INSTRUCTIONS: The following is a map of Historic Downtown Porterville. Once you have clicked on the map you will be able to click on a colored parcel to see a photo and description.
Population Stats
Age Distribution of Population
Age Group
Total
% Distribution
Under 19 years
20,018
37%
20-24 years
4,015
7.4%
25-34 years
7,712
14.2%
35-54 years
12,648
23.4%
55-74 years
7,369
13.7%
75 years and older
2,403
4.5%
Source: Based on U.S. Census 2010 with population at 54,165
Educational Attainment of Population over 25 Years of Age
Years of School Completed
Total
% Distribution
Less than High School
9,457
31.5%
High School
6,940
23.1%
Some College
7,817
26%
Associate's Degree
2,229
7.4%
Bachelor's Degree
2,485
8.3%
Graduate or Doctorate Degree
1,094
3.6%
Source: Based on U.S. Census 2010 with population at 54,165
Income Level
Per Capita
Median Household (2000)
Average Household (2000)
$12,745
$32,046
$11,884
Source: U.S. Census 2000
Household Income Distribution
Annual Income
Total (2000)
% Distribution
Under $35,000
7,475
51%
$35,000 - $50,000
2,415
17%
$50,001 - $75,000
2,690
19%
$75,001 - $100,000
1,086
8%
Over $100,000
760
5%
Source: U.S. Census 2000
Demographic Overview
Current local population (2013)
55,490
Current county population (2009)
447,814
Average Household Size (2009)
3.31
Median Age (2000)
28.6
Owner-Occupied Homes (2012)
15,807
Total Housing Units (2012)
16,909
Source: U.S. Census 2000; Department of Finance
Economic Development Strategic Plan
City of Porterville's 2012 Economic Development Strategy
The UI taxable wage limit for 2013 is $7,000 per employee, per year. The UI tax rate for new employers is 3.4 percent (.034) for a period of two to three years.* The UI tax rate for experienced employers varies based on each employers' experience and the balance in the UI Fund.
Employees covered by Disability Insurance (see above) are eligible for up to six weeks of paid family leave to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, parent or domestic partner, or to bond with a new minor child. Disability insurance is paid by employees.
Can entrepreneurs succeed in Porterville? Yes! Just look at Billiou’s, Inc., the 2008 inductee in the Tulare County Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. Billiou’s is the factory authorized distributor of over 30 lines of lawn and garden products. They ship parts and equipment to the Western U.S., Guam and Saipan from their 44,000 sq ft warehouse in Porterville.
Here are some local, state, and national resources for entrepreneurs.
If you are going to conduct any type of business within the city limits of Porterville, you must have a business license.
If you live inside the city limits of Porterville and are going to conduct your business out of your home, you are required to have a Home Occupation Permit.
Applications for a Porterville Business License are available through the City of Porterville Finance Department, located at 291 N. Main Street, Porterville, CA 93257, (559) 782-7457.
Following are steps to apply for a City of Porterville Business License:
Complete the full application.
Note an opening date (or estimated date).
List all that apply: social security number, Federal Tax ID number, Resale Permit number.
Last six months gross receipts – estimate the gross receipts for the business from the opening date to the expiration date. This amount will determine your license fee.
Sign the application.
Enclose a check for that appropriate fee.(If you are unsure about the fee, contact the Finance Department at (559) 784-7457.
Read and sign the information sheet. Return the white copy to the Finance Department. A copy of the completed form will be returned to you with your license.
You will need to verify that your proposed site is zoned for your intended use and the appropriate entitlement application submitted by calling or visiting the City Planning Division.Please do this before you sign a lease or purchase land or a building! You must do this before you purchase your Business License.If the proposed site is on or near a State right of way, you may need an encroachment permit.
For more information on Zoning, contact the City of Porterville Planning Division at (559) 782-7460.
Building permits are required in most cases when you plan to make physical changes to the interior or exterior of the building you plan to occupy. For more information contact the City of Porterville Building Division at (559) 782-7460.
SIGN PERMITS
If you are erecting or painting a sign or awning, you’ll need a full site review and approval before a permit is issued.For more information, contact the City of Porterville Planning Division at (559) 782-7460.
