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Anaheim Overview
Anaheim Municipal Code
Anaheim Municipal Code
PREFACE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
Title 1 ADMINISTRATION
Title 2 TAXES
Title 3 BUSINESS LICENSES*
Title 4 BUSINESS REGULATION
Title 5 BICYCLES
Title 6 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Title 7 MORALS AND CONDUCT
Title 8 ANIMALS
Title 9 RADIO AND ELECTRONICS
Title 10 PUBLIC SERVICE AND UTILITIES
Title 11 PUBLIC PROPERTY
Title 12 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
Title 13 PARKS AND BOULEVARDS
Title 14 TRAFFIC
Title 15 BUILDINGS AND HOUSING
Title 16 FIRE
Title 17 LAND DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES
Title 18 ZONING
Chapter 18.01 INTRODUCTION
Chapter 18.04 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Chapter 18.06 MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Chapter 18.08 COMMERCIAL ZONES
Chapter 18.10 INDUSTRIAL ZONE
Chapter 18.14 PUBLIC AND SPECIAL-PURPOSE ZONES
Chapter 18.16 REGULATORY PERMITS
Chapter 18.18 SCENIC CORRIDOR (SC) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.20 PLATINUM TRIANGLE MIXED USE (PTMU) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.22 BROOKHURST COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR (BCC) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.24 SOUTH ANAHEIM BOULEVARD CORRIDOR (SABC) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.26 MOBILE HOME PARK (MHP) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.28 FLOODPLAIN (FP) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.30 DOWNTOWN MIXED USE (DMU) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.32 MIXED USE (MU) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.34 RESIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITY (RO) OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 18.36 TYPES OF USES
Chapter 18.38 SUPPLEMENTAL USE REGULATIONS
Chapter 18.40 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.42 PARKING AND LOADING
Chapter 18.44 SIGNS
Chapter 18.46 LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
Chapter 18.48 RECYCLING FACILITIES
Chapter 18.50 SENIOR CITIZENS' APARTMENT PROJECTS
Chapter 18.52 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Chapter 18.54 SEX-ORIENTED BUSINESSES
Chapter 18.56 NONCONFORMITIES
Chapter 18.58 AFFORDABLE MULTIPLE-FAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (Repealed by 6101 § 55, 4/22/08)
Chapter 18.60 PROCEDURES
Chapter 18.62 ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEWS
Chapter 18.64 AREA DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Chapter 18.66 CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
Chapter 18.68 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS
Chapter 18.70 FINAL PLAN REVIEWS
Chapter 18.72 SPECIFIC PLANS
Chapter 18.74 VARIANCES
Chapter 18.76 ZONING AMENDMENTS
Chapter 18.80 FEES
Chapter 18.90 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Chapter 18.92 DEFINITIONS
Chapter 18.100 HIGHLANDS AT ANAHEIM HILLS SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 87-1 (SP 87-1) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.102 SYCAMORE CANYON SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 88-1 (SP 88-1) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.104 THE SUMMIT OF ANAHEIM HILLS SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 88-2 (SP 88-2) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.106 PACIFICENTER ANAHEIM SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 88-3 (SP 88-3) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (Rescinded by 6358 § 7, 2/9/16)
Chapter 18.108 FESTIVAL SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 90-1 (SP 90-1) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.110 EAST CENTER STREET DEVELOPMENT SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 90-2 (SP 90-2) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.112 MOUNTAIN PARK SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 90-4 (SP 90-4) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.114 DISNEYLAND RESORT SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 92-1 (SP 92-1) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.116 ANAHEIM RESORT SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 92-2 (SP 92-2) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.118 HOTEL CIRCLE SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 93-1 (SP 93-1) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
