Variance Permits

The Variance process allows a property owner to request relief from development standards in the Zoning Code (i.e. building height, setbacks from the property line, or lot coverage) due to a unique hardship, such as topographical conditions, not shared by property owners in the same zone.  

The City of Irvine provides a separate process for requests for a variance from Building Code regulations.  To obtain a Building Variance click here.

The Variance process differs from requests for Administrative Relief which require a separate process to address deviations for:

Parking requirements, signage rules, landscaping standards, wall and fence standards, wireless communication facility separations, or child care center standards.

Requests for Administrative Relief do not require the same findings of a hardship, but do require a separate set of findings. Additional information on the Administrative Relief process can be found on the Administrative Relief Information Sheet (and in the Chapter 2-2 of the City of Irvine's Zoning Code

APPLICATION PROCESS

APPROVAL BODY

The designated approval body is the City's Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator is appointed by the City Council to hear certain applications. In some instances an item may be called up for review by a member of the Planning Commission. All Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission hearings are public in nature and a notice is sent of a proposed project in advance of a public hearing to property owners and residents within 500 feet of the project site.

For more information, contact the Development Assistance Center at 949-724-6308.