The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to an open and honest business environment. If you have a problem with a company's business practices, a report can be filed with the BBB by clicking here, or by calling (909) 835-6064

Click here for more about Business Licenses.

If a business is operating out of your residence a City of Stanton Business License is required. Working from a residence but not operating a business requires a Home Occupation Permit from the Community Development Department.

The State Board of Equalization (BOE) collects much of the taxes paid in the State of California. They are responsible for the collection of sales and income taxes along with other special taxes. Business owners are required to obtain a seller's permit and filing sale tax return with the BOE.

The Orange County Assessor is located at 630 N. Broadway, Building 12, Santa Ana Civic Center, Room 142. The office is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Telephone (714) 834-2727. More information can be found by clicking here.

The California Superior Court of Orange County, Western Branch, serves Stanton. Small Claims can only be filed if the amount in dispute is less than $5,000. More information is available by clicking here or calling (714) 896-7111.

The State of California licenses contractors to ensure that their services and products are of the highest quality. You should always check to make sure that contractors have a license or that they haven't lost it due to past problems. A contractor license is very important; it is an indication of the contractor competence and provides homeowners with resolution in case of disputes. Additionally, a licensed contractor must provide insurance for your property as well as for their workers, protecting you from costly damages in case of an accident. For more information on contractor licenses, and to validate your potential contractor's license, click here.

To review all information related to business licenses click here.

Stanton Municipal Code (SMC) states that it is unlawful for any person engage in any business in Stanton without possessing a valid City of Stanton Business License. Even a business owner using his home address as a business address for registration of a resale permit number or for telephone shall be required to obtain a business license for this purpose. (SMC 5.04.010) click here to review.

See section 20.24.030 of the Stanton Municipal Code. For further information contact the Community Development Department at (714) 379-9222.

Keep in mind that most of the Stanton Municipal Code's are misdemeanors, if formally charged, everyone have rights of due process in a court of law. However, the City of Stanton provides assistance with any questions concerning violations. Contact the City of Stanton Neighborhood Services Department at (714) 379-9222 ext 220, to address concerns.

Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 40215 (a), you may contest the citation within 21 calendar days of issuance by writing a letter requesting an initial Administrative Review. You must provide the reason a citation was issued in error and include copies of all applicable documentation relating to the appeal. Include the date the citation was issued, the citation number and license plate number of the vehicle. Documents submitted will not be returned. Mail your appeal to: City of Stanton, P.O. Box 2081, Tustin CA 92781-2081. Please provide complete mailing address, notification will occur by mail indicating the result of the review.

Code enforcement complaints may be filed over the phone or in person at Stanton City Hall. Complaints are received at the front counter Monday through Thursday from 7am to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. City Hall is closed every Friday. A complaint can be filed via the City's Code Enforcement hotline at (714) 379-9222 ext 220. Please be as clear as possible when reporting a complaint over the phone, including the street address, the nature of the complaint, license plate number if involving a vehicle and time of occurrence. Also, leave your name and phone number to receive a return phone call. The complaint line will be checked at the beginning of each business day and periodically throughout regular business hours. The complaint hotline will also be checked after hours and weekends by assigned code enforcement staff.

Please call the Building Inspection Hotline at (714) 890-4252, select option #1 and leave a voicemail with the following information: 1) Job Address 2) Permit number of each inspection 3) Type of inspection 4) Name 5) Phone number. For same day inspections all requests must be called in by 8:00 a.m. Any inspection called in after 8:00 a.m. will automatically be scheduled for the following day, except on Thursdays, which will be scheduled for the following Monday.

In neighborhoods requiring parking permits all vehicles are required to display a valid parking permit at all times. Failure to do so will result in a parking citation. Parking permits may be obtained at City Hall by presenting the vehicle's registration, provided the vehicle is registered at an address within the permit parking neighborhoods. Resident parking permits must be renewed annually.

