Overview

A business license is an annual tax that you pay at the fiscal year for the privilege of doing business within the City of Ventura.  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.

Business licenses are to be renewed by July 1st of each year.

NEW - Flavored Tobacco Ban

On December 9, 2019, the San Buenaventura City Council passed an emergency ordinance prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products in the City.  

Tobacco Retailers that were operating within the City on, or before, December 9, 2019, can receive a 6-month exemption by submitting a written request to the City's Business Tax Office by Thursday, January 9, 2020.  

The written request should include:

1. A copy of the Tobacco Retailer's active City business license; and
2. Proof that the Tobacco Retailer sold one, or more, Tobacco Product or Tobacco Paraphernalia, in the three months preceding December 9, 2019.

Click here for a copy of the complete text of the Emergency Ordinance no. 2019-026.

City Council also introduced an ordinance that would require all Tobacco Retailers to obtain a separate tobacco retailer license in addition to a City business license.  For your information, the second reading and proposed adoption of this ordinance are scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2020.  Click here for a copy of the Tobacco Retail Licensing Staff Report, dated December 9, 2019.

NEW - Cannabis Delivery Services Permit

As of January 1, 2020, the delivery only of cannabis is allowed within the City of San Buenaventura with the issuance of a Cannabis Delivery Services Permit.  To review the ordinance and the permit application, click here.