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Apply for Business License
What is a Business License?
Any business operating in the City of Ventura is required to pay Business License Tax. Once payment has been made and all requirements have been met, then a Business Tax Certificate is issued out. The Business Tax Certificate is often referred to as a Business License. In the City of Ventura, a Business Tax Certificate is equivalent to a Business License.
Note: Every city in the County of Ventura has their own Ordinance; therefore, you need to check with each city where you will be operating to verify if a license is required in their jurisdiction. A Business License issued by the City of Ventura will NOT be viable in any other city where you operate.
Do I need a Business License?
You need a Business License if (but not limited to):
- Your business is based in the City of Ventura. This includes a commercial, industrial, or residential location.
- You are conducting business, marketing your business, or producing income in the City of Ventura.
- You are a 1099 employee or an independent contractor operating within the City of Ventura.
- You are a property owner of a commercial or industrial location.
- You are a property owner of 4 or more living units.
- You are a daycare in a commercial location.
Refer to the Business License Tax ordinance if you are still unsure if you need a business license. For a full copy of the Business License Tax ordinance click here: Chapter 4.155 - Business License Tax
IMPORTANT: It is a business owner's responsibility to be familiar with and adhere to the Business License Tax ordinance.
Does issuance of a Business License mean that I have met all requirements to operate?
Not necessarily. There may be other laws or requirements that you need to abide by that the Business Tax Office may not be aware of.
Business License Tax Ordinance Sec. 4.155.220. – Purpose: “Payment of the business license tax and issuance of a business tax certificate does not release or in any way excuse a person from compliance with other applicable provisions of this Code or other laws, including any permit or other license requirement. Issuance of the business tax certificate does not entitle the holder thereof to conduct a business without all other necessary permits or in a manner or location otherwise prohibited or regulated by law.
For help with finding out if there are other requirements for your business, you may contact the organizations listed on the "Business Resources" section at the bottom of this page.
How to Apply for a Business License
- My business address IS a City of Ventura address (Based INSIDE the City of Ventura)
- My business address IS NOT a City of Ventura address (Based OUTSIDE the City of Ventura)
Step 1 - Obtain a Zoning Clearance Approval
If you are located in a Commercial, Industrial or Residential area in the City of Ventura, you must acquire an approved Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division prior to applying for your Business License (Business Tax Certificate). To obtain an approved Zoning Clearance, complete the Zoning Clearance Form and submit it via email to permits@cityofventura.ca.gov with the subject "Zoning Clearance Form". You must await the approval from the Planning Division before submitting the Business License Application. Note: Your Business License Application will not be processed without an approved Zoning Clearance Form.
Step 2 - Complete a Business License Application
For questions on the business license application, please see the section below titled "Business License Application Questions".
Step 3 - Check for Additional Form(s)
If your business type includes an item listed below, then you will need to complete the form(s) below IN ADDITION to the Business License Application. Any required document(s) listed on the form(s) below will need to be submitted as a part of the application packet.
- Disabled Veteran / Limited Income / Non-Profit _ Additional Form
- Massage Establishment _ Additional Packet - See the "Special Business Type Information" section below for more information.
- Massage Professional _ Additional Packet - See the "Special Business Type Information" section below for more information.
- Tobacco Retailer License Application _ Additional Form - See the "Special Business Type Information" section below for more information.
- Alcohol Sales - No additional form is required with your application. You must be in contact with the Ventura Police Department. See the "Special Business Type Information" section below for more information.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) Products - Affidavit will need to be signed in person at the Business Tax Office. See the "Special Business Type Information" section below for more information.
- Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) - STVR applications are not processed by the Business Tax Office. Visit our STVR Webpage for more information.
- Cannabis - Cannabis businesses entail of a separate application process. See the "Cannabis Business" section below for more information.
Step 4 - Submit Completed Application Packet to the Business Tax Office
Once all required forms have been completed, you may scan and email your application packet to BL@cityofventura.ca.gov for review and processing. The Business Tax Office will review your application and contact you if there are any questions or missing information on your application. After your application has been reviewed and processed, the Business Tax Office will send an email with a link to make the payment online to the email address provided on the application.