The process may begin with a complaint filed by a resident, business, or by city staff observing a problem and referring it to the City's code enforcement program. The City has a code enforcement division whose responsibility it is to investigate complaints of property maintenance and municipal code violations. The City's code enforcement division also periodically patrols the City to proactively ensure compliance with the City's property maintenance and municipal code provisions. After a complaint is received, an inspection is made to determine the validity, nature, and extent of the concern. If a Code violation is observed, the property owner is informed and given an opportunity to bring the property into compliance. If corrective action is not completed in a reasonable manner, time, and after repeated attempts by the code enforcement officer to resolve the issue(s) the City may, as a last resort issue a criminal citation or file a criminal complaint with the City Attorney's office. However, the primary goal is to resolve the code violation through voluntary compliance, and the vast majority of cases are resolved in this manner.

Vehicles can be towed from private property provided it's properly posted at all entrances of the complex that receive vehicle traffic. This is per California Vehicle Code section 22658-(a). The signs on display must be in plain view and not less than 17 by 22 inches in size. With lettering not less than one inch in height, prohibiting public parking and indicating that vehicles will be removed at the owners expense. The signs must also display the telephone number and name of the local law enforcement agency. In the case of the City of Stanton, it would be the Orange County Sheriff's Department (714) 647-7000. If you have any questions concerning this procedure, please contact Stanton Code Enforcement at (714) 379-9222 ext 220.

A code violation is anything that violates the City of Stanton Municipal Code. Some of the more common examples are listed below: Trash and debris - Any accumulation of garbage, trash, appliances, old furniture, or scrap material must be removed from the property. Inoperable vehicles on private or public property - Cars and trucks that are not in running condition must be parked in an enclosed garage and may not be in public view. Parking in yards - You may not park on grass or an un-paved surface. All vehicles must be parked on asphalt or cement paved surface. Grass and weeds - Tall dry grass or dead vegetation may pose a fire hazard and must be cleared. Front yard landscaping is required in conformance with the Property Maintenance and Zoning Code. Dangerous or substandard buildings - The Uniform Building Code and Uniform Housing Code protect the safety of the people entering or living in a property. Illegal or non-permitted room additions, garage conversions, or abandoned buildings that are open and accessible are deemed dangerous and substandard.

Code enforcement is a process that works to improve and preserve the appearance of the City's residential and business areas. This is accomplished through the distribution of citations given to residents and business owners that do not adhere to Stanton's Municipal Code. The enforcement of the code is design to create a community where those who live, work, or visit can experience a sense of pride.

Zoning Code map click here for details For further questions please call Planning Specialist at (714) 379-9222 ext. 228

For information on this please call Code Enforcement Supervisor, at (714) 379-9222 ext. 224

A Conditional Use Permit allows for uses that are necessary for the development of the community, but due to their nature cannot be classified as a permitted use and must be located, planned, and used in such a manner as not to be detrimental to the property abutting such uses and to the community as a whole.

For complete information related to Conditional Use permits click here.

Stanton contracts with private companies or larger governmental organizations to provide services to its residents. These services include police (Orange County Sheriffs), fire protection (Orange County Fire Authority) who provide services countywide. Services such as trash collection (CR&R) and street lighting (Southern California Edison) are performed by private companies. These services maintain the quality of life that residents have come to enjoy.

Stanton could provide most services that are currently under outsourced contracts. However, the City conducted studies, to determine the most cost effective way to spend taxpayer's money on these critical amenities. At the completion of the studies it was determine that outsourced contractors could provide the service less expensive than the City administered amenities.

Contracting allows Stanton to spend its resident's tax dollars more efficiently and provide customized services that specifically meet the needs of the City.

For people born in Orange County, copies of a birth certificate can be obtained through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder at least 6-8 weeks after the birth occurred. There are several ways to obtain certified copies of a birth certificate as well as several payment and delivery options. For more information click here or call (714) 834-2500

Orange County is responsible for issuing marriage licenses. Couples must either submit an application online or in person at the County Clerk-Recorder Office located in Santa Ana. More information on marriage licenses can be obtained by clicking here or calling (714) 834-2500.

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder office has two offices located at 12 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 and 211 West Santa Ana Boulevard, Santa Ana, CA 92701. To get more information, including hours of operation, click here.

Credit or debit cards that have the Visa or MasterCard logo on the front will be accepted to process City fees.