18.118.010 PURPOSE AND INTENT.
18.118.020 GENERAL PROVISIONS.
18.118.030 DEFINITIONS.
18.118.040 METHODS AND PROCEDURES FOR SPECIFIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION.
18.118.050 PERMITTED USES AND STRUCTURES - GENERAL.
18.118.060 PERMITTED PRIMARY USES AND STRUCTURES.
18.118.070 PERMITTED ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES.
18.118.080 PERMITTED TEMPORARY USES AND STRUCTURES.
18.118.090 CONDITIONAL USES AND STRUCTURES.
18.118.100 PROHIBITED USES.
18.118.110 LAND USE AND SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
18.118.111 STRUCTURAL HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATIONS.
18.118.112 STRUCTURAL SETBACK AND YARD REQUIREMENTS.
18.118.113 PERMITTED ENCROACHMENTS INTO REQUIRED YARDS AND SETBACK AREAS.
18.118.114 REQUIRED SITE SCREENING.
18.118.115 UTILITY EQUIPMENT.
18.118.116 REFUSE CONTAINER ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.
18.118.117 VACANT LAND.
18.118.120 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS.
18.118.130 REQUIREMENTS FOR VACATION OWNERSHIP RESORTS.
18.118.140 SIGN REGULATIONS - ADVERTISING AND IDENTIFICATION.
18.118.141 LIGHTED SIGNS - GENERAL.
18.118.142 REAL ESTATE SIGNS - GENERAL.
18.118.143 FUTURE ESTABLISHMENT SIGNS.
18.118.144 TEMPORARY SIGNS, FLAGS, BANNERS AND FIXED BALLOONS.
18.118.145 BUSINESS AND IDENTIFICATION SIGNS.
18.118.146 HOTEL/MOTEL/VACATION OWNERSHIP RESORTS SIGN STANDARDS.
18.118.147 THEATERS AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES.
18.118.148 ANAHEIM RESORT NONCONFORMING SIGNAGE PROGRAM - REPLACEMENT SIGNS.
18.118.150 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND PERMITS.
18.118.160 DEDICATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS.
18.118.170 RECLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE - VIOLATION.
18.118.180 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
18.118.190 AMENDMENTS, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES.
18.118.200 NONAPPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER TO CITY ACTIVITIES OR PROPERTY.
18.118.210 APPLICATION FEES.
TABLE 18.118.145.040: PERMITTED SIGN STANDARDS MATRIX (GENERAL SIGN TYPES)
TABLE 18.118.146.101: HOTEL/MOTEL/VACATION OWNERSHIP RESORTS SIGN STANDARDS MATRIX
Chapter 18.120 ANAHEIM CANYON SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 2015-1 (SP 2015-1) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 18.122 BEACH BOULEVARD SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 2017-1 (SP 2017-1) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
STATUTORY REFERENCES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES
TABLES
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18.118.148   ANAHEIM RESORT NONCONFORMING SIGNAGE PROGRAM – REPLACEMENT SIGNS.
   Notwithstanding the foregoing, for participants in the Anaheim Resort Nonconforming Signage Program, modifications (in size, location or design) to freestanding monument signs and wall signs may be permitted, subject to the approval of the Planning Director, to comply with the Anaheim Resort Nonconforming Signage Program adopted by resolution of the City Council. The Planning Director's decision shall be final, unless appealed to the City Council within ten (10) days from the date of such decision. (Ord. 5625 § 8; November 18, 1997: Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)
18.118.150   DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND PERMITS.
   Prior to the commencement of any work pertaining to the erection or construction of any structure within this zone, all building and site plans shall be subject to review by the Planning Department and Building Division, in compliance with all provisions set forth in this chapter.