PERMIT INFORMATION
To assist you in finding the appropriate permitting information for your business, the CalGOLD database provides links and contact information that direct you to agencies that administer and issue business permits, licenses and registration requirements from all levels of government.
The CalGOLD listings include descriptions of the requirements, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the agencies that administer those requirements and issue the permits and licenses, and in most cases a direct link to the agencies’ Internet web pages.
Porterville College www.portervillecollege.edu | (559) 791-2200 Porterville College offers an Introduction to Entrepreneurship course as part of its business program.
Lyles Center For Innovation and Entrepreneurship, CSU, Fresno www.lylescenter.com | (559) 294-2045 The Lyle Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is one of the top entrepreneurial centers in the country. It is known for its wide variety of programs and services that help entrepreneurial businesses succeed.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) http://californiasbdc.org/ | (559) 625-3051 Consultation and workshops for existing businesses and start-ups.
SCORE www.score.org (559) 688-6666 Appointments can be made through the Business Finance Center. Business mentoring and workshops presented by retired business executives.
Hiring and Training
Classroom and on-the-job training can reduce the cost of hiring and training your employees. In some cases, training may be customized to the employer's needs. Additionally, the local schools offer training for budding entrepreneurs.
On-The-Job Training
Tulare County Workforce Investment Department - Employment Connection www.employmentconnect.org | (559) 713-5200
Community Services & Employment Training (CSET) www.cset.org | (559) 732.4194
Employment Development Department (EDD) www.edd.cahwnet.gov | (559) 788-6452
City of Porterville Contact Jason Ridenour: 559.782.7460 | email: business@chooseporterville.com The City of Porterville can assist entrepreneurs with their Business Assistance Program. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Funding is dependant upon job creation.
Early-stage fast-growth entrepreneurs often go through several rounds of private seed funding, angel and venture capital investment as their product becomes viable. These investors are willing to make a “riskier” investment in the hopes of larger profits; however, they will expect a solid business plan and successful achievement of certain milestones before investing in a new company.
National Venture Capital Association www.nvca.org Trade association of venture capital firms.
Small Business Incubators
Business incubators are designed to help create and grow new business.
Central Valley Business Incubator, Inc. www.cvbi.org | (559) 292-9033 CVBI provides new and small businesses with rental space with flexible leases and slightly reduced rent, shared office equipment and basic office services, and the business and technical expertise necessary to help entrepreneurs grow their business. CVBI is geared to create new jobs and new firms.
Business Information and Support
These links to outside services may be useful to your business. Their inclusion here should not be construed as an endorsement by the City of Porterville,
MBA Online www.mbaonline.com/ Resource primarily aimed at MBA program students
Buzgate.org buzgate.org/ca Resource network for small businesses
California Small Business Association www.csba.com Export helpline, insurance and retirement plans, business advocacy
MANEX – The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence www.manex.org Strategic planning, marketing strategies, distribution and channel strategies, in/outsourcing
LinkedIn.com www.linkedin.com Business networking and job recruitment website
Franchise Opportunities
Based on an analysis of lifestyle characteristics of households conducted by Buxton, Porterville's consumer base matches the core customers of the following franchises.
