth in this chapter have been established to provide for orderly development of that certain property (hereinafter referred to as the "Specific Plan Area") described in the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan No. 2015-1 (hereinafter referred to as the "Specific Plan"). These regulations provide for the arrangement, development and use of various "development areas" within the Specific Plan Area, to create a regional employment center, which will provide for a wide variety of industrial and related uses, a range of services and commercial support facilities, and a limited amount of mixed-use and residential development in proximity to the Anaheim Canyon Station and to support the local workforce. Application of these regulations is specifically intended to provide for and to ensure the most appropriate use of the Specific Plan Area, to create a harmonious relationship among land uses, and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community.

   .030   Organization. In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 18.72 (Specific Plans), the standards herein are patterned after the zone districts and definitions of Title 18 (Zoning Code). The Specific Plan is consistent with the intent, purpose and goals of the Anaheim General Plan and Title 18 (Zoning Code). (Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016: Ord. 6609 § 39; May 13, 2025.)

   .010   Prior to commencing any work pertaining to the erection, construction, reconstruction, moving, conversion, alteration or addition to any building or structure within the Specific Plan Area, all building plans shall be subject to review and approval of the City in compliance with all provisions of Chapter 18.60 (Procedures).

   .020   Specific Plan Amendments and Adjustments.

      .0201   Specific Plan Amendments. Specific Plan amendments, including modification of development area boundaries or creation of new development areas, shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 18.76 (Zoning Amendments) and 18.72 (Specific Plans).

      .0202   Specific Plan Adjustments. Modification to zoning and development standards in one or more development areas (including provisions pertaining to land uses) shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 18.72 (Specific Plans).

   .030   Area Boundaries. The Specific Plan is divided into six (6) development areas: Industrial Area (DA-1), Recycling Area (DA-2), Transit Oriented Area (DA-3), Local Commercial Area (DA-4), General Commercial Area (DA-5), and Open Space/Water Area (DA-6). In addition, the Specific Plan also includes a Flex Area (DA-7), which combines the zoning and development standards of the Industrial Area (DA-1) and General Commercial Area (DA-5). The Specific Plan Area is identified on Figure 1-2, Anaheim Canyon Planning Area, and the development areas, including the Flex Area, are shown on Figure 4-2, Developmental Areas in the Specific Plan document. A legal description of the Specific Plan Area is provided in Ordinance No. 6359, approved by City Council on February 9, 2016.

   .040   Nonconforming Building Requirements.

      .0401   The site development standards contained in this chapter shall apply to the structural expansion portion of every building. However, the structural expansion portion of a building may encroach into the setback equal to that of the existing legal nonconforming portion of a building, provided that the length of the expansion does not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the length of the existing portion of such building at the existing setback. Buildings with structural expansion (additional square footage) exceeding twenty percent (20%) of the gross floor area of the existing building shall comply with all landscaping, signage and site screening requirements of this chapter.

      .0402   The site development standards contained in Sections 18.120.100 (Signs), 18.120.110 (Landscaping) and 18.120.130 (Site enclosure and screening requirements) shall apply in the event that structural modification to an existing building (interior) exceeds fifty percent (50%) of that gross floor area of the existing building.

   .050   Expansion, Change, or Relocation of Nonconforming Uses.

      .0501   A nonconforming use lawfully existing upon the date of adoption of the Specific Plan may be expanded or extended throughout a building lawfully existing upon said date. Building additions to allow the expansion of such use shall be permitted.

      .0502   A nonconforming use lawfully existing upon the date of adoption of the Specific Plan may be changed to another nonconforming primary permitted use of the zoning designation in effect prior to the adoption of the Specific Plan.