Permits are required for garage sales; there is a fee of $10 for each permit issued. Four (4) permits will be issued per calendar year for any one property. Garage sales are held between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., for no more than three days, consecutively. Garage sales are limited to previously used items; new items are prohibited. Items for sale must be on the resident's property, nothing can be sold on sidewalks or in the street. All garage sale advertisement can be posted for a maximum of one week; all signs must be removed at the end of the sale.

The City is not authorized to process passport. However, most post offices are authorized to accept and process application. Contact the Stanton Post office or the US Department of Immigration passport policies. For more details, click here.

Call (714) 379-9222, to contact a specific person check the City Directory

Stanton contracts police services from the Orange County Sheriff. Stanton's Sheriff Station is located across from City Hall at 11100 Cedar Street, near the intersection of Katella Ave and Cedar in Stanton.

Time Warner Cable provides cable television service for Stanton. Customer service can be reached by clicking here or calling (888) TW-CABLE. The Public Cable Television Authority (PCTA) manages Stanton's contract with Time Warner, to file a complaint with the PCTA call (714) 968-2024.

Stanton is bordered by the Cities of Anaheim, Cypress and Garden Grove. Other cities near Stanton include Los Alamitos, Westminster and Buena Park.

CR&R is contracted to provide waste collection for Stanton. CR&R can be contacted at (714) 826-9049.

Golden State Water services all of Stanton. The City is located in the Los Alamitos Service area that also serves much of Western Orange County. Golden State Water Company can be contacted by calling (800) 999-4033 or clicking here.

Stanton has 37,661 residents. (US Census, 2005).

The Stanton Municipal Code is the collection of laws that govern the affairs of the City of Stanton. It includes building standards, parking rules, permitted commercial uses, and other rules that are in effect around Stanton. The City Code is created and amended by the City Council. The Stanton Municipal Code is available for viewing by clicking here.

Stanton is served by four school districts. Students who live north of Katella Ave attend Middle and High Schools in the Anaheim Union High School District. Elementary age students who live north of Katella Ave and east of Beach Blvd, children attend schools in the Magnolia School District. Students who live west of Beach Blvd and north of Katella Ave attend schools in the Savanna School District. Stanton children who live south of Katella attend schools in the Garden Grove Unified School District.

The Building and Safety Counter is open from 7am-8am and 1pm to 5pm. The Planning Counter is open from 1p.m. to 5 p.m. The Administrative Counter is open from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1p.m.-5 p.m.

The companies that provide these services will send a bill. Often times the bill will provide websites or telephone number to obtain a list of authorized payment centers.

The County Clerk-Recorder determines where your polling location is for each election. If you are registered to vote, you will be notified by mail where your polling place is. Would you like to know more? Click here!

Stanton's Human Resources Department is located at City Hall, 7800 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680. For job openings click here.

Social Security Office nearest to the City of Stanton is located at 300 S Harbor Blvd, Suite 310, Anaheim, CA 92805. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (Closed Federal Holidays). Social Security Administration can be contacted at (800) 772-1213 (TTY (800) 325-0778). More information can be found by clicking here.

The Stanton Branch of the Orange County Public Library is located at 7850 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680. Click here for hours of operation and online resources, or call (714) 898-3302.

There is one Post Office located in Stanton at 10440 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680-9998. To contact the branch, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). To locate other branches that may be closer call 1-800-ASK-USPS or click here.

The current rebate programs are for exterior improvements to enhance curb appeal.

The City does not offer a First Time Homebuyer Program at this time.

Rebate applications can be found on our website. Click for more details

The housing department can provide a list of Contractors to get you started.

Click here for the Housing Department and current income guidelines.

Until funds are exhausted.

California law gives both tenants and landlords many rights as well as responsibilities. The Department of Consumer Affairs stresses that the best way for tenants and landlords to prevent problems is through clear communication. Tenants and landlords should discuss expectations and responsibilities before signing the rental agreement. If a problem does occur, it is best to first try to resolve it by discussing it with your landlord. Your landlord may be willing to correct the problem, or work out a solution. But if you can't work out an agreement with him or her, California Law offers you many methods of solving your problem. California Department of Consumer Affairs California Department of Fair Employment and Housing Department of Housing and Urban Development

Occasionally a waiting list exists, the City assist each Homeowner on a first comes first serve basis.

