Overview
- The City of Irvine offers an automated permitting process for 20 tons or less roof top packaged mechanical equipment change out (heat pumps units only)
- Screening shall be required for any rooftop or ground-mounted mechanical equipment. See Zoning Guidance below.
- After you have completed and gathered all of the required documents, you will need to submit your permit through the Automated Online Permit System.
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.
- Screening shall be provided so that materials stored in the area and/or equipment at grade or on the roof are screened from view from all adjacent streets and properties at the same grade.
- Screening shall be provided so that materials and/or equipment stored in the area at grade or on the roof are screened from view from all adjacent streets, no matter the street grade, and all properties at the same grade. Solar energy systems are exempt from this regulation (see Chapter 3-31, "Solar energy system standards").
SCREENING METHODS:
roof top equipment and appurtenances shall be equal to or less than the height of the parapet of a flat roofed structure or shall not be visible from any point at or below the eave line of a non-flat roofed structure. If this is not possible then a solid and permanent roof-mounted screen shall be installed to hide the roof top equipment and appurtenances. The roof screen materials and details shall be compatible with the architectural style, materials and color of the building upon which the equipment is located.
When used as a screen, landscaping shall be of compact evergreens which will obtain a minimum height of two feet within 18 months of installation and an eventual minimum height of 3½ feet.
Qualifying Criteria For Automated Permit Option
An automated permit process is available for projects where the following conditions exist:
- The mechanical equipment change out is ‘like for like’. Considering all type, capacity, quantity, and location(s);
- The new mechanical units are less or equal to 20 ton capacity;
- The new mechanical units are not heavier than the existing units being replace (not to exceed 2000 pounds per unit);
- Building roof slope, where new mechanical units are to be installed does not exceed 2%; and,
- The new mechanical equipment does not require vibration isolation curb or adaptor curb.
- Per Section 3-20-1.B of the zoning ordinance, screening shall be provided so that materials stored in any outdoor storage area and/or equipment at grade or on the roof area screened from adjacent streets, no matter the street grade, and all properties at the same grade.
By clicking on the continue button to the automated permitting process, you are certifying all the above conditions exist and your project is eligible for this permit.
Be advised, scope of work must be depicted on plans, including a demolition plan and a propose layout. Plans must be prepared by a licensed mechanical contractor responsible for performing the work or by the Mechanical Engineer of Record. Contractor must have plans available for the City inspector at the jobsite.
Be advised, if the inspector finds in your project any discrepancies with the above conditions, your permit will be canceled, and your project will need to be re-submitted through the standard submission process. No exceptions.
Does your project not meet the criteria above?
Documents Required for a plan review:
Submittal Instructions
If your project does not meet the criteria for submittal through the Automated Online Permit System, it must be submitted through the 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 you should anticipate two (2) to four (4) business days for the initial plan check; if corrections are required, you will be notified.