City of Irvine Updates Zoning in Key Business Sectors to Support Research & Development

In an effort to strengthen economic growth and innovation, the City of Irvine has adopted strategic zoning updates that make it easier for companies engaged in Research & Development (R&D) to locate, expand, and invest in Irvine. These changes help preserve and modernize key business areas that power Irvine's innovation economy, including firms developing medical technologies, software, and advanced hardware.

Two landmark zone changes have gone into effect, permitting Research & Development (R&D) land-use in key business sectors - an approximately 1,400-acre, multi-use area at the Market Place Center, and an approximately 480-acre, multi-use area near the Irvine Spectrum Center.

By permitting R&D by-right in these districts, the City is aligning zoning with how modern innovation companies operate, providing clearer, faster paths to occupancy and investment.

"These zoning changes streamline approvals and remove unnecessary barriers for modern Research & Development use," said Mayor Larry Agran. "Together with business resources and initiatives created by our Economic Development division, they are part of a strategic effort to enhance Irvine's position as a premier innovation hub."

Most R&D uses proposed within the City include businesses and activities such as development and testing of software, hardware components, medical and communication devices, electronics, and gaming systems typically conducted in professional or administrative office settings. The newly enabled R&D uses complement Irvine's existing concentration of technology, MedTech, and healthcare-adjacent firms, giving them room to grow while maintaining compatibility with surrounding uses.

The City's Economic Development division is dedicated to strengthening the local business environment and positioning Irvine for long-term economic success through new tools and resources, such as the Available Property and Community Analytics Dashboard(link is external). The dashboard empowers business owners to view detailed real estate listings and assess potential business locations based on a variety of data. Business owners who have identified a possible site for their business should contact the City's Planning Team at [email protected](link sends e-mail)or 949-724-6308 to confirm the business activity meets the land use requirements of the City's Zoning Code.

To learn more about economic development with the City of Irvine, visit cityofirvine.org/economicdevelopment.