All Stanton Homeowners.

When speaking before Council, there are several things to keep in mind: People who wish to speak should sign up before the start of the meeting. Speakers must speak from the podium. Accommodations are available for disabled speakers. When beginning the remarks, state your name and address for the record. Speak in a normal voice and relax. Council is interested in hearing what you have to say, and will carefully consider your input. Address the Council as "Mr./Madam Mayor and Members of Council." Keep your remarks to the topic initially signed up to speak about. If straying occurs into other areas, you may be ruled out of order. If a citizen would like the Council to review or consider materials, please provide these to the City Clerk for distribution. Speakers must refrain from making personal verbal attacks on members of Council or other citizens, as well as using vulgar language during remarks. Council may, at its option, recall any speaker during Council deliberations on an issue, if there are questions or a need for clarification.

Regular City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. (except for the fourth Tuesday in December) in the City Council Chambers, 7800 Katella Avenue, Stanton, CA 90680.

The Elections are held in November every two years. Council member Cadena - term expires November 2008 Council member Ethans - term expires November 2008 Council member Donahue - term expires November 2010 Council member Royce - term expires November 2010 Council member Shawver - term expires November 2010

The City Council is made up of five Stanton residents, elected at large, who serve a four-year term of office. Elections are held in November of even-numbered years. Click here to see current members.

Stanton's mayor is selected annually from among the City Council Members and is charged with running the City Council meetings and representing the city throughout the community and region click here to see a current list of representatives.

If you have a noise complaint regarding an animal, wildlife in your yard or have animal cruelty concerns you should contact animal control by clicking here or calling (714) 935-6848 or (949) 249-5160 (8am-5pm) or for night complaints call (714) 935-7158.

You should call a pest control company. If the bugs that are on your property are disease carrying, like mosquitoes, then you should contact the Orange County Vector Control District by clicking here or calling (714) 971-2421 or (949) 654-2421.

You can report graffiti to the City by calling (714) 890-4252 and choosing "Option 2". Graffiti that is visible to the public and on private property is required to be removed by the owner within seven days of notification, after that time a City clean-up crew will do at owner expense.

You can request shopping cart pickup 24 hours a day by calling (800) 252-4613.

Generally, the answer would be yes, but the addition needs to be in compliance with the City's Development Standards. The structure may not encroach into any setbacks or exceed lot coverage. The addition shall be attached to the main structure with a minimum six foot wide access or attached by a hallway that is existing or readily adapts to the proposed addition.

The use of barbed wire, electrified fence, or razor wire in conjunction with any fence, wall, roof, hedge, or by itself within any land use district is prohibited, with the exception of barbed wire in the M-1 zone, unless required by any law or regulation of the city, state or federal government. The use of barbed wire in the M-1 zone is subject to the following conditions (Click here for the Planning Division): 1.Barbed wire shall not be used on fences or walls with a height of less than six feet as measured from the nearest ground level. 2.The use of barbed wire shall be installed or strung horizontally in independent lines with established spreaders. At no time shall barbed wire be coiled, crossed, or massed. 3. The use of barbed wire, its location, and the manner of installation shall be approved by the community development department prior to installation. 4.Chain link fencing is permitted in all commercial and industrial land use districts only on interior side and rear property lines if the fence is not readily visible from a public street. 5. Chain link fencing with neutral colored slats may be used for outdoor storage areas in the M-1 zone where not visible from, or adjacent to, a public street.

The Planning Commissioners are appointed by members of the City Council for a four year term.

For an item on the Planning Commission Agenda, you may comment during the time allotted for public comments or a letter may be sent prior to the meeting to be added to the record.

Contact a planner for questions concerning plans for a specific piece of property, new developments, and proposed projects for the City.

Contact the Planning Division for information on the current zoning, permitted uses and development standards for commercial, residential, and industrial properties. A planner can provide information on building setbacks, densities, and height restrictions for each zone. This information is also available at http://www.qcode.us/codes/stanton/.

