Accessory Structures in Irvine, CA (2026)
2 verified accessory structures rules for Irvine, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Irvine no longer writes its own accessory dwelling unit standards. Zoning Ordinance Sec. 3-26-1, enacted September 9, 2025 by Ordinance No. 25-22, replaced the city's prior local ADU chapter with a single rule: ADUs must be permitted and regulated under the California Government Code's ADU chapter, Section 66310 et seq. Size, siting and permitting run through state law, not a city table.
Irvine Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Few RestrictionsIrvine, CA, Zoning Ordinance Sec. 3-26-1 (Applicability)
Accessory dwellings shall be permitted and regulated in compliance with Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code (Section 66310 et seq.), as may be amended from time to time.
Shed & Carport Rules
A backyard shed, storage building or playhouse in Irvine is a "minor accessory structure" under Zoning Ordinance Sec. 3-5-1. It must sit in the rear yard, stay under 250 gross square feet and 12 feet in height, and can cover no more than half of any required setback area: on top of the city's overall site-coverage cap in Chapter 3-29.
Irvine Shed & Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsIrvine, CA, Zoning Ordinance Sec. 3-5-1 (Accessory structures, minor)
Minor accessory structures are permitted on any site containing a residential use. The minor accessory structure shall meet the following requirements:1.Minor accessory structures are permitted only within the rear yard area.2.Minor accessory structures shall have a total maximum area of 250 gross square feet.3.A maximum of 50 percent of a required setback area may be covered by minor accessory...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Irvine city rules.
Accessory Structures in Orange County →