Get Green to Go Green: Irvine’s Green Home Grant Program is Back
Irvine is accepting applications for the One Irvine Green Home Grant Program. The program offers funding to Irvinites for sustainable home improvements, helping make homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Photo credit Danist Soh
Irvine's One Irvine Green Home Grant Program is back, offering Irvine homeowners cash rebates to make sustainable upgrades to their homes. So far, the One Irvine Program has awarded 106 grants and 138 loans to qualifying residents. Here's a straightforward guide to help you navigate the application process and determine if you're eligible for this the next round of the One Irvine neighborhood revitalization program.
One Irvine is a program aimed at improving neighborhoods as they age, working with residents on specific projects to enhance the community. One Irvine’s Residential Rehabilitation Program provides financial assistance through 0% interest deferred loans and emergency grants to help low-income homeowners with critical home improvements. The Home Improvement Loans program offers up to $25,000 for larger-scale projects. One Irvine’s Permit Fee Holiday waives fees for certain projects, up to $1,500. Now, One Irvine’s Green Home Grants will fund an additional round of home improvement projects specifically aimed at making our living spaces more eco-friendly and sustainable.
Applications will be available beginning Tuesday, June 17, at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Owners whose single-family home or condominium was built in or prior to 1980 may be eligible for reimbursement up to $1,500 per household as part of the Green Home Grant program. Also, Home Improvement Loans are available for up to $25,000 for sustainable upgrades or critical repairs.
What Is the One Irvine Green Home Grant?
This program provides grants of up to $1,500 to owners of single-family homes and condominiums built in or before 1980. The funds can be used for various sustainability projects, including:
Electric vehicle chargers (Level 2)
Induction cooktop stoves
Heat pump water heaters
Heat pump space heating/cooling
Home battery storage systems
Smart thermostats and irrigation controllers
Solar photovoltaic systems
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) inspections
Service panel upgrades
Insulation and window upgrades
Electric dryers (heat pump or condensing)
Some exclusions apply, and certain upgrades may require prior approval.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for the grant, you must meet these requirements:
Ownership: Be the owner of record or the owner's legally appointed representative of a single-family home or condominium in Irvine.
Property Age: The property must have been built in or before 1980.
Project Approval: Some sustainability upgrades must be approved by the city.
Contractor Requirements: Installations must be performed by a qualified, licensed, and insured contractor with a current Irvine business license.
Permitting: All necessary permits must be obtained, and installations must comply with the City's Municipal Code.
Funding is limited and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Grant recipients should expect to wait four to six weeks for rebate checks to be issued.
How Do I Apply?
Follow these steps to apply:
Verify Eligibility: Check the eligibility criteria outlined above.
Prepare Documentation:
Photo identification of all persons on the home title
Copy of Grant Deed or Deed of Trust
Copy of recent utility bill
Copy of property insurance documentation and declaration (all pages)
Submit Application: Complete the online application form available at the One Irvine website.
Approval Notification: If approved, you will receive an email notification confirming your grant funding.
Permit Application: Work with your contractor to submit a permit application, if required, for your sustainability upgrade.
Installation: Once the permit is issued, proceed with the installation of the approved upgrade by a qualified, licensed, and insured contractor with a current Irvine business license.
Final Inspection: Schedule a final inspection with the Building & Safety Division, if your project requires a permit.
Rebate Request: Submit your rebate payment request by email to oneirvine@cityofirvine.org within two weeks of your final inspection date and include:
Permit number and proof of final inspection approval (if required)
Proof of payment for the installation and equipment (paid invoice)
For detailed instructions, refer to the Green Home Grant Application Guidelines
What’s the Catch?
Sound too good to be true. See below:
Funding Availability: Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility Verification: Only fully completed applications will be accepted.
Documentation: Ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid delays.
Permit Requirements: Certain upgrades may require permits so consultation with your contractor, as well as the city, is recommended.
How Can I Get More Info?
If you have questions or need help with the application process, contact the One Irvine team:
Email: oneirvine@cityofirvine.org
Phone: 949-724-6470
For more information and to apply, visit the One Irvine website.