Please provide a staff member of the Planning Division with the Block/Parcel number or the street address via email or by telephone. The General Plan and Zoning Maps are available at http://www.ci.stanton.ca.us/pdf/zoningmap.pdf and http://www.ci.stanton.ca.us/pdf/generalplan.pdf.

The decision is made by the City Council after a recommendation by the Planning Commission. To start the process an application must be filed with the Planning Division.

A Conditional Use Permit allows the City to consider special uses that may be essential or desirable to a particular area but are not allowed by a matter of right within the Zoning District.

Approval is required from the Planning Division and a building permit may be required by the Building Division. Some commercial centers in the City have sign programs that establish a common theme, design, materials, letter style, color, illumination, sign type, and styles. A fee, signature of approval from the landlord/owner, and 3 sets of plans of the proposed sign are required when you submit your application. For further information, please see Chapter 20.26 of the Stanton Municipal Code.

Setbacks are required minimum distances between a building and the related front, side, exterior side, or rear property line. No structures can be built within the required setback area. Information on setback requirements can be found online at http://www.qcode.us/codes/stanton/.

Chapter 20.10 of the Stanton Municipal Code provides current zoning for the residential districts. Chapter 20.12 of the Stanton Municipal Code provides a detail of commercial zoning standards in the City. The industrial uses can be found in Chapter 20.14.

Approximately 90% of the City is in a redevelopment zone. Please see the City's Redevelopment Project Areas Map at www.ci.stanton.ca.us/pdf/redvelmap.pdf.

Businesses are eligible for a temporary banner sign which may be 15' x 3' and displayed for a maximum of 30 days. A temporary banner sign requires an approval by the Community Development Department. To request a banner permit, an application, fees, and a drawing of the proposed banner must be submitted. Temporary signage may also include special event sign permits that are only allowed for limited amount of time. An application, fee, and a drawing of the sign are required for events such as grand opening, carnivals, parades, charitable events, and holidays.

A Conditional Use Permit allows for uses that are necessary for the development of the community, but because of their nature cannot be classified as a permitted use and must be located, planned, and used in such a manner as not to be detrimental to the property abutting such uses and to the community as a whole (click here for more details).

Permanent signs generally include wall and freestanding signs. Wall signs are attached to the building fascia and may only include the name of the business. Freestanding signs are typically pylon and monument in addition they may include center identification for a multi-tenant site, address and business names. For specific standards, please see Chapter 20.26 of the Stanton Municipal Code. In addition, a sign application must be submitted and approved by the City prior to installing business signs. Please do not install any signs without prior approval by the Planning and Building Divisions as this ensures that the sign meets the standards of the Stanton Municipal Code and is installed properly.

For the operation of a business from a residence a Home Occupation Permit or Home Occupation Use Permit is required (application available at City Hall). The application shall be submitted with the required fees, a narrative letter describing the proposed business, and a plot plan of the home showing the dimensions, the location of the office. The business shall be conducted in the interior the home, with less than 10% of the total square footage of the interior or 100 square feet of the home, which ever is less, may be used for the home office. A Home Occupation is limited to paperwork only, there shall be no employment (except members of the family), direct sales of merchandise from the home, repairs of vehicles, storage of equipment or materials, noise or traffic, and use of a commercial vehicle. Subsequent to obtaining a Home Occupation Use Permit, the business owner shall submit the required application forms for a business license.

A permit is required for building a wall or fence. Plans must be approved by the Planning Division prior to the construction or submittal of plans to the Building Division. The standard provisions are (click here for details): In a residential zone, walls and fences may be up to 42 inches solid in height in the front setback. The rear and interior side may be built up to 6 feet in height. In a commercial zone, walls and fences may be up to 42 inches solid in height in the front setback. The rear and interior side may be built up to 6 feet in height. In an industrial zone, walls and fences may be up to 42 inches solid in height in the front setback. The rear and interior side may be built up to 8 feet in height. Furthermore, fences in the traffic safety zones (all districts) may be a maximum of only 30 inches in height for solid and a maximum 54 inches for open fencing. 1. The triangular area is formed by measuring 25 feet in both directions from the intersection of the front and street side property lines. 2. The triangular area is formed by measuring 10 feet from either intersecting driveways, streets/alleys, and standard driveways.