      .0503   A nonconforming use lawfully existing upon the date of adoption of the Specific Plan, or a legally permitted use, may be may be relocated to a Development Area where the use is prohibited, subject to the approval of a conditional use permit, as set forth in Chapter 18.66 (Conditional Use Permit). The approval shall require an additional finding that the proposed relocation of the use shall not create a greater impact to infrastructure than impacts anticipated by the maximum permitted floor area ratio for permitted uses, as analyzed by Environmental Impact Report No. 348 prepared for the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan, unless such impacts are duly analyzed and mitigated pursuant to subsequent environmental review. Such impacts shall be determined through a sewer and traffic impact analysis to be submitted to the City Engineer. Additional infrastructure studies may be required as determined by the Planning Director.

      .0504   A nonconforming use that was: a) in existence prior to the date of adoption of the Specific Plan; and, b) would have otherwise been allowed by a conditional use permit prior to the date of adoption of the Specific Plan; may continue to operate in its existing location upon approval of a conditional use permit, subject to the required findings of a conditional use permit.

   .060   Destroyed Homes. A legally established single-family residence, existing on the date of adoption of the Specific Plan, that is damaged or destroyed by earthquake, fire, wind, flood, explosion or other disaster, casualty or act of God, or of a public enemy, may be reconstructed subject to development standards contained within either the RS-2 or RS-3 Zone, based on lot size; provided, however, that a complete and proper application for a building permit is filed with the Building Division within two (2) years of the date of the event that caused the damage or destruction.

(Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016: Ord. 6425 § 31; December 19, 2017: Ord. 6461 § 29; April 16, 2019.)

   .010   Industrial Area (DA-1). The intent of the Industrial Area (DA-1) is to provide for and encourage the development of light and heavy industrial uses and related facilities, and further, to recognize the unique and valuable industrial land resources existing within the City of Anaheim and to protect Anaheim Canyon as a viable, successful commerce and employment center. This resource is found to have both local and regional significance due to an ideal industrial environment, including central geographic location, regional access and circulation, availability of utilities and services, and a well- established industrial base. The underlying base zone for this area is the "I" Industrial Zone and, unless otherwise indicated, the standards of the "I" Industrial Zone shall apply.

      .0101   Residential or Mixed-Use. Future residential development could be an appropriate land use in "DA-1" on properties with a General Plan Land Use Designation for Residential or Mixed-Use Land Uses, identified on General Plan Figure LU-4 (Land Use Plan), subject to the permitted uses and development standards associated with a Typical Implementing Zone that is consistent with the Residential or Mixed-Use Land Use designation for such property, as identified in Table LU-2 of the Land Use Element. Residential or mixed-use projects developed under this provision are subject to EIR 356 and MMP No. 394 and shall comply with Section 18.90.110.015.

   .020   Recycling Area (DA-2). The intent of the Recycling Area (DA-2) is to provide for and encourage a specific location for waste recycling and material recovery uses and facilities within Anaheim Canyon. Due to the presence of an ideal industrial environment, including central geographic location, regional access and circulation, availability of utilities and services, and the presence of a large urban population, the availability of land for recycling, materials recovery and related uses is a resource found to have both local and regional significance. The underlying base zone for this area is the “I” Industrial Zone and, unless otherwise indicated, the standards of the “I” Industrial Zone shall apply.

   .030   Transit Oriented Area (DA-3). The intent of the Transit Oriented Area (DA-3) is to provide for and encourage the development of a high-quality, pedestrian and bicycle friendly mixed-use district that will define the core of Anaheim Canyon and take full advantage of the Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station and convenient access to the Riverside Freeway and open space areas. This area provides a unique location for new workforce and commuter housing within Anaheim Canyon, including affordable housing. These resources are found to have both local and regional significance due to the City's central geographic location and ideal proximity to regional markets and labor pools, and regional access, circulation and public transit routes. This mixed-use area, and its continued development in a quality manner, is found to be a resource essential to the community's economic health and the preservation of a competitive growth potential. The underlying, base zone for this area is the "MU-H" Mixed-Use High Zone and, unless otherwise indicated, the standards of the "MU-H" Mixed-Use High Zone shall apply.