Supervisor/Managers of Construction Trades & Extraction Workers
47-1011
$24.03
$36.18
Carpenter
47-2031
$13.15
$27.78
Construction Laborer
47-2061
$11.31
$27.78
Equipment Operator
47-2073
$17.52
$27.11
Electrician
47-2111
$19.49
$27.89
Painter
47-2141
$13.66
$18.63
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
49-2094
$20.98
$34.14
Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician
49-3011
$24.05
$33.72
Auto Service Mechanic & Technician
49-3023
$15.63
$21.61
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
49-9041
$18.13
$26.54
Maintenance & Repair Worker
49-9071
$10.98
$20.64
Machinery Maintenance
49-9043
$11.86
$20.23
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, all others
49-9799
$10.60
$19.98
Production & Transportation
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
FirstLine Supervisors/Managers of Productions and Operating Workers
51-1011
$20.01
$31.07
Assembler & Fabricator
51-2099
$9.88
$15.59
Machinist
51-4041
$13.00
$17.17
Welder, Cutter, Solderer, Brazer
51-4121
$12.73
$18.30
Quality Inspector
51-9061
$11.04
$18.53
Truck Driver, Heavy
53-3032
$13.86
$22.40
Truck Driver, Light
53-3033
$9.46
$18.57
Conveyor Operator
53-7011
$8.52
$9.33
Industrial Truck & Tractor Operator
53-7051
$10.12
$17.54
Laborers & Freight, Stock and Material Movers, Hand
53-7062
$8.95
$12.53
Life & Physical Science
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Agricultural & Food Science Technician
19-4011
$12.16
$18.14
Environmental Science Technician
19-4091
$22.96
$28.21
Healthcare Practitioners & Technical
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Registered Nurse
29-1111
$32.89
$43.63
LPN and LVN
29-2061
$20.30
$24.89
Physical Therapist
29-1123
$40.00
$53.43
Physical Therapist Assistant
31-2021
$28.08
$35.62
Medical & Clinical Lab Tech
29-2012
$10.84
$13.91
Medical Records Technician
29-2071
$13.53
$21.79
Medical Transcriptionist
31-9094
$14.19
$21.11
Sales, Marketing, Design & Related
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Commercial & Industrial Designer
27-1021
$21.40
$40.36
Graphic Designer
27-1024
$16.63
$27.22
Retail Sales Person
41-2031
$8.98
$11.72
Sales Rep (mfg, technical, scientific)
41-4011
$29.63
$54.18
Sales Rep (services, all other)
41-3099
$15.86
$27.85
Source: State of California Employment Development Department (www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov), first Quarter 2012 Data for Tulare County / Visalia-Porterville MSA (1) Standard Occupational Code
Education
Education
Elementary Schools
Enrollment
Capacity
% of Capacity
Alta Vista Elementary
502
635
79.1%
Belleview Elementary
415
425
97.6%
Buckley (William R.) Elementary
552
473
116.7%
Burton Elementary
596
629
94.8%
Doyle (John J.) Elementary
686
750
91.5%
Hope Elementary
140
140
100%
Los Robles Elementary
459
625
73.4%
Monte Vista Elementary
520
575
90.4%
Oak Grove Elementary
489
566
86.4%
Olive Street Elementary
680
750
90.7%
Roche Elementary
382
400
95.5%
Santa Fe Elementary
665
625
106.4%
Summit Charter Academy
773
612
126.3%
Vandalia Elementary
730
750
97.3%
West Putnam Elementary
514
600
85.7%
Westfield Elementary
646
775
83.4%
Middle Schools
Enrollment / Graduation Rate
Capacity
% of Capacity
Bartlett Intermediate
488
700
69.7%
Burton Middle
621
648
95.8%
Horizon Community Day
6
15
40.0%
Jim Maples Academy
619
660
93.8%
Pioneer Intermediate
490
900
54.4%
Sequoia Middle School
529
550
96.2%
High Schools
Enrollment
Capacity
% of Capacity
Citrus High (Continuation)
244
180
135.6%
Granite Hills High
1,260
1,525
82.6%
La Sierra Charter School
332
150
221.3%
Monache High
1,938
2,100
92.3%
Porterville High
1,798
2,075
86.7%
Vine Street Community Day
38
45
84.4%
College
Enrollment 2007
Enrollment 2006
Enrollment 2005
Porterville College
4,008
3,770
3,898
Source: Enrollment data from California Department of Education, 2008-9; Capacity data from Burton Elementary School District & Porterville Unified School Districts and individual schools; Dyett & Bhatia, 2006, KCCD Banner Report SWRTMFF using headcount status of A,B,C, or F for the complete fall term for each year.
Incentives
SEQUOIA VALLEY ENTERPRISE ZONE
The Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone received final designation on January 9, 2012!The good news also provides for incentives to be retroactive to October 6, 2010.
Enterprise Zones targets economically distressed areas throughout California. Special state and local incentives encourage business investment and promote the creation of new jobs. The purpose of the program is to provide tax incentives to businesses and allow private sector market forces to revive the economy.
