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Business-Related Programs
Obtain a Business License
Prior to commencing business within the City of Ventura, every person or entity engaging in business, regardless of whether the business is subject to taxation or not, must apply, pay all applicable taxes, fees, assessments and obtain the appropriate approvals in order to procure a business license and any other regulatory permits. Upon City approval of the business license application and applicable regulatory permits, the Business License unit will issue a business license certificate.
Short-Term Vacation Rentals
Owners of residential dwellings located within the City of Ventura who rent their property for 30 days or less are required to apply for and obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental permit. To learn more about Short-Term Vacation Rentals
Please take a look at the list of tabs below to find the license and information you need.
The Ventura City Council passed an ordinance to update the regulation procedures for the licensing and operational standards of sexually oriented businesses and the permitting provisions for its performers and non-performers. It is the purpose and intent of the City to require certain background checks and licenses for performers and non-performers in order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the city.
License Documents
The City Council finds that hospitality, entertainment, recreation and related businesses are a significant part of the city's economy, and that alcoholic beverage sales are often important to the operation of these businesses. However, no person shall establish a new on-sale or off-sale alcoholic beverage establishment or substantially modify an existing alcoholic beverage establishment without first obtaining a use permit which runs on a calendar year.
To obtain more information on filing an Alcohol Permit please contact the Alcohol Enforcement Officer at (805) 339-4453.
Eligible organizations desiring to obtain a license to conduct bingo games in the City of San Buenaventura shall file an application in person with the Business Tax Office.
For more information regarding the City’s requirements for Bingo Establishments, please contact the Business Tax Office at (805) 658-4715.
The City wishes to promote the ethical practice of massage therapy as an important healing art and to prevent and discourage the misuse of massage therapy for any other non-massage related purpose. Chapter 8.300 of the Municipal Code establishes a local regulatory system that allows only those massage professionals certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) to operate within the city. Consistent with state law, the City retains the ability to regulate massage establishment Certificates of Registration, health and safety issues and land use and zoning.
To apply for a Massage Business License or for more information to operate a massage establishment and/or provide massage services, call 805-658-4715 or visit Ventura City Hall, Room 107, 501 Poli Street, Ventura CA 93001.
Checklist for Massage Professionals
- Your Current Original CAMTC Certificate and CAMTC picture I.D. card
- Up to three forms of Picture identification
- Verification of current address (copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, phone bill, etc.)
Per City of San Buenaventura Municipal Code, Mobile Home Park owners shall pay an annual Administrative Fee. Mobile Home Park owners shall remit fees paid by the residents for Rent Control Litigation Cost Recovery. These payments are made along with your Business License Renewal.
For more information on Mobile Home Park regulations click here.
Anyone conducting door-to-door soliciting in the city is required to first obtain a City of Ventura Business License and second, to register with the Police Department. It is important to understand and adhere to certain regulations as set forth in the San Buenaventura Municipal Code.
License Documents
- Door-To-Door Permit Process (PDF)
- Door-To-Door Application Form (PDF)
- Business License Application (Inside)
- Business License Application (Outside)
- Ventura Municipal Code - 6.200.070
You will need to call the Ventura Police Department at (805)339-4400 for information regarding office hours and available appointment times to complete the required background check.
About the Program
Federal and State agencies require Ventura to implement a comprehensive program to keep our surface waters clean and beaches safe. Industrial and commercial facilities are required to implement pollutant reduction and control measures in an effort to reduce pollutants in stormwater. Automotive service facilities, gas stations, auto dealers, food service, nurseries, landfills, industrial facilities, and more are required to be inspected/monitored for their potential to contribute pollutants to the storm drain system.
- San Buenaventura Municipal Code section 8.600 - Stormwater Quality Management
- Master Fee Schedule - Complete Listing - Effective July 10, 2023
For more information about the program, contact Environmental Sustainability at (805) 652-4525.
Annual Billing Information
As of 2019, the stormwater fee will be billed on a fiscal year cycle and included on your annual business license renewal form, due July 1, 2019. The fee for 2019 covers the fiscal period from July 2019-June 2020.
Exemption Request
If you would like to request an exemption from the Stormwater Quality Program, please complete the Request for Exemption form, sign, and submit to Environmental Sustainability:
- Scan and email to [email protected]
OR
- Mail to: City of Ventura Attn: Peter Shellenbarger 336 Sanjon Road Ventura, CA 93001
To ensure the public's safety, the City has permit and licensing requirements for taxicab operators and drivers. Refer to Chapter 6.150 of the Municipal Code for detailed requirements to provide taxicab services in the City of Ventura, permit and licensing instructions, and Resolution No. 2003-029 establishing the fare schedule for taxicabs.
The information contained on this web page attempts to help the taxicab owner and its drivers through the permit and license requirements and is not intended to supersede any provisions of the Code. Should this information present any information in conflict with the Municipal Code, the Code shall prevail.
License Documents
- Taxicab Process (PDF)
- Operator Application Form (PDF)
- Vehicle Application Form (PDF)
- Driver Application Form (PDF)
- Ventura Municipal Code - 6.150
- Resolution No. 2003-029