   .040   Local Commercial Area (DA-4). The intent of the Local Commercial Area (DA-4) is to provide locations for the development of locally-serving commercial and retail amenities, such as sit-down restaurants, fast food restaurants, professional services and other commercial uses that serve the local workforce. These areas are dispersed throughout Anaheim Canyon and provide a viable opportunity to create new worker amenities within a walk-able or bike-able distance from most area businesses. The underlying base zone for this area is "C-NC" Neighborhood Center Commercial Zone and, unless otherwise indicated, the standards of the "C-NC" Neighborhood Center Commercial Zone shall apply.

      .0401   Residential or Mixed-Use. Future residential development could be an appropriate land use in "DA-4" on properties with a General Plan Land Use Designation for Residential or Mixed-Use Land Uses, identified on General Plan Figure LU-4 (Land Use Plan), subject to the permitted uses and development standards associated with a Typical Implementing Zone that is consistent with the Residential or Mixed-Use Land Use designation for such property, as identified in Table LU-2 of the Land Use Element. Residential or mixed-use projects developed under this provision are subject to EIR 356 and MMP No. 394 and shall comply with Section 18.90.110.015.

   .050   General Commercial Area (DA-5). The intent of the General Commercial Area (DA-5) is to provide locations for larger, regionally-serving commercial, entertainment and medical uses. These larger uses are important to the city and the region. These uses are intended to take full advantage of good freeway access and visibility. The underlying base zone for this area is "C-G" General Commercial Zone and, unless otherwise indicated, the standards of the "C-G" General Commercial Zone shall apply.

      .0501   Residential or Mixed-Use. Future residential development could be an appropriate land use within Development Area 5 on properties with a General Plan Land Use Designation for Residential or Mixed-Use Land Uses, identified on General Plan Figure LU-4 (Land Use Plan), subject to the permitted uses and development standards associated with a Typical Implementing Zone that is consistent with the Residential or Mixed-Use Land Use designation for such property, as identified in Table LU-2 of the Land Use Element. Residential or mixed-use projects developed under this provision are subject to EIR 356 and MMP No. 394 and shall comply with Section 18.90.110.015.

   .060   Open Space/Water Area (DA-6). The intent of the Open Space/Water Area (DA-6) is to ensure that all existing water-related, open space areas are protected from incompatible uses and maintained in an orderly manner. Anaheim Canyon is located on some of the most permeable soil in Orange County, and groundwater recharge is a critically important activity of regional importance. Protecting these areas is an important focus of the Specific Plan. In addition to groundwater recharge activities, this area also encourages the creation of bicycle and pedestrian trails that link Anaheim Canyon to surrounding neighborhoods and the Santa Ana Trail system. Certain non-open space or water uses are also allowed within this development area, as indicated in Tables 120-A, 120-B and 120-C. The underlying base zone for this area is the “OS” Open Space Zone, and, unless otherwise indicated, the standards of the “OS” Open Space Zone shall apply.

   .070   Flex Area (DA-7). The intent of the Flex Area (DA-7) is to provide locations for a wide range of industrial, office and commercial uses. This area allows flexibility in both the types of uses and development standards that are applied. Every use that is included in either “DA-1” or “DA-5” can also be located within the Flex Area. In the event there is a conflict between the development standards of the two Development Areas, the least restrictive standard shall apply within the Flex Area. The underlying base zones for this area are “I” Industrial Zone and “C-G” General Commercial Zone and, unless otherwise indicated, the standards of the “I” Industrial Zone and “C-G” General Commercial Zone shall apply. (Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016: Ord. 6609 §§ 40 - 43; May 13, 2025.)

   .010   Primary Uses. Table 120-A (Primary Uses by Development Area: Residential Use Classes) and Table 120-B (Primary Uses by Development Area: Non-Residential Use Classes) identify allowable primary uses, listed by classes of uses as defined in Chapter 18.36 (Types of Uses).

   .020   Accessory Uses. Table 120-C (Accessory Use Classes by Development Area) 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 120-D (Temporary Use Classes by Development Area) 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   Use Tables. The allowable uses in Tables 120-A, 120-B, 120-C and 120-D for each development area 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;

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

      .0404   “T” designates classes of uses permitted with a telecommunications antenna review permit; and

      .0405   “N” designates classes of uses that are prohibited.

