Porterville, lying along the foothills of the Sierras at an elevation of 455 feet, is located on State Highway 65, 165 miles north of Los Angeles, 171 miles east of the Pacific Coast. The City has a strategic central location to major markets and a ready access to major transportation routes.
Nestled against the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Porterville is a bustling city of over 55,000 and serves as a trade center to over 100,000 people. The economy is a thriving mixture of agri-business, light industry, and commercial enterprise. Local businesses produce a number of products such as electronic medical instruments, printed forms and specialty documents, and food products. Central Location Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Porterville is situated on the eastern edge of California’s San Joaquin Valley. Just 17 miles off Highway 99, a primary north-south route, the city is approximately an hour from Fresno and Bakersfield. Lifestyle Enjoy the slower pace, casual lifestyle, and friendliness of a small town without sacrificing quality. Porterville has several parks in the community, each with its own unique setting. The Zalud House and Porterville Museum provide a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Porterville schools are noted for their participation in “Odyssey of the Mind” competitions and award-winning high school music programs. Harmony Magnet School is launching their new Engineering Academy. Porterville College serves as a true community partner offering a broad spectrum of career opportunities for local residents. The community hosts a variety of special events, such as the popular Iris Festival, Downtown Car Show, Hot August Bikes, Veteran’s Day Parade—Celebration, and much more. Just a quick look at the community calendar provides locals and visitors with information about events in the community.
Enjoy the slower pace, casual lifestyle, and friendliness of a small town without sacrificing quality. Porterville has several parks in the community, each with its own unique setting. The Zalud House and Porterville Museum provide a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Porterville schools are noted for their participation in “Odyssey of the Mind” competitions and award-winning high school music programs. Harmony Magnet School is launching their new Engineering Academy. Porterville College serves as a true community partner offering a broad spectrum of career opportunities for local residents. The community hosts a variety of special events, such as the popular Iris Festival, Downtown Car Show, Hot August Bikes, Veteran’s Day Parade & Celebration, and much more. Just a quick look at the community calendar provides locals and visitors with information about events in the community.
| Quality of Life | |
|---|---|
| Culture / Sports / Park / Recreation | |
| Theatre and Fine Arts | Description |
| Barn Theater | Live performances |
| Porterville Art Center | Art gallery and mixed media |
| Parks | Description |
| Centennial Plaza | Neighborhood Park |
| Lions Mini Park | Neighborhood Park |
| North Park | Neighborhood Park |
| Dog Park | Dog Park |
| Fallen Heroes Park | Neighborhood Park |
| Skate Park | Concrete Skate Park |
| Murry Park | Community Park and swimming complex |
| Veterns Park | Community Park |
| Zalud Park | Community Park and tennis courts |
| Specialized Recreation | |
| Porterville Sports Complex | Playing Fields |
| Off-Highway Vehicle Park (OHV Park) | Casual riding for motorcycles and quads |
| Municipal Golf Course | 9-Hole Golf Course |
| Trails/Parkways | |
| Rails-to-Trails | Walking Trail |
| Tule River Parkway | Walking and Bike Trail |
| Other Community Facilities | |
| Heritage Center | Youth center, civic meetings, recreational activities, social gatherings, and cultural events |
| Porterville Historic Museum | Museum |
| Zalud House | Museum |
| Recreational Facilities and Opportunities | |
| Lake Success | Water skiing, fishing, hiking, and camping |
| Libraries | |
| Porterville Public Library | Library |
| Margaret J. Slattery Children's Library | Library |
| Cinema | |
| Galaxy 9 Theatres | Movie complex |
| Population | Porterville | California |
|---|---|---|
| Population, 2019 | 60,260 | 39,927,315 |
| Population, 2015 estimate,July 1, 2015 (V2015) | 56,165 | 39,144,818 |
| Population, 2010 (April 1) estimates base (V2015) | 54,165 | 37,254,503 |