Businesses located within the zone boundaries are encouraged to take advantage of these exclusive incentives:
21 Day permit fast-tracking (2 week permitting in Porterville) 5 Year, no interest, development fee deferral State tax credits for hiring qualified employees State sales or use tax credits for purchasing qualified property Accelerated expense deductions Net Interest deduction for lenders to enterprise zone businesses Preference points on State contracts and Industrial Development Bonds
Porterville is part of Tulare County's Business Incentive Zone ("The BIZ"), California's only targeted tax area!
Benefits to qualifying companies include:
- Permit Fast Tracking - Interest Free 5 Year Fee Payment Plan - Equipment Tax Credits - Employer Hiring Assistance - Business Expense Deductions - Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carryover
Partcipating Business:
Zone advantages are available to new and existing businesses in these Standard Industrial Codes -
2000-2099 Food Processing 2200-3999 Certain Other Manufacturing 4200-4299 Motor Freight Transportation & Warehousing 4500-4599 Transportation by Air 4700-5199 Transportation Service & Wholesale Trade
HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS (HUB) ZONE
The HUB Zone program seeks to encourage economic development in historically underutilized business zones through establishment of preferences for award of Federal contracts to small businesses located in such areas. The program falls under the auspices of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The goal of the program is to channel at least one percent of overall federal procurement to HUB Zone small business.
To participate in the program: - A small business' principal office must be located in a HUB Zone - 35% of a participating firm's workforce must reside within a HUB Zone location - The qualified company must be owned and operated by U.S. citizens
RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ZONE
The City of Porterville was designated as one of California's first Recycling Market Development Zones (RMDZ) in 1990. This program was created by the California legislature to stimulate markets for recyclables and provide incentives to businesses that use secondary materials from the waste stream for manufacturing. In 2003, the City joined the Greater South San Joaquin Valley Recycling Market Development Zone to expand its oportunities for market linkages in the Central Valley region.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The California Integrated Waste Management Board provides direct low-interest loans of up to $2 million to qualified companies! Interest rates of 5.25% are available for qualifying loans approved thru June, 2005. See grants and loans at www.ciwmb.ca.gov . Funds may be used for
- Acquisition of machinery and equipment - Acquisition of owner-occupied real property - Leasehold improvments - Working capital - Refinance of onerous debt (if related to the project)
GREATER SOUTH SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RMDZ BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM
The RMDZ Business Development Team may help you:
- Develop market and business plans - Provide information on current market conditions - Evaluate technology and equipment - Development Fee Payment Plans
FOREIGN TRADE ZONE
The City of Porterville is part of the Central San Joaquin Valley Region Foreign Trade Zone, a seven-county area.
FOREIGN TRADE ZONE (FTZ) BENEFITS:
- Merchandise imported into a FTZ and later re-exported from the Zone is never assessed any Customs duties.
- Imported merchandise admitted into a Zone and then rejected, scrapped, or consumed in the Zone is not assessed any Customs duties.
- Merchandise imported into a FTZ and then shipped to another Zone can be shipped duty-free to the receiving Zone.
- When components are imported into a FTZ and manufactured into a new product for re-export or sale in the U.S., the importer may elect to apply the finished product duty rate, or the component duty rate, whichever is lower.
- Importers located in a FTZ are only required to submit one Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) per week, thus reducing MPF costs to importers who otherwise would file multiple entries.
City of Porterville Commercial-Industrial Plan Submittal Checklist
Please take a moment to compare your plans with the checklist. This form is to assist building permit applicants in determining the adequacy of their submittal package. A complete submittal will expedite the plan check process. If the plans and other construction documents are incomplete, the plan check process will be delayed. Plans must have the stamped and "WET" ink signature of a state licensed architect or engineer responsible for their preparation. Check the items that are included.
