The City of Fountain Valley

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Planning & Building

1. What do I need if I am constructing a new building?: For the construction of a new commercial, industrial, or manufacturing building in the City of Fountain Valley, a Precise Plan Application can be obtained at the Planning Department or by downloading the Planning and Development Application Packet. Planning and Development Application Packet

2. What forms do I need before I start a new business?: The first step needed to take is to check with the Planning Department to see if your business use is compatible with the zoning for the location you desire. The business may be a permitted use, need a Conditional Use Permit, or may not be an allowable use for the particular zone.

A Conditional Use Permit allows a specific use in a zone that may have adverse impacts on surrounding uses. A business owner may be allowed to open a business in a certain zone as long as the landowner or business owner meets certain conditions determined by the Planning Commission. Applications for Conditional Use Permit can be obtained at City Hall or by downloading the Planning and Development Application Packet

3. How do I modify an existing conditional use permit?: A business owner, operating under a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), wishing to change the conditions of the CUP (change the hours of operation, add beer and wine sales, add live entertainment, etc.), may apply for a modification to the Conditional Use Permit by downloading the Planning and Development Application. Planning and Development Application Packet

4. How do I apply for a sign permit?: The first step needed to take is to check with the Planning Department to see if the shopping center or building that you want to place signage on has a designated Sign Program. If the shopping center or building has a Sign Program, the sign must meet the requirements of the program to be approved.

If the shopping center or building does not have a Sign Program, the sign must be approved by the Sign Committee. The Sign Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Planning Conference Room. The necessary form can be downloaded online (PDF).

5. How do I apply for a temporary use permit (parking lot sale, seasonal sale)?: Businesses may apply for a Temporary Use Permit for a parking lot or seasonal sale to be displayed in front of their business. Items being sold are limited to those that are normally sold at the business. The Temporary Use Permit Application can be downloaded here.

6. How do I apply to build a new housing development?: Applications for Tentative Tracts and Tentative Parcels can be found at our New Construction and Building Information page.

7. What if I am building a block wall?: Specific construction requirements and contact information can be found at our New Construction and Building Information page.

8. I want to build a garage, gazebo, or other simple structure. Where can I find information on the building requirements?: If you want to build a garage, gazebo, greenhouse, patio cover, detached storage shed, workshop, or another similar structure, you can view that information on our New Construction and Building Information page.

9. What do I need if I want to build a pool, spa, or pond?: Information on pools, spas, ponds, or other permanent outdoor equipment can be found on our New Construction and Building Information page.

10. What are the requirements if I want to install a new air conditioner or pool and spa equipment?: You can view the setback requirement for this equipment on our New Construction and Building Information page.

11. I want to add a second unit to my single-family lot. What are the construction requirements?: A complete list of compliance standards and building requirements can be found on our New Construction and Building Information page.

12. I want to landscape my front yard. What are the building requirements?: You can find the requirements for landscaping on our New Construction and Building Information page.

13. Do I need a building permit for a home improvement?: You need a building permit for a home improvement. Please visit the Building Permits section of the website for more information Building Permits

14. Who do I call about a code enforcement issue or complaint?: You will need to call Code Enforcement at 714-593-4444 for an issue or complaint.

15. How is a property registered?: The responsible party must complete the Foreclosure Property Registration Form and include a $100 registration fee made payable to the City of Fountain Valley. Mail the completed form and registration fee to: City of Fountain Valley, Code Enforcement Division, 10200 Slater Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
See Resolution 9341 for fees related to security, maintenance and registration for properties in foreclosure.