| Population, percent change, April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2015 | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Population, Census, April 1, 2010 | 54,165 | 37,253,956 |
| Persons under 5 years, percent, 2010 | 9.9% | 6.8% |
| Persons under 18 years, percent, 2010 | 33.5% | 25.0% |
| Persons 65 years and over, percent, 2010 | 9.4% | 11.4% |
| Female persons, percent, 2010 | 50.5% | 50.3% |
Source U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. Data derived from Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, County Business Patterns, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits, Census of Governments Last Revised: Tuesday, 08-Jul-2014 06:42:58 EDT
| Age | Total |
|---|---|
| Under 20 years | 20,025 |
| 20-24 years | 3,666 |
| 25-34 years | 7,378 |
| 35-54 years | 12,827 |
| 55-74 years | 8,076 |
| 75 years and older | 2,571 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
| Years of School Completed | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Population 18 to 24 Years | 5,745 |
| Less than High School | 26.1% |
| High School Graduate (includes equivalency) | 36.1% |
| Some College or Associate's Degree | 35.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 2.2% |
| Population 25 years and over | 30,843 |
| Less than 9th grade | 18.7% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma | 12.4% |
| High School Graduate (includes equivalency) | 24.3% |
| Some College, no degree | 26.8% |
| Associate's Degree | 7.3% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 7.5% |
| Graduate or Professional Degree | 3.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
| Households (est.) | Median Income | Per Capita Income |
|---|---|---|
| 16,417 | $41,905 | $17,248 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts (10/8/2015)
| By Households in 2013 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars | ||
|---|---|---|
| Annual Income | Total (2013) | Percent |
| Less than $35,000 | 6,940 | 42.30% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 2,770 | 16.90% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 2,803 | 17.10% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 1,756 | 10.70% |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 1,473 | 9.90% |
| $150,000 to $199,999 | 450 | 2.70% |
| $200,000 or more | 225 | 1.40% |
| Total Households | 16,417 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
| Natural Gas Providers | |
|---|---|
| Name | Residential, Commercial and Industrial |
| Southern California Gas Company | 1-800-427-2200 |
| Electric Power Providers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Type | Phone Number |
| Southern California Edison | General Residential Customer Service | 1-800-655-4555 |
| Agriculture Customers | 1-800-896-1245 | |
| Business Customers | 1-800-990-7788 |
| Telecom Providers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Type | Phone Number |
| AT&T | Small Business Customer Service | 1-888-944-0447 |
| Residential Customer Service | 1-800-288-2020 |
| Wastewater Treatment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Phone Number | |
| City of Porterville | (559) 782-7501 |
| Water Providers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Phone Number | |
| City of Porterville | (559) 782-7514 |
| Internet Providers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Phone Number | |
| AT&T | 1-888-884-2375 | |
| Charter Cable | 1-800-314-7195 | |
| Clearwire | 1-888-253-2794 | |
| OACYS Technology | (559) 781-4123 | |
| Sprint | 1-800-927-2199 (Sprint Phones) 1-877-639-8351 (Nextel Phones) 1-877-877-8748 (Wireline Services) |
|
| Verizon | 1-888-649-9500 |
| 10 - Minute Trade Area | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Population Profile | Site 1 - Jaye Street & HWY 190 | Site 2 - Main Street & Olive Avenue | Site 3 - Henderson Avenue & HWY 65 |
| 2017 Projection | 65,915 | 63,236 | 69,470 |
| 2012A Estimate | 63,541 | 60,868 | 66,664 |
| 2010 Census | 62,672 | 60,015 | 65,476 |
| 1990 Census | 44,989 | 42,387 | 43,625 |
| 10 - Minute Trade Area | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Household Profile | Site 1 - Jaye Street & HWY 190 | Site 2 - Main Street & Olive Avenue | Site 3 - Henderson Avenue & HWY 65 |
| 2017 Projection | 18,583 | 17,638 | 19,740 |
| 2012A Estimate | 17,981 | 17,059 | 19,031 |
| 2010 Census | 17,824 | 16,905 | 18,786 |
| 1990 Census | 14,365 | 13,374 | 14,120 |