   .050   Interpreting Classes of Uses. The provisions for interpreting the classes of uses in Tables 120-A, 120-B, 120-C or 120-D 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 120-A, 120-B, 120-C or 120-D is not permitted.

   .070   General Requirements for Permitted Uses. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the following general requirements shall apply for the conduct of any use permitted in any development area:

      .0701   All uses shall be maintained in such a manner that they are neither obnoxious, offensive or objectionable by reason of emission of odor, dust, smoke, gas, noise, vibration, electromagnetic disturbance, radiation, fumes, excessive lighting (glare) or other similar causes detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare.

      .0702   All uses shall be conducted wholly within a building except the following:

         (1)   Normal service station operations;

         (2)   Those uses whose description in Chapter 18.36 (Types of Uses) allow for outdoor activities; and,

         (3)   Those uses specifically allowed by this chapter to have outdoor activities.

   .080   Special Provisions. Special provisions related to a use are referenced in the “Special Provisions” column of Tables 120-A, 120-B and 120-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.

   .100   Flex Area (DA-7). Every use that is included in either “DA-1” or “DA-5” can also be located within the Flex Area (DA-7). The least restrictive use requirements of the two development areas will apply to the use.

   .110   Dwellings. Dwellings are permitted on properties having a General Plan Land Use Designation for Residential or Mixed-Use Land Uses, identified on General Plan Figure LU-4 (Land Use Plan), subject to the permitted uses and development standards associated with a Typical Implementing Zone that is consistent with the Residential or Mixed-Use Land Use designation for such property, as identified in Table LU-2 of the Land Use Element. The property owner may choose which Typical Implementing Zone to apply insofar as it is consistent with the General Plan. No zoning reclassification is required to utilize this provision of the Code.

 

 

 

 

(Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016: Ord. 6381 § 1; October 18, 2016: Ord. 6419 § 15; August 29, 2017: Ord. 6425 § 32, 33; December 19, 2017: Ord. 6432 §§ 47 - 49; April 10, 2018: Ord. 6438 § 8; June 19, 2018: Ord. 6459 § 4; March 5, 2019: Ord. 6473 § 50; December 3, 2019: Ord. 6493 § 32; September 29, 2020: Ord. 6506 §§ 70 - 73; February 9, 2021: Ord. 6524 § 19; January 25, 2022: Ord. 6555 §§ 71 - 73; April 4, 2023: Ord. 6580 § 13; June 11, 2024: Ord. 6601 § 41; January 14, 2025: Ord. 6609 §§ 44, 45; May 13, 2025: Ord. 6620 §§ 70 - 72; January 13, 2026.)

   .010   Site Development Standards–General. Site development standards are intended to provide for the continued orderly development of each development area, to assure adequate levels of light, air and density of development, to maintain and enhance the locally recognized values of community appearance, to promote the functional compatibility of uses and the safe and efficient circulation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, all of which are found to be necessary for the preservation of the community health, safety and general welfare.

   .020   Building Site Requirements. The size and shape of the site proposed for the use shall be adequate to allow the full development of the proposed use in a manner consistent with the stated purpose and intent of the development area within which it is proposed to be developed.

      .0201   Adequate provision shall be made for the safe and orderly circulation of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic between the proposed site and all streets and highways, and between coordinated facilities, access-ways or parking areas on adjacent sites.

      .0202   The proposed development shall not limit or adversely affect the growth and development potential of adjoining lands or the general area in which it is proposed to be located.

      .0203   Adequate provisions shall be made for loading and unloading of supplies and materials, and collection of refuse in a manner that is screened from view and does not obstruct required parking and access-ways or impact adjacent land uses.

   .030   Building Size. No commercial building shall be less than four hundred (400) square feet in size, excluding kiosks.

   .040   Building Articulation. Articulate building facades that face the street by using color, arrangement of façade elements, a change in materials, or other architectural devices. (Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016.)

