Fountain Valley's Code Enforcement Section works cooperatively with community members in upholding the City's Municipal Code by ensuring that Fountain Valley is a safe place to live and work and also by preserving the attractive neighborhoods for which Fountain Valley is known.
The City's Code Enforcement Officers safeguard the community from specific hazards and eyesores such as:
- graffiti on public or private property
- broken or discarded furniture, machinery or other debris stored in public view
- inoperable vehicles
- overgrown vegetation.
To report problems related to any of these issues, contact the Code Enforcement Section at 593-4444 .
Specific Municipal Code Summaries
To clarify what is and what is not allowed within the City, the information below summarizes specific Fountain Valley Municipal Code issues that citizens commonly inquire about:
Vehicle Parking :
- Inoperable vehicles parked on public streets or residential driveways may be cited and/or towed
- Trailers, campers and boats must be parked on paved surfaces
- In residential zones, campers and trailers may not be used for sleeping quarters.
Home-Operated Businesses :
Operating a business from one's home requires a business license and a Home Occupation Permit (Home Occupation Permits may be obtained from the City's Planning Division. Call 593-4425 for more information).
Fences and Walls :
Side and rear yard fences may not be higher than six feet. For lots that back up to arterial roads, block walls may be extended to a height of 8 feet. A building permit is required for all block walls higher than 36 inches.
Overgrown Vegetation :
- Vacant lots must be kept relatively free of weeds
- Weeds and other excess vegetation can pose fire hazards
- To ensure public safety, vegetation in residential areas must not hang onto sidewalk/street areas.
Temporary Use Permits:
Certain outdoor business activities require special City permits (over and above the required business license). Activities requiring such permits are:
- Outdoor Sales and Displays
- Christmas Tree Lots
- Pumpkin Lots
- Special Events
Applicants for Temporary Use Permits need to apply in person; permits are usually approved on the same day. The fee ranges from $115-$345 depending on the type of event. A $500 refundable clean-up deposit is required for Christmas Tree Lots, Pumpkin Lots, etc.
Signs :
Fountain Valley has special requirements for business sign construction and placement. Per City ordinance, applicants must submit an application and the Sign Committee must approve all signs. For further information, call 593-4425.
Temporary Banners :
Businesses may display temporary banners up to a maximum size of 45 square feet for a period of 60 days as long as: (1) banners are securely attached to their buildings; and (2) a temporary banner permit has been issued. Temporary Banner Permits may be obtained from the Code Enforcement Division for $50. Pennants and free-standing banners may not be used in Fountain Valley.
Exterior Noise Standards:
The following standards shall apply to all residential property; 55db(A) from 7am to 10pm, 50 db(A) from 10pm to 7am.
Leaf Blower Time Restrictions:
Leaf blowers shall not operate between the hours of 6pm and 8am, Monday through Friday, 6pm and 9am, Saturday and at no time on Sunday.
Commercial Deliveries:
Delivery prohibited within 100 feet of a residential zoned property between the hours of 10pm and 7am or at any time on Sunday or a legal holiday.
Hours of Construction:
Construction hours are as follows; 7am to 8pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 8pm Saturday, and at no time on Sunday or legal holidays.
How To File A Complaint
Complaints may be filed in person, by mail or by phone during normal business hours. Simply follow these easy steps to register a complaint:
- Clearly identify the specific complaint or nuisance.
- Give your name, address, and phone number (this essential information will be kept confidential).
- Identify the problem's specific location (street name and house number). If the address is unknown, try to give a specific property location (e.g., northwest corner of Ellis and Bushard); and
- Furnish a specific description of the complaint (e.g., vehicle license plate number, debris description, etc.).
THE CITY'S CODE ENFORCEMENT SECTION IS LOCATED AT:
Fountain Valley City Hall
10200 Slater Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92702
(714) 593-4444
For any of these problems, please contact the appropriate agency:
LOOSE OR EXCESSIVELY NOISY ANIMALS : Orange County Animal Control (714) 935-6304 or 935-7419
ANIMAL LICENSING : Orange County Animal Control (714) 935-6300
RATS, MOSQUITOES, FLIES, OR PESTS : Orange County Vector Control (714) 971-2421
FOOD-RELATED COMPLAINTS : (such as unsanitary restaurants or possible food poisonings): Orange County Health Department (714) 667-3600.
SHOPPING CART REMOVAL: (800) 252-4613
