Showroom Retail Space in Fountain Valley

What to diligence before LOI

1. 01

   Furniture and appliances are by right in most zones: Table 2-6 in FVMC 21.10.030 lists Furniture, furnishings and appliance stores as permitted in C1, C2 and CM, a conditional use permit in M1, and not allowed in CP. Chapter 21.90 defines the category to include furniture, floor coverings, draperies, home appliances, home furnishings, interior decorating materials, outdoor furniture and movable spas and hot tubs.

2. 02

   Building materials and plumbing are different: Building material stores (paint, wallpaper, glass, fixtures and large building materials) are a CUP in C2, permitted in CM, and not allowed in C1. The definition sends businesses primarily selling electrical, plumbing and HVAC supplies to Warehousing, wholesaling and distribution, which Table 2-6 allows only in CM and M1. A kitchen and bath or tile showroom should get Planning's classification in writing before the lease is signed.

3. 03

   EV and auto showrooms: Auto sales and rental, new is a CUP in C1, C2, CM and M1, and used vehicle sales are a CUP in C2, CM and M1 only. The FY 2025-26 fee schedule puts a full CUP under Chapter 21.36 at $4,017.

4. 04

   Lower parking for furniture: Table 3-3 (FVMC 21.22.040) sets building materials, furniture and hardware stores at 1 space per 300 sq ft plus 1 per 1,000 sq ft of outdoor sales area, against 1 per 250 for general retail. Vehicle sales are 1 per 800 sq ft. A 13,000 sq ft furniture floor like Terra's needs about 44 spaces instead of 52.

5. 05

   Sidewalk and tent sales: FVMC 21.10.050(a)(1) allows temporary outdoor display and sales only with a temporary use permit, limited to three days per event and 18 days per calendar year unless the permit says otherwise. A showroom that plans regular parking lot events should build that limit into its marketing plan.