BUSINESSES
The City of Fountain Valley strives to be a business friendly City. Over 57,000 people call Fountain Valley "A Nice Place to Live" and over 5,000 service, retail, and industrial businesses call the City "A Nice Place to do Business". In partnership with the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce we recognize the value and importance of a strong and varied business community. To that end we actively promote a Shop in Fountain Valley program to encourage citizens and help them to understand the value and importance of shopping in their community. We appreciate our businesses as corporate residents with long-term investments.
Much of the City's approach to business retention and attraction centers on a positive pro-business environment. Staff actively seeks open communication with the business community regarding areas of interest and concern. In an effort to make your interaction with the City more pleasant we have attempted to provide all the information and resources for your business needs in a comprehensive easy to follow format. Whether you are a new, old, or prospective business in the City we hope you find these pages informational and helpful.
new - california small business road to recovery
The Federal Stimulus program incresed some existing federal government programs significantly. Most of the new one-time money must be spent by the end of 2010 though. Discovering where the money is can be a tough task. If you are interested in how your small business or Desabled Verteran Business Enterprise can locate, apply and compete for federal, state, and local recovery projects, you'll want to check out this toolkit information.
Doing business with the city
Any vendor or contractor wishing to do business with the City must first register in the on-line database. The City encourages Fountain Valley businesses to register as a vendor or contractor with us so in the event that a bid opens we will have your information on file to contact you. In an effort to help support our Fountain Valley businesses the City has also adopted a policy of giving local businesses a 1% preference during the competitive bid process. All purchases are handled through the Purchasing Division.
prospective businesses
Propospective business owners of Fountain Valley can find information in this Businesses section of the website on the characteristics as well as the requirements of the City. For economic and social information about the City view our pages on Demographics and Economic Profile and visit the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce website. You may also want to view the Zoning Map of the City and Title 21 of the Municipal Code to find out which businesses are permitted to operate in which areas of the City. We highly encourage any prospective business owner to contact a City staff member prior signing any leases or opening any business. Planning Department staff can be reached at 714-593-4525 and Business License staff can be reached at 714-593-4421.
New business
Opening a business in the City of Fountain Valley may require several or just a couple of steps depending on the business. The information in the New Businesses section of the this website is intended to guide you step by step through the permitting process. We strongly recommend that before you pursue opening any business that you stop by or call and speak with a City representative. Planning Department staff can be reached at 714-593-4525 and Business License staff can be reached at 714-593-4421. Should you have any questions City staff will be happy to assist you.
existing businesses
The Business License pages of this Site contain information on Business License Requirements, Obtaining a Business License, Renewing a Business License. and Forms and Applications. If you have any questions regarding a Business License please call the Business LIcense Division at 714-593-4421.
If you currently own and operate a business in the City of Fountain Valley and you would like to hold a special event in or outside your business please visit the Temporary Use Permit page for information. Business signs standards and regulations can be found in Chapter 21.24 of the Municipal Code. Please call the Planning Department at 714-593-4525 for assistance with special events and signs at your business.
business Resources
Whether you are looking to grow your business in community, find well qualified employees, locate assistance during hard times, or network, there are numerous resources available to you. In the Business Assistance pages you will find links to these resources and more.