Economic Development

Founded in 1874 and incorporated on August 31, 1911, the City has transformed from a small township in to a distinct community in the Northeast San Fernando Valley surrounded by the City of Los Angeles. The San Fernando City Council is committed to preserving the city’s rich history while focusing toward building a vibrant future that supports existing businesses, creates new economic development opportunities and ultimately showcases why the city is a great place to work, visit, and live.  The City Council’s efforts are exemplified under the City’s adopted motto of being “Historic and Visionary” and focuses on striking the right balance of economic, cultural, political, social, and recreational opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

The City benefits from a large stock of historic homes with unique character and varied architectural styles creating great opportunities for young families to buy and restore homes, establish roots, and become a part of a larger community with a distinct character all its own. Additionally, the City benefits from a mix of exemplary public and private schools that offer students multiple alternatives for a quality education.

The San Fernando Police Department’s average emergency response time throughout the City is three minutes and the Department exemplifies what community base policing really is by being engaged with residents, businesses, the City Council and other community stakeholders to address all public safety issues that may arise in the community. The Department has time and time again stepped up to protect public health, safety and general welfare and continue to make the City a safe place for people to live, work, and play.

The City is 2.4 square miles and is conveniently located in the Northeast San Fernando Valley portion of Los Angeles County; 23 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.  The City is easily accessible from the 5, 210, and 118 Freeways and has excellent public transportation options via the existing San Fernando/Sylmar Station that connects the Metrolink’s Antelope Valley line from San Fernando to downtown Los Angeles via an existing commuter rail line and extensive bus lines.

The City’s seven parks, including the Olympic-size pool at the San Fernando Regional Pool Facility, offer residents and visitors to the community multiple exercise, playground and recreational opportunities. The City boasts two national award-winning community programs, including the 100 Citizens Fitness Program and the Master Mariachi Apprentice Program. Both programs provide hundreds of families each year access to effective research-based programs designed to enrich lives. The City also works with several local partners, including the San Fernando Community Health Center, to implement an annual city-wide Healthy San Fernando! Campaign. As you can see, existing and future residents benefit from the comprehensive and diverse recreational, cultural, social and human service programs.

The City is committed to helping existing and new business be successful. This commitment is exemplified in the City’s effort to streamline the permit processing, improve customer service, and cut red tape. The City has revamped its zoning regulations to allow by-right commercial land uses, retained competitive sewer and water connection fees, comparatively low business licenses fees, and eliminated unnecessary requirements.