Adding or Replacing a Residential Patio Cover or Gazebo

Overview

  • There are setback requirements for patio covers/gazebos. These setback requirements vary depending on the style of patio cover/gazebo. Refer to the Zoning Guidance below
  • Open-lattice patio covers that comply with City of Irvine standards will not require plans and calculations stamped and signed by a California licensed engineer
  • All other types of patio covers will require plans and calculations stamped and signed by a California licensed engineer
  • 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
  • If you have a zero-lot line (more common in Turtle Rock and University Park), the patio cover/gazebo may not be built within an easement area
  • If your property is in a Fire Ordinance Zone, Orange County Fire Authority may need to review the proposed material and design of the patio cover/gazebo. Use the Un-Enclosed Accessory Structure Approval Form and include lot number.
  • To see if your property is within a Fire Ordinance Zone, click here. Be sure to select “Fire Ordinance Zone” in the “Layers” column at left.
  • 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 Plan Submission Portal

Zoning Guidance

Setbacks

Setback standards vary depending on the type of patio cover/gazebo being constructed.  

Type of Patio Cover/Gazebo

Solid Roof

Open-Lattice

Louvered

Non-Retractable Fabric

Retractable Fabric

Zoning Setback Requirements

Same setback requirements as a building. For many single-family properties, this is five feet from the side property line and ten feet from the rear property line, but this will vary by zoning district.

Support posts shall be set back a minimum of three feet from any property line. The patio roof or eaves must be at least two (2) feet from the property line.

 

Support posts shall be set back a minimum of three feet from any property line. The patio roof or eaves must be at least two (2) feet from the property line.

Same setback requirements as a building. For many single-family properties, this is five feet from the side property line and ten feet from the rear property line, but this will vary by zoning district.

Support posts shall be set back a minimum of three feet from any property line. The patio roof or eaves must be at least two (2) feet from the property line.

* A fifteen-foot setback is required in the 2.1A Zoning District, which includes much of Shady Canyon. 

Many single-family properties are either in the 2.2 or 2.3 Zoning Districts. A PDF version of the Zoning Map is available through this link. You may also search for the zoning of your property through the Online Parcel Search.

Zoning requirements for the 2.2 Low Density Residential Zone

Zoning requirements for the 2.3 Medium Density Residential Zone

To confirm patio cover/gazebo setback requirements for your property, contact the Planning Counter at 949-724-6308.   

HEIGHT

Maximum building height is typically 35 feet for single-family properties, but this can vary. For example, in many areas of Shady Canyon, the maximum height for a gazebo/patio cover is 12 feet. With any questions, contact the Planning Counter at planning@cityofirvine.org or 949-724-6308.

What Documents Will Be Required?

  1. Application Package. Download and fill out the PDF forms to submit online. The Application Package includes:

  • Building Permit Application
  • Residential Take-Off Sheet
  • Electronic/Digital Signature Disclosure

  1. Site Plan

Site Plan Tips
  • Identify the dimensions between the patio cover/gazebo, nearby structures, and nearby property lines.
  • Refer to the Zoning Guidance above and contact the Planning Counter at 949-724-6308 for any questions.
  • If you are in an HOA, there may be specific CC&Rs or design review procedures for your project. Verify with your HOA before starting your project

  1. Construction Drawings.

Construction Drawing Tips
  • Drawings for structures over 6 feet tall as measured from adjacent grade shall be stamped and signed by a California licensed Civil or Structural Engineer.
  • Refer to Informational Bulletin 126 Patio Cover Post to Footing Connection Requirements
  • If the patio cover/gazebo is pre-fabricated, include and highlight manufacturer cut sheets showing parts and components used for this project. All chosen components must have been stamped and signed by a California licensed professional engineer.

4. IF PROJECT INCLUDES AN OPEN-LATTICE PATIO COVER, download, complete and upload the following into IrvineReady! Open Lattice Patio Cover for Single-Family Dwelling

5. IF PROPERTY IS IN A FIRE ORDINANCE ZONE: ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY FORM

5. IF PROPERTY IS A CONDOMINIUM: COPY OF DESIGN APPROVAL LETTER FROM YOUR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Submittal Instructions

READY TO BEGIN? Your application must be submitted online using the IrvineReady! Online Permit Submittal Portal. We recommend keeping this webpage open in a different tab so you can refer to the information below.

IrvineReady! works best on Google Chrome, rather than Safari or Microsoft Edge.

When you click the button below to go to IrvineReady, you will first be prompted to create an account, or to log into an existing account.

Video Link: How to Create an Account in IrvineReady!

After creating an account and logging in, click the green plus button to the lower right-hand side of the window to start a new submittal.

In the “Project Type” drop-down menu, select “For Permitting--Other” as the permit type.

Video Link: Preparing Documents for Upload into IrvineReady!

PROCEED TO THE IRVINEREADY! SYSTEM

Next Steps

  • After submitting your plans, City staff will review the information for completeness within approximately two business days. If additional information is needed, you will be notified.
  • You will be emailed a link to pay required fees. Visit the Fee Schedule page for additional information and current fee rates
  • After payment is received, your project will be assigned for review.

In general, open-lattice patio covers that comply with City standards may be reviewed within a few business days. Other types of patio covers may anticipate approximately five (5) business days for the initial plan check; if corrections are required, you will be notified.