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 - Senate Bill 205 Business License: Stormwater Discharge Compliance

Proof of Industrial General Permit Required for New or Renewed Business License

On October 2, 2019, the State of California adopted new laws and passed Senate Bill 205 (2019), effective January 1, 2020, requiring any person applying for a new, or renewed, business license to demonstrate National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities, Order No. CAS000001 (IGP) coverage for each business location that is conducting industrial activities regulated by the State program.

To comply with State law, the City of Ventura will not issue or renew a City business license without proof of coverage under the State-issued IGP for any business that is required to enroll.  Proof of coverage will include one of the following for each industrial business:

• WDID - Storm water permit number, known as the Waste Discharge Identification number and                       WDID application number; or
• NEC - No Exposure Certification number; or
• NONA - Notice of Non-Applicability identification number.

To view the full text of SB 205, visit http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/ and search for Bill Number “Senate Bill 205” in the 2019-2020 legislative session.

IGP State contact information:
For more information about the State-issued IGP program, visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/sb_205_business_license_requirements.html

• To search SIC Codes for your business, visit:  https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sicsearch.html
• To inquire whether your business conducts a regulated industrial activity, contact Water Board storm water staff at: stormwater@waterboards.ca.gov or 1(866) 563–3107.

NEW - 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.

A currently operating Tobacco Retailer may continue operating temporarily, until a City Tobacco Retailer License is either issued or denied, IF the application and license fee are submitted no later than March 13, 2020.

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.