Permits are not required for repairing or replacing garage doors, garage door openers, or springs. However, any alterations to the garage structure or opening may require one. All repair and installation work must adhere to citywide, county, and statewide codes for energy, safety, security, and weatherproofing, as instructed by Irvine’s Community Development Department.

Policies and guidelines for remodeling or altering garage doors are outlined in the City of Irvine’s Community Development Standard Residential Security Code Provisions, available to view here. The requirements related to doors include:

• Wood doors require a minimum panel thickness of 5/16 inches, and all locking hardware must be attached to a support frame.
• Aluminum doors require a minimum thickness of 0.0215 inches and must be riveted together no less than eighteen inches on the center along all outside seams. Additionally, a full-width horizontal beam must be attached to the door’s primary structure and must meet within three inches of the strike area to the pedestrian access or pilot.
• Fiberglass doors require each panel to have a minimum density of no less than six ounces per square foot from the door’s bottom to a seven-foot height. For residential structures, any panel above seven feet must have a minimum density of five ounces per square foot.
• All doors with a cylinder lock require a minimum of a five-pin tumbler operation, with a locking bolt or bar extending at least one inch into the receiving guide.
• Any door exceeding a sixteen-foot width requires two lock receiving points. For doors not exceeding nineteen feet, a single bolt is acceptable if it is placed in the door’s center with a locking point on either the door header or on the floor. Additionally, torsion spring counterbalance hardware may be used.
• Doors must be equipped with an electrical operating keyed switch for opening from the closed position or a signal locking device, except in residential buildings.
• Any door with a slide bolt assembly requires a minimum framing thickness of 0.120 inches, with a bolt diameter of no less than 1/2 inch. The bolt must protrude at least 1 1/2 inches into its receiving guide. In residential buildings, a 3/8-inch diameter bolt is acceptable. Additionally, every door must have a slide bolt attached using non-removable bolts located outside; rivets may not be used when attaching the slide bolt assemblies.

In cases where a permit is required, various resources are available to provide guidance on the permitting process:

• For homes built prior to 1994, homeowners can refer to Informal Bulletin 321.
• For remodels and repairs to detached single-family homes, existing condominiums, and townhouses, refer to Informal Bulletin 222.
• Removing walls during garage door installation or remodel projects requires a South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1403 Notification Number Report.

To ensure compliance, the garage must meet the current carbon monoxide and smoke detector requirements upon final inspection.

How to Request a Permit

Before submitting documents, refer to Irvine’s E-Plan Submittal Requirements to ensure you use the correct formatting and file size.

• Completing and submitting an application package to begin the permitting process. This package includes: A residential take-off sheet, building permit application, digital or electronic signature disclosure.
• When adding a garage door as an addition to a current structure, use the School Facilities Fees form.
• To meet waste disposal requirements set by The City of Irvine Municipal Code, use the Recycling and Diversion of Construction and Demolition Waste Assessment form.
• Additional forms such as the Residential Remodel Title Sheet regarding structural and architectural plans may be required
• For condominium properties, a copy of the design approval and a letter from your Homeowner’s Association may be required.
• For homes built prior to 1980, where the repair or replacement involves wall removal, use the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1403 Notification Number Report.

Additional details, plans, supporting documents, exhibits, or forms may be requested during the plan check process, depending on your project specifics. It is important to use a licensed garage door repair company, as municipalities often request a license number during the permitting and final inspection processes to ensure that the individuals or companies performing the work are qualified and authorized to do so.

Applicants can apply online through the IrvineReady! Online Permit Submittal Portal, accessible via web browsers like Google Chrome. It’s recommended to avoid using Microsoft Edge or Safari for best results. The online application process include:

• Account Creation/Login: Upon entering the portal, users are prompted to either create an account or log in if they already have one.
• New Submittal: After logging in, applicants should click on the green plus button on the screen’s lower right side to initiate a new submittal.
• Selecting Permit Type: In the drop-down menu labeled “Project Type,” applicants should choose “For Permitting–Other” as the permit type.
• Review Process: Once submitted, a city staff member will review the information within approximately 48 hours. Applicants should then receive an email with a link to pay all required fees or a request for any additional information.
• Fee Payment: The Fee Schedule page provides information on current fee rates and any additional details. After payment is processed, the project is assigned a review date.
• Review Timeline: Expect the initial plan check to take around five (5) business days.

Learn how to submit a new project through the portal here, and how to prepare documents for online submittal here.

Neighborhood Enhancement Initiatives in Irvine

Single-family homes or condominiums built on or before 1975 might qualify for up to $1,500 in waived fees per household under the One Irvine program. This initiative, known as the permit fee holiday, exempts specific building and planning permit fees. Swimming pools, additions, and accessory dwelling units are not eligible for this benefit. Read below to learn more about eligibility criteria.

• Permit Fee Holiday: This program waives up to $1,500 in certain planning permits and building fees per single-family household in Irvine built in or before 1975. Click here for more information.
• Green Home Grants: Available to homeowners in North El Camino Real, this program provides up to $1,000 toward small sustainability projects per household. Funding for this project is limited. Click here for more information.
• Home Improvement Loans: Also available to homeowners in El Camino Real, this program provides up to $25,000 in home improvement funding, repayable upon transfer or sale of the property. This program is intended for critical repairs or implementing sustainable improvements like solar panels. Click here for more information.

The One Irvine program aims to strengthen neighborhoods by supporting community improvement projects such as repairing infrastructure and improving shared spaces.

Navigating Permits for Garage Door Repairs and Remodeling

The process of obtaining permits can be confusing and overwhelming. Failure to obtain the necessary permits can result in significant problems, such as fines, legal complications, and safety hazards. Unpermitted work can also lower property values and complicate selling or financing. To avoid any unforeseen complications, it’s recommended to hire a licensed garage door repair contractor, who has the ability to navigate the local permitting ordinances and Irvine’s Community Development requirements properly.

Whether it’s repairing a garage door or remodeling the garage, licensed garage door companies are typically familiar with the permitting process. They keep up to date on ever-changing requirements and can assist customers by explaining the entire process from the initial review to replacement and installation requirements, permitting, and ultimately to the final inspection.