•3 Identical sets of plans and 2 sets of calculations are required. •Permit Application Form, plan check deposit, and a copy of the PRC letter attached to each plan. •Hazardous materials declaration, if applicable. •COMPLETE SITE PLAN: To scale, dimensioned, all on-site and off-site improvements, location of all existing and proposed fire hydrants and fire flow calculations pre 2007 CFC and city ordinance, location of water and sewer service connections at the City mains and to each building adn REQUIRED YARDS for building area purpose. •Landscaping and irrigation plans, including required street trees. •Redevelopment Agency letter listing conditions of approval or approved plans with original "WET" ink signature of staff (only for those areas covered by the Redevelopment Agency). •Conditional Use Permit, Variances, or Planned Development conditions of approval. •COMPLETE CIVIL PLAN: Including processed grading plan, existing topography, building pad and finished floor elevation City datum, parking lot grades, adn wall footage elevations. •OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION: Type of construction, basic allowable area or rationale for allowable area increase, building use and valuation. •Indicate if this permit is for an occupancy change. Specify previous business or use. •COMPLETE FLOOR PLAN: To SCALE and DIMENSIONED. •Minimum of the four major elevations. •Complete structural plans to include foundation, floor, and roof framing and all details connections. •Structural calculations, including vertical and lateral design, based on the 2007 CBC. •COMPLETE SET OF TRUSS CALCULATION: This will include layout, truss calculation sheets keyed to layout, size and type of connections and lateral bracing plan. OR •"WET" STAMP: One set of calculations must have the "WET" signature of the design engineer. •Complete project specifications. •ELECTRICAL FLOOR PLAN: Including service size caluculation, location of sub-panels, and feeder sizes and a complete one-line diagram. •FIRE DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE PLAN: One 8-1/2" x 11" size copy of each floor plan. Site and Floor plan. •Where fire suppression systems are required; submit 3 sets of plans to the building Department with (1) set to remain with the Fire Department. In addition, sets of plans for the underground water supply, dictating location of an approved aboveground and /or belowground back flow device with (1) set of plans to remain with the Fire Department, all for approval. •MECHANICAL PLAN: Indicating size and location of units and size of ducts and outlets. •Provide soil report from licensedtesting agency. •PLUMBING PLAN: Indicating location of DWV system and water and gas piping size calculations and schematics. •COMPLETE CCR ENERGY ANALYSIS Title 24 Forms: PROVIDE FORMS, MECH, LTG, ENV, and mandatory features must appear in blueprints. •ALL PLANS MUST BE COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND STAPLED PRIOR TO SUBMITTAL.
INCOMPLETE SUBMITTALS WILL BE PREFERRED BACK TO THE APPLICANT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RESIDENTIAL PLAN CHECKLIST Plan Submittal Checklist
(3) Full identical sets of plans with the following:
•Completed application •Owner information. (Including proof of ownership if owned for 1-year or less.) •Address and Assessors Parcel Number for the site. •A site plan showing all setbacks, streets, property lines, curb/gutters, sidewalks, utilities and driveway approaches. (to scale and dimensioned) •North, South, East, and West elevations. (At least two of these). •Location and type of all easements, (if applicable) •Grading plan. (if applicable) •Floor plan (to scale and dimensioned) •Foundation plan •Floor joist plan when applicable •Roof framing plan (For cut and stack only) •Mechanical plan (Indicating size and location of units and duct sizes) •Plumbing plan (Indicating location of DWV system and water and gas pipe size.) •Electrical plan (Include service size and location of main and sub panel) •Detail sheets •Elevation difference of 6" or more at property lines require retaining wall details and design calculations •Soils report (for expansive soil conditions) •Provide with plans, (2) two sets of: Energy Calculations, Engineered Stamped Truss Calculations, and Engineered stamped Structural Calculations.
Porterville is fortunate to have a vital business community, with firms that have a long history in town and give willingly of their time, talent and resources to make Porterville a better place to live and work. As such, each trimester the City of Porterville takes pleasure in acknowledging a local business that has contributed to the community's economic base.
Program Guidelines
In order to qualify for recognition, a business needs to meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Proven longevity in Porterville - Major employer - Significant business growth within a year's time - Porterville community supporter - Innovative company
Recognition to include:
- Presentation and acknowledgment at a City Council meeting - Acknowledgment in a City advertisement in the Porterville Recorder - Highlight the honoree in the City's newsletter - Provide link from the City's website to the honoree's website - Recognition of honorees during the Chamber of Commerce's "First Friday Coffee" each December
If you have questions about the program, or would like to nominate a business to be recognized, please contact City staff at ecdev@ci.porterville.ca.us
Recipients of Porterville's Outstanding Business Recognition Awards
