Overview

• There are zoning setback requirements for pool/spa mechanical equipment. Mechanical equipment must be a minimum of two (2) feet from the nearest property line.
• If mechanical equipment is proposed in a visible location, screening will be required. Refer to the “Zoning Tips” below
• Pool/spa mechanical equipment may be no taller than 48 inches above finished grade
• If you have a zero-lot line (more common in Turtle Rock and University Park), the pool/spa/mechanical equipment may not be built within an easement area
• 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
• 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

What Documents will be Required?

1. APPLICATION PACKAGE. Download and fill out the PDF form to submit online (includes Building Permit Application, Residential Take-Off Sheet, and Electronic/Digital Signature Disclosure)

2. SITE PLAN. This can be drawn to scale or prepared by an architect, landscape architect, or swimming pool contractor.

Building Code Tips

Zoning Tips

Be sure to show: location of pool or spa, nearby structures, appliances, skimmers, safety features, overflow and devices. dimensions from the pool/spa to property lines and to existing buildings.

Show the distance between the pool/spa mechanical equipment and the nearest property line. The mechanical equipment must be a minimum of two (2) feet from the nearest property line. Mechanical equipment may be no taller than 48 inches above finished grade. Note the height of the mechanical equipment on the plans. If you have a zero lot-line, a pool/spa may not be placed within the easement area. There are no setback requirements for the pool/spa itself. If the mechanical equipment is proposed in a location visible from adjacent streets and properties at the same grade, screening will be required. Screening may be achieved by a fence or landscaping. If this is an HOA pool or private apartment/condominium pool, there may be special requirements. Contact the Planning Counter at 949-724-6308.

3. CONSTRUCTION PLANS.

• Include plans, details, and notes on pool or spa construction that are stamped and signed by a California licensed Civil or Structural Engineer.
• Refer to Informational Bulletin No. 182 for additional notes and requirements.
• Fencing and security shall comply with Informational Bulletin No. 187.
• Download and include City Of Irvine Swimming Pools and Spas General Notes
• For spas, refer to Informational Bulletin 128 Drains & P-Traps for Spas  

4. Completed and signed RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT FORM from Informational Bulletin No. 285

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

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.

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 - Residential Minor-Overnight-Over Counter - RMO” 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.