Re-Roofing an Existing Home

Overview

  • If your project meets the following criteria, you will be able to submit it through the Automated Online Permit System:
    • All new roofing material is Approved Class A Rating
    • The additional weight on the roof (if any) may be no more than four (4) psf. However, you may deduct existing material from the weight requirement.
  • If your project does not meet the above criteria, you must submit the application materials electronically through the IrvineReady Online Permit Submittal Portal
  • Your Homeowners Association may have its own approval process. Review your HOA policies and procedures before proceeding with your design plans

Zoning Guidance

  • If you are changing the height of the roof, verify that it will comply with the maximum building height in your zoning district. In many single-family neighborhoods, the maximum height is 35 feet, however, this will depend on the specific zoning for your property

To find the zoning for your property, you may refer to the Zoning Map or to the Online Parcel Search. You may also contact the Planning Counter at 949-724-6308.  

Requirements for each zoning district are outlined in Chapter 3-37 of the Zoning Ordinance. For your convenience, zoning requirements for two of the most common residential zoning districts are linked below.

Zoning requirements for the 2.2 Low Density Residential Zone

Zoning requirements for the 2.3 Medium Density Residential Zone

  • In most cases, roof eaves may intrude a maximum three (3) feet into a required front, side, or rear setback area
  • For properties with a zero-lot line (most commonly in Turtle Rock and University Park):
    • In situations where the easement is less than three feet in width, eaves are prohibited
    • In situations where the easement is three feet in width, the entire width of the eave, including any rain gutter, shall be no greater than one foot, measured from the face of the exterior wall
    • In situations where the easement is at least five feet in width, the entire width of the eave, including any rain gutter, shall be no greater than three feet, measured from the face of the exterior wall
    • In situations where eaves are permitted and the slope of the roofline causes water to drain toward the easement, rain gutters are required to ensure water does not flow onto the easement
    • In all instances the face of the eave, including any rain gutter, shall be set back a minimum of two feet from any property line, consistent with Section 503.2.1 and table 5-A of the Uniform Building Code

Building Code Guidance

We recommend reviewing the following:

What Documents Will Be Required?

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

  • Building Permit Application
  • Residential Re-Roof (3 Stories or Less) Questionnaire
  • Electronic/Digital Signature Disclosure
  1. PDF DRAWING. Showing:
  • Roof slope and the framing of all rafters and roof support members
  • Size, span, and location of all supporting roof rafters and shearwalls
  • Note, all drawings and calculations must be signed by a California registered civil engineer, structural engineer, or architect
  1. IF ROOF WEIGHT WILL BE MORE THAN 4 PSF (AFTER SUBTRACTING WEIGHT OF EXISTING ROOFING MATERIAL): ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS justifying the structure for additional weight

Submittal Instructions

Proceed to the Automated Online Permit system if your project meets the criteria listed in the “Overview” section

If your project does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Automated Permit application process, it must be submitted through 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. 

Applications eligible for the Automated Permit System will be processed within one (1) to three (3) business days. Applications required to be submitted through IrvineReady! will be processed in approximately five (5) business days. If corrections are required, you will be notified.