The Planning Commission meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in the Council Chambers at 6:30 pm.

The Planning Department is located at Stanton City Hall (7800 Katella Avenue), with planners available between the hours of 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm or by appointment. The Planning Division can be reached at (714) 379-9222 extension 210.

Street Sweeping Signs are posted at the entrance and exit of all streets.

Click here for mapped schedule.

Requests for any signage on streets should be submitted to Public Works/City Engineer.

Requests for any signals on streets should be submitted to Public Works/City Engineer.

The ENTIRE CITY is in a 500-year flood zone. A 500-year flood is a flood that, on average, happens once every 500 years. Stanton is protected from a 100-year flood (which are more sever), which happens, on average, once every 100 years by a system of levies that are designed to prevent water from overflowing out of the storm drain system.

Fire Hydrant problems should be reported to Golden State Water - (800) 999-4033

Report uplifted sidewalks to Public Works, (714) 890-4205.

To report potholes, call the Public Works Department at (714) 890-4205.

There is a difference between the sewer and the storm drains. Water and solid waste that goes down a resident drain is treated in a sewage treatment plant before it is released into the watershed. The sewage treatment plant removes any material that would damage the environment and endanger human health. Water and pollutants that go down the gutter and into the storm drain system are not treated. Anything that enters the storm drain will eventually be dumped into the ocean and onto the beach. Used motor oil, trash, pesticides and anything else that is not natural that enters the river are called storm water pollution. Please report individuals or businesses that are dumping potential toxin's into the storm drain by filing a complaint with the Orange County Watershed and Costal Resources Division 24 hours a day by calling (714) 567-6363 or clicking here to file a complaint online. For chemical spill emergencies call 911.

The City maintains information on the public right of ways. Customers can call Public Works Department at (714) 890-4205 to see the sewer map showing connections in the public streets. The City does not maintain information on Private Properties.

Trash, leaves and other debris can clog the storm drain system causing flooding. If any flooding or clogged drains occur, call Stanton Public Works Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (714) 379-9222 ext. 205. After hours, or in case of emergency, contact the Orange County Sheriffs at (714) 891-2481.

The deputies assigned to the Orange County Sheriff's Department's Community Programs Unit are available to answer questions related to drug use and gang involvement. The can be reached at (714) 647-4133. You may also anonymously report gang activity by calling 1-800-NO-GANGS (1-800-664-2647).

To obtain a copy of a report please contact Sheriff's Support Services at (714) 834-6454.

Yes, please contact Stanton Police Services at (714) 891-2481 and request a vacation check. You will need to provide your name, address and the dates you will be away from home.

Anyone can start a Neighborhood Watch program in their community. The national neighborhood watch website provides all the tools and information you need to get started. Visit www.USAonwatch.org to register your neighborhood watch and to order and download all the tools and resources you need. Please note that step 2 (contacting your local law enforcement agency to schedule a meeting) is not a service available in Stanton.

Instead, the Orange County Sheriff's Department's Stanton Police Services hosts block captain trainings twice per year in approximately April and October. If you wish to be advised of the next training date and time please contact Administrative Manager D. Hynes at (714) 373-8835 to have your name added to the list.

Crime information is available through the Orange County Sheriff's Department's website at www.ocsd.org by clicking on eServices, crime stats.

In the event of an emergency dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency situations, please contact Sheriff's Dispatch at (714) 647-7000.

The City of Stanton and the Orange County Sheriff's Department merged in 1988. Since then, the Orange County Sheriff Department has provided law enforcement services to the Stanton Community. Information about your local law enforcement partner and the services provided can be found on the Orange County Sheriff's Department's website at www.ocsd.org. Click on "What we do", patrol operations, Orange County Sheriff patrol areas and then "Stanton" to learn more.

Call (714) 891-2481 or email ocwestoper@ocsd.org