Overview

A business license requires an annual tax to be paid in order to do business within the City of Ventura. Business licenses are to be renewed by July 1st of each year.  The City’s municipal code requires that you obtain a City business license prior to conducting any business activity within the city, even if your business is located outside the city limits or you have a business license from another city.  Whether operating from a commercial location, or home base, and even if you conduct business on a part-time, limited, or hobby-related basis, you are required to obtain and keep current a City of Ventura business license.  

Cannabis Business Tax – Quarterly 

November 3, 2020, voters of the City of Ventura approved Measure I, a ballot measure for the taxation of cannabis business in the City of Ventura and San Buenaventura Municipal Code (S.B.M.C) chapter 4.170, titled “Cannabis Business Tax” was adopted. 

As of January 1, 2021, the City of Ventura imposed upon each person who is Engaged in a Cannabis Business, San Buenaventura Municipal Code (S.B.M.C) chapter 4.170.060.A. 

The Cannabis Business Tax imposed by this chapter shall be paid, in arrears, on a quarterly basis, San Buenaventura Municipal Code (S.B.M.C) chapter 4.170.070. 

To review the Cannabis Business Tax ordinance, click here.

For a copy of the Quarterly Cannabis Business Tax Return, click here.

SIC Codes and Industrial General Permit Requirements - Steps 1-4

On October 2, 2019, the State of California passed Senate Bill 205, effective January 1, 2020, requiring certain regulated businesses to demonstrate enrollment with Stormwater Industrial General Permits (IGP) BEFORE cities may issue, or renew, a local business license.

What should a business do to comply with these requirements?

1. Determine the primary Standard Industry Classification (SIC) Code(s) for your business using SIC Search or NAICS/SIC crosswalk if you know your NAICS.

2. Determine whether the SIC code is one required to enroll in the State IGP program at IGP-regulated codes.

3. If the SIC code is a regulated code, enroll the business under the State’s IGP SMART tracking system and then continue to #4.
   If the SIC code for your business IS NOT a regulated code, continue with your renewal form and skip #4.  

4. Provide one of the following to the City of Ventura with your business license renewal: WDID application # and WDID, or NONA, or NEC.

What if I have more questions about the State Stormwater Program?

Email: stormwater@waterboards.ca.gov
Phone: (866) 563-3107
Fax: (916) 341-5543

Review the State’s Frequently Asked Questions (in Español)

Note: The City of Ventua does not administer or enforce the IGP.

City Tobacco Retailer License Required

On January 13, 2020, City Council passed an ordinance no. 2020-002, titled “Tobacco Retailer License”, making it a requirement for all Tobacco Retailers in the City to obtain a City-issued Tobacco Retailer License.  This license is in addition to a City of Ventura business license and state cigarette and tobacco license.

For a copy of the Tobacco Retailer License application, click here.

To review the Tobacco Retailer License ordinance, click here.

Flavored Tobacco Ban

On December 9, 2019, City Council passed an emergency ordinance prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products in the City. Unless the Tobacco Retailer received an exemption from the City (requests for exemptions were due January 9, 2020), a Tobacco Retailer may NOT sell flavored tobacco products in the City of Ventura.

To review the emergency ordinance prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco, click here.

Cannabis Delivery Services Permit

As of January 1, 2020, the delivery only of cannabis is allowed within the City of Ventura with the issuance of a Cannabis Delivery Services Permit.  

To review the Cannabis Delivery Services ordinance and the permit application, click here.