If You Are Replacing An Existing Air Conditioning Unit
If You Are Adding A New Air Conditioning Unit
- Air conditioning units must be set back a minimum two (2) feet from the nearest property line
- If an A/C unit is proposed in a location visible from the public right-of-way or nearby properties at the same grade (such as a front yard or rooftop), screening will be required
- Depending on the location of the A/C unit (for example, on a roof), you may need to provide structural calculations prepared and signed by a registered California structural engineer
- Your Homeowners Association may have its own approval process. Review your HOA policies and procedures before proceeding with your 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
Zoning Guidance
- Air conditioning units must be a minimum two (2) feet from the nearest property line
- A/C units may be a maximum four (4) feet in height
- If proposed in a location visible from the public right-of-way or nearby properties at the same grade (such as a front yard or rooftop), screening behind a parapet, fence, or landscaping will be required
What Documents Will Be Required?
- APPLICATION PACKAGE. Download and fill out the PDF form to submit online. The Application Package includes:
- Building Permit Application
- Residential Take-Off Sheet
- Electronic/Digital Signature Disclosure
- SITE PLAN. Be sure to dimension and label:
- Property lines
- Existing dwelling, walls, structures (e.g. patio covers, pools)
- Proposed A/C unit (and distance from nearest property lines)
- Description of screening provided if in a visible location. If proposed on roof, add the following note to the plans: “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.”
- IF PROPERTY IS A CONDOMINIUM: COPY OF DESIGN APPROVAL LETTER FROM YOUR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION.
- IF THE A/C UNIT IS PROPOSED ON A ROOFTOP: STRUCTURAL PLANS AND CALCULATIONS stamped by a California licensed Civil or Structural Engineer.
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--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.