   Landscape Plan Review. The location of all proposed on-site and off-site landscaping, including that within the ultimate street right-of-way, as described on the Circulation Element of the General Plan, shall be shown on a site plan, drawn to scale, and shall be subject to the review and approval of the Planning and Public Works/Engineering Departments prior to installation. Such plans shall be consistent with the final site plans approved pursuant to subsection 18.118.040.020 (Final Site Plan Approval), and the provisions of the Landscape Plan contained in the Hotel Circle Specific Plan (Exhibit 29) and the Hotel Circle Specific Plan Area Design Guidelines. (Ord. 5444 § 1 (part); August 16, 1994: Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)
18.118.160   DEDICATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS.
   The dedication of public street rights-of-way, public utility easements and other public works improvements shall be required for the entire development, prior to issuance of a building permit, except for the dedication of Katella Avenue, which shall be required within sixty (60) days of the effective date of the ordinance approving this Specific Plan. (Ord. 5444 § 1 (part); August 16, 1994: Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)
18.118.170   RECLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE – VIOLATION.
   Concurrent with, or subsequent to, the introduction of an ordinance adding this chapter to the Anaheim Municipal Code, the City Council may introduce an ordinance to reclassify the property covered by Specific Plan No. 93-1 (SP 93-1) and this chapter to the zoning designation SP No. 93-1. Such reclassification shall be subject to each of those certain conditions of approval of SP No. 93-1, as set forth in said ordinance. Any violation of any of said conditions shall be deemed a violation of this chapter, as well as of the reclassification ordinance, and shall be punishable as set forth in Section 1.01.370 (Violations of Code–Penalty) of Chapter 1.01 (Code Adoption and Construction). (Ord. 5444 § 1 (part); August 16, 1994: Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)
18.118.180   PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
   Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to penalties as prescribed in Section 18.90.120 (Penalties for Violation of Regulations – General) of Chapter 18.90 (General Provisions). Any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed a public nuisance, and may be summarily abated as such by the City. Each day the condition continues shall be regarded as a new and separate offense. (Ord. 5444 § 1 (part); August 16, 1994.)
18.118.190   AMENDMENTS, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES.
   Boundaries established by this title (other than those minor boundary adjustments processed in accordance with subsection 18.118.040.020 (Final Site Plan Approval)), the classification of property uses therein, or other provisions of this title, may be amended, exceptions made therefrom, or conditional uses permitted, in accordance with the facts, conditions, procedures and required showings specified in Chapter 18.60 (Procedures) and Chapter 18.72 (Specific Plans). (Ord. 5444 § 1 (part); August 16, 1994: Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)
18.118.200   NONAPPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER TO CITY ACTIVITIES OR PROPERTY.
   Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, no provision of this chapter shall apply to, or be a limitation upon, the City of Anaheim, whether the City acts in a governmental or proprietary capacity. (Ord. 5444 § 1 (part); August 16, 1994: Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)
18.118.210   APPLICATION FEES.
   By resolution, the City Council may establish fees, and amounts thereof, required to be paid to the City for design guideline or landscape plan review, and for processing site plans, building permits and any other application for subsequent approvals to carry out the purposes of this chapter, or to implement or amend the Specific Plan. (Ord. 5444 § 1 (part); August 16, 1994: Ord. 5920 § 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)
TABLE 18.118.145.040: PERMITTED SIGN STANDARDS MATRIX (GENERAL SIGN TYPES) 
 
Sign Type
Street Frontage
Maximum Sign Area(s)
Maximum Number of Signs Per Lot
Minimum Setback from Public Right-of- Way
Maximum Height to Top of Sign if Attached to Building
Maximum Height if Freestanding
Maximum Projection from Building Face
Maximum Distance Between Signs on Same Parcel
Sign Copy Limits
Illumination Limitations
Other Limitations
Sign Type
Street Frontage
Maximum Sign Area(s)
Maximum Number of Signs Per Lot
Minimum Setback from Public Right-of- Way
Maximum Height to Top of Sign if Attached to Building
Maximum Height if Freestanding
Maximum Projection from Building Face
Maximum Distance Between Signs on Same Parcel
Sign Copy Limits
Illumination Limitations
Other Limitations
Freestanding Monument Sign
0 ft. -
60 ft.
