New construction · Irvine
Can I tear down and rebuild my house in Irvine?
Tear-down and rebuild is allowed in Irvine on most legally conforming parcels, but the path depends on the parcel's zoning, lot conformance, and any historic / hillside / coastal overlays. Lot grading and pad elevations are typically set by the master tract; custom envelope determined more by ARC guidelines than zoning.
What changes the answer in Irvine.
Most of Irvine is governed by Planned Community (PC) zoning with master-developer (Irvine Company) design guidelines layered over city code. Master-association ARC (Architectural Review Committee) approval is typically required in addition to city permits; ARC scope often exceeds code minimums.
- Lot grading and pad elevations are typically set by the master tract; custom envelope determined more by ARC guidelines than zoning.
- Master-association ARC (Architectural Review Committee) approval is typically required in addition to city permits; ARC scope often exceeds code minimums.
- Hillside character in Turtle Rock and Shady Canyon; master tract typically resolved geotech at original build-out.
- Portions adjacent to open space sit in VHFHSZ — Chapter 7A applies.
Source-backed note
Demolition + new construction are reviewed by City of Irvine Community Development — Building & Safety alongside any required planning / coastal / hillside review.
Local authority: City of Irvine Community Development — Building & Safety
Get a Irvine-specific answer for your parcel.
Send us the address and we'll respond with a feasibility note that cites City of Irvine Community Development — Building & Safety and the parcel's actual constraints — not a generic checklist.
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