   The maximum floor area ratio, residential density and structural height for each Development Area is shown in Table 120-E. Special provisions are referenced in the “Special Provisions” column.

   .010   Floor Area Ratio Exception. An increase in the maximum floor area ratio is permitted in connection with a conditional use permit, as set forth in Chapter 18.66 (Conditional Use Permit) and subject to the following additional finding:

      .0101   The proposed use of the structure(s) shall not create a greater impact to infrastructure than impacts anticipated by the maximum permitted floor area ratio, as analyzed by Environmental Impact Report No. 348 prepared for the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan, unless such impacts are duly analyzed and mitigated pursuant to subsequent environmental review. Such impacts shall be determined through a sewer and traffic impact analysis to be submitted to the City Engineer. Additional infrastructure studies may be required as determined by the Planning Director.

   .020   Structural Height Exceptions. Projections above the height limit are permitted as set forth in Section 18.40.030 in Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards).

 

 

(Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016: Ord. 6609 § 46; May 13, 2025.)

   .010   Structural and Landscape Setbacks. Every building, structure or addition thereto erected in any Development Area shall be provided with setbacks and landscaping in conformance with the provisions of Section 18.40.040 (Structural Setbacks and Yards) of Chapter 18.40 (General Development Standards), and Chapter 18.46 (Landscaping and Screening), with the exception of the provisions contained in this section and Section 18.120.100 (Landscaping and Screening).

 

   .020   Permitted Encroachments within Minimum Required Setback Areas. The encroachments set forth in Table 120-G may encroach, as indicated in the table, into the required setback areas described in Table 120-F. Special provisions are referenced in the "Special Provisions" column. Any encroachment that conflicts with the California Building Code, as adopted by the City, shall not be permitted.

 

   Minimum Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements. All parking and loading areas shall comply with Chapter 18.42 (Parking and Loading). (Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016.)

   Sign Regulations. All signs shall comply with Chapter 18.44 (Signs). (Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016.)

   .010   Landscaping and screening. All landscaping and screening shall comply with Chapter 18.46 (Landscaping and Screening) with the exception of the provisions contained in this section and Section 18.120.070 (Structural and Landscape Setbacks).

   .020   Required Enclosure and Screening for Industrial Uses. Industrial uses shall be enclosed to provide effective site screening from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way as follows:

      .0201   Required Screening Adjacent to residential properties. A solid masonry wall, planted with vines so as to prevent graffiti, landscaped earthen berm, or any combination thereof, totaling not less than eight (8) feet in height, shall be required along, and adjacent to, any side or rear property line abutting any residential zone boundary; provided, however, said wall or berm shall not be required adjacent to any lot zoned “T” Transition, which is under a resolution of intent to any non-residential zone, or any alley abutting any such zone boundary. Further, any access gates shall be constructed of view-obscuring material to provide effective sight screening.

      .0202   Required Enclosure of Outdoor Uses. The perimeter of any portion of a site upon which any outdoor use of an industrial nature is permitted shall be enclosed to a height of not less than six (6) feet, either by a solid masonry wall, a chain link fence (interwoven with cedar, redwood or PVC slats) or building walls, which incorporate live plants with adequate growing area, planted along and adjacent to said wall(s) or fence. No outdoor industrial use, or enclosure thereof, shall encroach into any required setback area adjacent to any public right-of-way, nor shall any storage of products or materials exceed the height of any such enclosure.

   .030   Required Screening of Vehicle Storage or Parking Areas. Any vehicular storage or parking area visible from a public right-of-way or a freeway shall be screened from view by landscaping or architectural devices to a height of thirty-six (36) inches.

   .040   Required Enclosure and Screening for Recycling Uses. Where recycling facilities are adjacent to properties not developed with such facilities, a minimum ten (10) foot high masonry block wall or metal-panel fence, as approved by the Planning Director, shall separate such uses.

   .050   Irrigation. All new development with landscaped areas over 2,500 square feet shall construct separate irrigation lines for recycled water. All such irrigation systems shall be designed to function properly with recycled water. (Ord. 6358 § 9 (part); February 9, 2016.)