Approval questions · 448 answers · 2688 total in the reference desk
Permits & Code
How property-specific requirements and agency review affect the approval path.
What a permit clock does and does not cover
State baseline reviewed September 26, 2026. Local procedures, exceptions and parcel conditions still apply.
The statutory review clock
After an ADU application is submitted, the local agency must say in writing within 15 business days whether it is complete, and generally approve or deny a complete application within 60 days (Gov. Code § 66317). The clock measures agency review of a complete application — not design, corrections, utility work or construction.
If the agency finds the application incomplete or issues corrections, the time the applicant's team spends revising drawings and resubmitting is outside the agency's clock. Complete, coordinated drawings are the part of the schedule the owner's team controls most.
Water, sewer, electric and gas connections are reviewed and scheduled by the utility or agency that owns each system, sometimes on separate applications. Their timing is not set by the ADU review clock; ask each provider what it needs and when.
Once a permit is issued, duration depends on scope, site conditions, material lead times, inspections and any correction notices in the field. No general duration applies to every property; a schedule should be built from the actual scope.
The city that governs the parcel. In Los Angeles County that can be one of 88 cities or unincorporated county land. Check the parcel against official city boundaries before assembling documents.
Permit history, a zoning report, a boundary or topographic survey where the site requires one, and utility information. The project passport lists each unknown with the source that answers it and why it matters.
No. Declared valuation is an administrative figure used for fees. The Beverly Hills monthly report, for example, lists valuation for each permit, but it does not show what the work cost to build.
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
422Which approvals apply to a JADU in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
423Who reviews a home addition in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
424Which approvals apply to a home addition in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
425Who reviews a kitchen remodel in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
426Which approvals apply to a kitchen remodel in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
427Who reviews a bathroom remodel in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
428Which approvals apply to a bathroom remodel in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
429Who reviews a whole-home remodel in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
430Which approvals apply to a whole-home remodel in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
431Who reviews a roofing project in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
432Which approvals apply to a roofing project in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
433Who reviews a siding project in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
434Which approvals apply to a siding project in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
435Who reviews a deck project in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
436Which approvals apply to a deck project in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
437Who reviews a concrete project in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
438Which approvals apply to a concrete project in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
439Who reviews a window and door project in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
440Which approvals apply to a window and door project in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
441Who reviews a foundation work in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
442Which approvals apply to a foundation work in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
443Who reviews a framing scope in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
444Which approvals apply to a framing scope in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
445Who reviews a seismic retrofit in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
446Which approvals apply to a seismic retrofit in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
447Who reviews a hillside project in Irvine?+
Irvine Community Development is listed as the primary permit authority. Planning, utilities, fire or other agencies may also be involved depending on the address and scope.
448Which approvals apply to a hillside project in Irvine?+
The applicable pathway depends on the property, proposed work and jurisdiction. Requirements should be confirmed against current official sources before design commitments are made.
City permits guides — the deep dive
Every FAQ above is anchored in real jurisdiction data. For full line-item breakdowns, plan-check timelines, and city-specific schedules, open the permits guide for the city you're building in.
