Fountain Valley, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Chapter 4.85 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code governs official police towing in the City of Fountain Valley, California. The Chief of Police awards the designation on the traffic bureau's recommendation, based on findings of public need, and can revoke it for a violation of the chapter. Under § 4.85.020 the police department rotates its calls between two towing services on a schedule set by the traffic bureau, and any appeal goes in writing to the city manager.

An applicant files with the Chief of Police on the city's form with a fee set by City Council resolution. The application lists every tow truck with its vehicle identification and license numbers, every operator's name, date of birth and license number, three years of business history, and all criminal convictions including Vehicle Code violations (§ 4.85.130). Equipment rules in § 4.85.140 require at least three tow trucks, a cable winch on each, radios approved by the police department, and access to a flat bed and a truck able to tow loads of 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or more. An agency found with fewer than three operating trucks drops out of rotation for 30 days.

Under § 4.85.150 an agency that employs an operator under 18, an operator with a felony or moral turpitude conviction within five years, or an operator convicted of vehicle theft can be denied. Storage under § 4.85.160 means a secured enclosed structure of at least 500 square feet plus an open yard of at least 5,000 square feet behind a wall or fence at least six feet high, with damage repaired within 24 hours. The police, fire, health and building departments approve the facility before the agency goes on the call list, and the police department reinspects it annually (§ 4.85.170). A tow service fee set by City Council resolution must be paid to the city before an impounded vehicle is released (§ 4.85.200).