The City of Fountain Valley welcomes you to its business community. Starting a business can be exciting and challenging. We wish you great success in your new venture!

The City of Fountain Valley requires all businesses operating within the City limits to obtain a business license and pay business license tax prior to commencing business operations.

The easiest and fastest way to apply for a new business license or renew your current license is using the online filing method. To begin, simply click on the "Submit a Business License Application" located below under the Apply subheading. 

If you need further assistance applying for a business license, you are welcome to contact us at FountainValley@hdlgov.com or by phone at (714) 855-3982. Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (PST).


To get started, please select one of the online activities below:
Apply
Renew
  • Renew a Business License

    Start here to renew your current business license. If your account is delinquent, please contact our office at 714-855-3982 to renew your license over the phone.

Pay
  • Pay a Balance Due

    Start here to pay a balance due on an established account with the City of Fountain Valley. Please do not use this option to begin the license renew process.

Close
  • Close a Business License

    Start here if you do not plan to operate or conduct any business activity in the City of Fountain Valley.

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Other
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Download Forms

Please download below

Business License Application .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Home Business Conditions .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Commercial Recycling Requirements .pdf   file_download
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Frequently Asked Questions

A business license is an annual business tax for doing business within the City limits. The City of Fountain Valley Municipal Code (Section 5.04.080) requires that you obtain a license when you conduct any business activity within the City, even if your business is located outside of the City limits or if you have a business license from another City. Businesses that are based in the City must also have a business license. This includes home based businesses, building contractors, independent contractors, and non-profit businesses.

Business license taxes and fees help pay for City services like roads, fire, police and other community services. These services benefit businesses, business owners, and the general public.

A business license is normally good for a year and must be renewed every year depending on the expiration date of your current license. The City will send annual renewal notices; however, it is the business licensee’s responsibility to renew on time. Penalties are assessed for delinquent accounts. Conducting business in the City without a valid license can result in citations and fines.

Yes, businesses operating from a location inside the City of Fountain Valley may require a zoning review from the Planning Division. This is to ensure that the business activity and site location are compatible with the City’s municipal code and zoning requirements. Home Occupation Conditions: A Business License and Home Occupation Permit is required if the business is conducted from your home in Fountain Valley. Please also submit a signed acknowledgement of the Home Business Conditions (Reference Section 21.42.060 of the Municipal Code) with your application located in the “Download Forms” section of this webpage. There is a 1-time Business Permit charge of $35.

If you are an in-town business and using a fictitious business name that does not include the owner's surname (last name), you must first file for a Fictitious Business Name Statement through the Orange County Clerk/Recorder or any local newspaper. You must attach a copy of the Fictitious Business Filing with your business license tax application.

Orange County Clerk Recorder

12 Civic Center Plaza Room #101 Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 834-2500 or www.ocrecorder.com