Electrified Security Fences – Assembly Bill (AB) 2371

Assembly Bill 2371 (AB 2371), effective September 14, 2024, permits property owners to install an electrified security fence by obtaining a building permit and negates the need to go through the Administrative Use Permit process, Chapter 2-33 of the Irvine Zoning Ordinance, if the property/use and proposed fence meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in state law. For further details, please refer to our Electrified Security Fence Eligibility Questionnaire. This bill will remain in effect until January 1, 2028.

Determining Eligibility:

Review the Electrified Security Fence Eligibility Questionnaire to determine whether your project is eligible for processing under AB 2371.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Counter at 949-724-6308 or email planning@cityofirvine.org for assistance. Please include the project address and a detailed description of the project in your email request.

PROJECT DOES NOT QUALIFY: If your project does not qualify for streamlined ministerial review under AB 2371, please apply for an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) through the City’s Online Plan Submission Portal.

PROJECT QUALIFIES: If your project is eligible under AB 2371, the following applies:

Submitting an Application:

To apply, use the Online Plan Submission Portal by completing the necessary applications and uploading all required submittal materials. For step-by-step guidance, visit the Irvine Ready online portal help page.

If you need additional assistance, contact Permits at 949-724-6313 or cdac@cityofirvine.org.

Required Submittal Materials:

The following submittal items are required for electrified security fence applications. Please note that additional materials may be requested based on the specific scope of your project.

  • Building Permit Application
  • Construction Documents: Submit complete construction documents, including a site plan, structural details, electrical single-line diagrams, and structural calculations (which are required for fences or gates over 7 feet in height).
    • E-Plans must be plotted in black and white, formatted on standard architectural sheet sizes: 18” x 24” or 36” x 48”, drawn and saved “to scale” with a graphic scale in PDF 1.4 format or greater with all sheets in the set being the same size and properly oriented upright. For details, refer to E-Plan Submittal Requirements. 
    • If structural calculations are required, they may be submitted as a separate PDF and sized to 8.5” x 11” scale.
    • All plans must adhere to professional drafting standards.
  • Electrified Security Fence Eligibility Questionnaire
  • Property owner approval letter confirming that the owner approves the proposed project, including fence design and specifications. 

Project Review:

Applicants will be notified by email or can check the permit status website for updates on the application. Standard permit review times are available here.

Fees:

A Plan Review Fee is required before the project review can begin. All other applicable permit fees will be due at the time of permit issuance. A detailed list of applicable development fees can be found here. After your application is submitted, City staff will contact you with instructions for completing the necessary payment(s).