| 10 - Minute Trade Area | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Household by Income | Site 1 - Jaye Street & HWY 190 | Site 2 - Main Street & Olive Avenue | Site 3 - Henderson Avenue & HWY 65 |
| Under $15,000 | 3,259 | 3,204 | 3,361 |
| $15,000 to $24,999 | 3,108 | 2,999 | 3,361 |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 2,520 | 2,412 | 2,602 |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 2,994 | 2,786 | 3,089 |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 2,796 | 2,642 | 3,192 |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 1,580 | 1,491 | 1,855 |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 1,293 | 1,124 | 1,855 |
| $150,000+ | 431 | 402 | 478 |
| Total Households by Income | 17,981 | 17,060 | 19,030 |
| Average Households Income | $48,530 | $47,678 | $49,877 |
| Per Capita Income | $14,080 | $13,718 | $14,423 |
| Median Household Income | $35,383 | $34,636 | $36,701 |
| Secondary Trade Area | |
|---|---|
| Population Profile | Custom Trade Area |
| 2017 Projection | 118,671 |
| 2012A Estimate | 114,355 |
| 2010 Census | 97,349 |
| 1990 Census | 82,168 |
| Secondary Trade Area | Household by Income (Current) |
|---|---|
| Under $15,000 | 5,814 |
| $15,000 to $24,999 | 5,462 |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 4,518 |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 5,104 |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 5,274 |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 2,840 |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 2,154 |
| $150,000+ | 1,107 |
| Total Households by Income | 32,273 |
| Average Households Income | $51,133 |
| Per Capita Income | $14,670 |
| Median Household Income | $35,751 |
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:
The City's Business Assistance Program provides funding of $35,000 per every NEW job created by the project that is funded by the City. These funds may be provided to the Business by a low-interest loan. Determination of the loan is made by a project basis, utilizing a variety of criteria to determine the level of assistance that may be provided to the business.
At least 51% of the full-time equivalent permanent jobs created must be made available to moderate-income individuals. A Non-Financial Employment Plan will be made a part of the Assistance packet. New jobs mus be listed with the California Employment Development Department and/or Tulare County Workforce Investment Department.
The City's Revolving Loan Fund Program is funded by Community Development Block Grants (CDBG funds are federal dollars; therefore, construction projects using CDBG funds are subject to prevailing wage.
Limited funding is available and priority will be given to projects creating employment opportunities and/or benefits to the community. Approval for the use of these funds is subject to the Community Development Financial Review Committee.
Revolving Loan Fund Program ApplicationRevolving Loan Fund Program Guidelines
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.
www.calgold.ca.gov
DEVELOPMENT FEE PAYMENT PLANS
Some project types are required to pay a variety of development fees. These fees are associated with new commercial and residential developing. The cost are associated with added public infrastructure (roads, parks, library, etc.) needs to serve the development. The City of Porterville offers a deferred payment that allows the development fees to be paid over a period up to ten years without interest. Contact Economic Development Department, Jason Ridenour, for more information at (559) 782-7460.
OPPORTUNITY ZONES
Opportunity Zones were established by the ratification of the Tax Cuts and jobs Act of 2017, in conjuction with the U.S. Investing in Opportunities Act which created tax incentives for investment in designated census tracts called Opportunity Zones. These were designed to spur growth into low-income communities by encouraging reinvestment of capital gains into certified Opportunity Funds. www.business.ca.gov/Programs/Opportunity-Zones
CALIFORNIA BUSINESS PORTAL
The State of California offers a variety of incentive programs to encourage business development in California. To learn more about incentive programs that your business may be eligible for, click on one of the categories below or complete the incentives section of the California Business Navigator. www.businessportal.ca.gov/Incentives
