ADU permit process in Irvine, California
Orange County, California
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
We haven’t written Irvine’s permit guide yet.
We publish permit process guides one city at a time, and we would rather publish nothing than guess at Irvine’s rules using another city’s process. Permit steps, submittal requirements, and review timelines are set locally, so a guide copied from a neighboring city would be wrong in ways that cost you time.
Here is what is useful for Irvine right now.
See the fee estimate for IrvineStart here instead — official and primary sources for Irvine
The City states that updated fees and February 2026 ICC Building Valuation Data took effect August 15, 2026 under adopted Development Processing and Inspection Fee Resolutions 24-41, 25-78, and 25-79.
Accessed August 28, 2026
- CityFee Schedule
The City explains payment timing, states that permit fees depend on square footage and construction type, links the current Schedule II and valuation bulletin, and warns that fees vary by project.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The adopted schedule publishes current per-square-foot residential plan-check and inspection charges, permit-issuance fees, automation surcharges, and exclusions.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The official valuation bulletin provides the adopted ICC-based construction values by occupancy and construction type for City valuation determinations.
Accessed August 28, 2026
What to ask the Irvine building department
- The current building permit fee schedule, and the date it took effect.
- Whether development impact fees apply at your square footage — many California cities waive them for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
- Plan submittal requirements: what drawings they expect, in what format, and whether submittal is online or in person.