Overview
- Signs must comply with the Sign Ordinance or with the specific sign program in effect for the property. Generally, a sign program will exist for any retail center, site with multiple owners, or multi-tenant building/multi-tenant site. Contact the Planning Counter at planning@cityofirvine.org to confirm the requirements in place for the property, and for the type of sign being considered
- 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
- After the plans have been approved, you will be assessed additional fees for permit issuance and inspection. Minor charges may apply for automation and state seismic fees
Zoning Guidance
Contact the Planning Counter at planning@cityofirvine.org or 949-724-6308 to verify whether a sign program is in place for the property, or whether the type of sign being considered complies with the Sign Ordinance.
What Documents Will Be Required?
- PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGE. Includes:
- Building Permit Application
- Questionnaire
- Commercial Take-Off Sheet
- Title 24 Sign Lighting Certificate of Compliance (If applicable)
- Electronic/Digital Signature Disclosure
- PROPERTY OWNER APPROVAL LETTER.
- PROJECT PLANS. Be sure to include the following:
- LOCATION: Show the location of the building(s) on-site in relation to the major cross streets and any other buildings on-site. If the site or building is multi-tenant, identify the location of the specific suite and name of shopping center, if appropriate. Show the ground sign location relative to the curb face. Include a minimum of two dimensions from the curb face of the adjacent roadway(s) to any ground signs on the site.
- FOR WALL SIGNS: Show a building elevation with the proposed sign location(s). Show the dimensions of the sign(s) and the length of the building being leased. Include the distance from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
- WALL SIGN SPECIFICATIONS: Provide a detail of the proposed sign(s) which depict the dimensions of the sign, maximum letter/logo height, maximum sign length, color of the sign face and returns, type of sign material, and letter style.
- FOR GROUND SIGNS (of which any portion of the sign is visible from a roadway, including the structure of the sign): Provide an elevation (view of the sign) including all measurements
- GROUND SIGN (of which any portion of the sign is NOT visible from a roadway, including the structure of the sign): Provide an elevation (view of the sign) including all measurements
- STRUCTURAL: Provide a separate detail and cross section showing the depth of the sign, structural supports, method of attachment and connections and locations of any other applicable accessories.
- ELECTRICAL: Provide details showing sign or lighting installation for any electrical sign(s) and outline lighting, and if applicable, drawings and calculations for structural loading, prepared by a registered engineer.
- ADDITIONAL NOTES to be added to plans (if applicable):
- All electric signs shall be listed and labeled.
- All electric signs shall be installed per installation instructions provided with each sign.
- No structural components of building will be cut or drilled until reviewed by City inspector.
- All high-voltage connections shall be made with listed products and their instructions.
Please note, depending on the specifics of your project, additional plans, details, forms, exhibits, or support documents may be requested through the plan check process.
For more information, refer to Information Bulletin No. 109 “Plan Submittal, Installation, and Inspection of Electric Signs and Outline Lighting."
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 one to three 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 five (5) business days for the initial plan check; if corrections are required, you will be notified.