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How to Verify a Professional's License in Irvine?

Failing to verify the license of professionals that you intend to hire can lead to unsatisfactory or shoddily handled projects. The California Department of Consumer Affairs issues over 200 categories of licenses to qualified professionals in Irvine, and it is your responsibility to make sure that your intended professional has been duly licensed by the right board or bureau of this agency. You can make use of the online DCA license search tool maintained by the Department of Consumers Affairs to achieve this task.

Furthermore, you may be required to obtain a permit from relevant city agencies before carrying out certain types of projects. These include building permits, alarm permits, field and facility use permits, parking permits, tree removal permits, and several others. Failing to obtain the necessary permit required for your project can lead to city-imposed penalties and fines. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the Irvine Community Development Department at (949) 724-6470 to get information on the types of permits that you may need and the steps that have to be taken to obtain these permits.

Do Irvine Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?

Homeowners associations in Irvine do not issue building and construction-related permits to residents or businesses within their respective neighborhoods. These associations typically provide a system of self-governance and community improvement for residents of the city through participation in various group activities and events. These include association meetings, serving on communities, and the collective use of common property and facilities within their different areas. You can access a map of residential homeowners associations in Irvine and also look up specific homeowners association information online via a webpage provided and maintained by the city's Community Development Department. In April 2021, it was reported that members of the Greater Park Residents Association were pushing to have an official say in the approval process for projects in their community. In May 2021, several Irvine residents and activist groups organized a rally to protest the city's handling of matters that were of concern to them, the most recent being the All American Asphalt facility project.

How to File an Unfair Business
Complaint in Irvine?

Residents of Irvine can file complaints concerning matters like the misrepresentation of services by a business or professional and other deceptive business practices in the city by contacting the Consumer Protection Unit of the Orange County District Attorney's Office via phone number (714) 834-3482. You will typically be required to complete and submit a consumer complaint form, along with any relevant supporting documentation, either via email or by mailing these documents to:

• 300 N. Flower Street
• P.O. Box 808
• Santa Ana, CA 92703

Note that even though this office reviews and investigates consumer complaints from residents of Irvine, it is prohibited from giving legal advice, legal opinions, or acting as an attorney on behalf of complainants. In view of this, you should also consider retaining the services of a private attorney to pursue legal action if you intend to seek redress from the business or professional that you filed the complaint against. In matters where the amount in contention does not exceed $10,000, you can file a claim with the Orange County Small Claims Court. This court allows you to file an unlimited number of claims for up to $2,500 per claim each year. However, you can only file two claims that involve more than $2,500 per year. You can get referrals on attorneys in Irvine by utilizing the online Lawyer Referral and Information Service provided by the Orange County Bar Association. This service can also be contacted via phone numbers (949) 440-6747 and (877) 257-4762.