None
None
NA (a)
NA
NA
NA
NA
Name and/or logo of the development and/or name and/or logo of up to three (3) business tenants
No
flashing signs
No bare bulbs
Signs shall identify development address.
All signs except corner locations shall be located in the middle 30% of the street frontage. For corner locations, signs shall be set back in accordance with Engineering Standard No. 115.
Any attachments or “riders” to signs shall be prohibited.
Minimum setback from public right- of-way is two (2) feet, except at Katella Avenue where zero (0) feet is subject to City Traffic and Transportation Manager’s approval.
61 ft. -
150 ft.
52 SF
1
7 ft.
NA
8 ft. (b)
NA
NA
151 ft. - 300 ft.
64 SF
1
7 ft.
NA
8 ft. (b)
NA
NA
Over 300 ft.
80 SF
One (1) per 660 ft. of street frontage
7 ft.
NA
8 ft. (b)
NA
300 ft.
Wall Sign
0 ft. -
30 ft.
30 SF
One (1) per building or store front
NA
Cornice line or 25 feet whichever is lower
NA
12 in.
16 ft.
Limited to building name and/or logo, individual business name and/or logo, or generic name (i.e., Pharmacy, Photo Shop) and/or logo.
No flashing signs
No bare bulbs
Projection over the public right- of-way is prohibited.
Canopy and awning sign design must be an integral part of the building design.
(c)
31 ft. - 60 ft.
60 SF
61 ft. - 100 ft.
100 SF
101 ft. - 150 ft.
140 SF
Over 150 ft.
160 SF
Projecting Sign
NA
4 SF
One (1) per building or store front
NA
10 ft.
NA
30 in.
16 ft.
Limited to name and/or logo of the business
Externally illuminated only
Lowest point of sign must be eight (8) ft. above ground level directly below sign.
Conditional use permit required.
On-Site Directional Guidance and On-Site Directory Signs Visible from Public Right-of- Way
NA
4 SF (per sign panel)
None
(d)
6 ft.
6 ft.
NA
NA
Limited to logos, tenant or estab- lishment name and facility name
None
Maximum sign dimension is 24 inches.
Those visible from the public right-of-way shall require a conditional use permit.
 
Notes:
   For sign standards for hotels/motels/vacation ownership resort and theaters and entertainment facilities see Sections 18.118.146 and 18.118.147 of this Chapter.
   All automobile service station monument signs shall conform to Planning Standard Detail No. 7.
   (a)   NA - Not Applicable
   (b)   Berm to be incorporated therein, if desired.
 
(c)
Building Story Height
Maximum Letter Height
Maximum Symbol Height
in conjunction with company name/logo
Symbol Only Maximum Height
1 - 2
2 ft. 0 in.
2 ft. 0 in.
3 ft. 0 in.
Over 2
4 ft. 0 in.
4 ft. 0 in.
7 ft. 0 in.
 
   (d)   On-site directional guidance and on-site directory signs must be located outside any setback area.
TABLE 18.118.146.101: HOTEL/MOTEL/VACATION OWNERSHIP RESORTS SIGN STANDARDS MATRIX
Sign Type
Street Frontage
Maximum Sign Area(s)
(h)
Maximum Letter/
Sign Height
Maximum Symbol Height in conjunction w/company name/logo
Symbol Only Maximum Height
Maximum Height to Top of Sign if Attached to Building
Maximum Number of Signs
Sign Copy Limits
Illumination Limitations
Other Limitations
Sign Type
Street Frontage
Maximum Sign Area(s)
(h)
Maximum Letter/
Sign Height
Maximum Symbol Height in conjunction w/company name/logo
Symbol Only Maximum Height
Maximum Height to Top of Sign if Attached to Building
Maximum Number of Signs
Sign Copy Limits
Illumination Limitations
Other Limitations
Freestanding Monument Sign
0 ft. -
60 ft.
