City of Irvine

If You Are Replacing An Existing Air Conditioning Unit

• Click here to visit the air conditioning unit replacement page

If You Are Adding A New Air Conditioning Unit

• Air conditioning units must be set back a minimum two (2) feet from the nearest property line
• If an A/C unit is proposed in a location visible from the public right-of-way or nearby properties at the same grade (such as a front yard or rooftop), screening will be required

Overview

• If the project involves an addition to the home (whether to the existing footprint or square footage of living space), refer to the Residential Additions page.
• If you are planning to add a bedroom, an additional parking space may be required. Refer to the Zoning Guidance below. 
• School Facilities Fees will be assessed for additions of 500 square feet and larger

Overview

• There are a variety of zoning requirements that will apply, including standards for building setbacks, building height, lot coverage, and parking. Refer to the Zoning Guidance below
  • For example, if you are adding an additional bedroom, an additional parking space may be required
• School Facilities Fees will be assessed on additions of 500 square feet and larger

Overview

• Refer to the Zoning Guidance notes below for information on required setback and screening standards
• After you have completed and gathered all of the required documents, you will need to submit your permit application and plans electronically through the IrvineReady! Online Permit Submittal portal

Zoning Guidance

Covered Parking Solar Energy Systems

As part of the City of Irvine’s Earth Day efforts, the City unveiled the Conserve Irvine campaign, a multi-year endeavor to improve resilience and sustainability of the community. The Conserve Irvine

Overview

• The heating elements of the barbecue must be set back at least two (2) feet from the property line. The heating elements may be no more than four (4) feet above finished grade
• Per Mechanical Code, unlisted barbecues may not be placed under overhead combustible construction
• Your Homeowners Association may have its own approval process. Review your HOA policies and procedures before proceeding with your design plans
• If your property is a condominium, you will need to submit a copy of the approved design plans from your HOA

Overview

• Screening shall be required for any rooftop or ground-mounted mechanical equipment. Refer to the Zoning Guidance below
• After you have completed and gathered all of the required documents, you will need to submit your permit application and plans electronically through the IrvineReady! Online Permit Submittal portal

Building Code Guidance

Zoning Guidance

• Storage areas and equipment shall not be located in any required setback area or side yard except for electrical or telephone equipment installed by the utilities.

The City of Irvine park system has been ranked 7 th in the nation by the Trust for Public Land in their annual ParkScore Index, which ranks the nation’s 100 largest cities based on factors including

Overview

• The City of Irvine offers two rooftop solar system options:

  • Same-Day Permits: PermitsDIRECT! powered by Symbium is a web-based platform that makes it possible to get permits for residential solar and battery storage systems the same day. Permits can be paid online and are issued automatically, without manual review or an in-person visit. To qualify for same-day permits, the application must be:

Overview

• There are two types of grading permits:  preliminary and precise.
• A preliminary grading permit is required for any of the following and where no construction is proposed on or above the ground surface: 
  
  • Alteration of natural drainage patterns,
  • Earthwork exceeding 50 cubic yards,
  • Removal of pavement exceeding 3,000 square feet,
  • Removal of underground storage tanks,
  • Stockpiles.