None
NA (b)
NA
NA
NA
None
Name and/or logo of the development and/or name and/or logo of up to three (3) business tenants
No flashing signs
No bare bulbs
Signs shall identify development address.
All signs except corner locations shall be located in the middle 30% of the street frontage. For corner locations, signs shall be set back in accordance with Engineering Standard No. 115.
Any attachments or “riders” to signs shall be prohibited.
Minimum setback from public right-of- way is two (2) feet, except at Katella Avenue where zero (0) feet is subject to City Traffic and Transportation Manager’s approval.
61 ft. -
150 ft.
52 SF
8 ft. (e)
NA
NA
NA
1 per lot
151 ft. - 300 ft.
64 SF
8 ft. (e)
NA
NA
NA
1 per lot
Over 300 ft.
80 SF
8 ft. (e)
NA
NA
NA
(f)
Hotel/Motel Building Identification Wall Sign
1 - 2 stories
160 SF
2 ft. - 0 in. per letter
2 ft. - 0 in.
3 ft. - 0 in.
Below the top of the building eave line or roof line, whichever is lower
Two (2) per building except for Hotel, Motels, or Vacation Ownership Resorts on Clementine Street that a third sign be permitted only when the petitioner can demonstrate a hardship exists (i.e., blockage of view by parking structure or monorail/
people mover structure)
Name and/or logo of hotel/
motel only
Internal illumination only
No flashing signs
No bare bulbs
If more than one (1) sign, then must be located on nonadjacent building elevations.
Letters shall be located no closer than one-half (1/2) the size of the letter to the top and sides of the building wall or fascia, or the closest window line adjacent to the sign.
Signs shall be attached without visible supports or raceways.
Projection over the public right-of-way is prohibited.
Canopy and awning sign design must be an integral part of the building design.
Such wall signs shall not project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the wall or structure to which it is attached.
3 - 4 stories
200 SF
4 ft. - 0 in. per letter
4 ft. - 0 in.
7 ft. - 0 in.
5 - 9 stories
250 SF
4 ft. - 6 in. per letter
4 ft. - 6 in.
8 ft. - 0 in.
Over 9 stories
300 SF
5 ft. - 6 in. per letter
5 ft. - 6 in.
10 ft. - 0 in.
Hotel/Motel Accessory Business Wall Sign
NA
30 SF
24 in. per letter
24 in.
24 in.
Below the second floor line
One (1) per business or store front
Name of business and/or logo
No Flashing signs
No bare bulbs
Limited to restaurants only.
Signs shall be attached without visible support or raceways.
Projecting Sign
NA
4 SF
NA
NA
NA
10 ft.
One (1) per business or store front
Limited to name or logo of the business
Externally illuminated only
Lowest point of sign must be eight (8) ft. above ground level directly below sign.
Maximum projection is 30 in.
Conditional use permit required.
Minimum distance between signs on same parcel is 16 ft.
On-Site Directional Guidance (c) and On- Site Directory Signs Visible from Public Right-of-Way
NA
4 SF
(per sign panel)
NA
NA
NA
6 ft. (d)
Five (5) per lot
(g)
none
Maximum sign dimension is 24 inches.
Those visible from the public right-of-way shall require a conditional use permit.
 
      Notes:
      For Permitted Sign Standards (General Sign Types) see Table 18.118.145.040 “Permitted Sign Standards Matrix (General Sign Types)”
         (a)   Area of sign face refers to one (1) sign face.
         (b)   NA - Not Applicable
         (c)   On-site directional guidance and on-site directory signs must be located outside any setback area.
         (d)   Maximum height if freestanding is six (6) feet.
         (e)   Berm to be incorporated therein, if desired.
         (f)   One (1) per six hundred sixty 660 feet of street frontage with minimum distance of three hundred 300 feet between signs.
         (g)   Limited to logos, tenant or establishment name and facility name.
         (h)   Square footage indicated is per sign face.