Step 1 - Complete a Business License Application
For questions on the business license application, please see the section below titled "Business License Application Questions".
Step 2 - Check for Additional Form(s)
If your business type includes an item listed below, then you will need to complete the form(s) below IN ADDITION to the Business License Application. Any required document(s) listed on the form(s) below will need to be submitted as a part of the application packet.
- Disabled Veteran / Limited Income / Non-Profit _ Additional Form
- Massage Professional _ Additional Packet - See the "Special Business Type Information" section below for more information.
- Cannabis - Cannabis businesses entail of a separate application process. See the "Cannabis Business" section below for more information.
Step 3 - Submit Completed Application to the Business Tax Office
Once all required forms have been completed, you may scan and email your application packet to BL@cityofventura.ca.gov for review and processing. The Business Tax Office will review your application and contact you if there are any questions or missing information on your application. After your application has been reviewed and processed, the Business Tax Office will send an email with a link to make the payment online to the email address provided on the application.
Business License Application Questions
- Master Fee Schedule
- NAICS and SIC Codes
- Industrial General Permit (IGP)
- Contractor License / State License
- FEIN / SEIN / Sellers Permit
- Fictitious Business Name (DBA)
- Helpful Information
Master Fee Schedule
The City of Ventura Master Fee Schedule is subject to change annually. To view the most current fees related to business license, click on the link below with the context "Business License Related Fees". To view a complete listing of the Master Fee Schedule, click on the link below with the context "Complete Listing".
Master Fee Schedule - Business License Related Fees - Effective July 8, 2022
Master Fee Schedule - Complete Listing - Effective July 8, 2022
What are NAICS and SIC Codes?
NAICS and SIC codes are a catalog of business descriptions that have each been assigned a number. As the business owner, you will select the description that matches your business the best. Once you have selected the appropriate description, then you will provide us with the code associated with that description. NAICS codes are 6-digit codes. SIC codes are 4-digit codes.
For help finding your NAICS and SIC codes, visit www.naics.com/search
What is the Industrial General Permit (IGP) Permit Requirement?
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 this requirement?
- Determine the primary SIC code(s) for your business. For help finding your SIC code(s) visit www.naics.com/search
- Determine whether the SIC code is one required to enroll in the State IGP program. For a list of SIC codes required to enroll in the program, visit IGP-regulated codes
- If the SIC code is a regulated code, then you will need to 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 and skip #4.
- Provide one of the following to the City of Ventura with your business license renewal: WDID application #, WDID #, NONA #, or NEC.
What if I have more questions about the Industrial General Permit (IGP) or the SMART tracking system?
Because, the City of Ventura does not administer or enforce the IGP, you will need to contact the State with any questions. Please contact one of the three individuals below for additional questions. You may also review the State's Frequently Asked Questions
| NAME | PHONE | |
| Andrew Veloz | (213) 620-2243 | andrew.veloz@waterboards.ca.gov |
| Nerissa Schrader | (213) 620-2237 | nerissa.schrader@waterboards.ca.gov |
| Lesley Walther | (213) 620-2120 | lesley.walther@waterboards.ca.gov |
Contractor License
All state licensed contractors must obtain a City Business License prior to pulling any building permits. When applying for a business license, contractors cannot report less than the minimum of $75,000 in gross receipts. If the company is sending an agent to apply for a business license, he or she must provide an Agent Authorization letter with photo I.D.
For any Building Permit questions, please contact the Building & Safety department at (805) 654-7869 or click here.
State License
If you have a state license # related to your business, please include your state license number on the application. Examples would include, but not be limited to, cosmetologists, nurses, etc.
Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN or EIN)
A FEIN is a Tax Identification Number for businesses that is assigned by the IRS. You may or may not be required to obtain an FEIN. To find out, contact the IRS by phone at (805)445-4771 or visit their webpage Online Application for Official EIN/Tax ID
For the purposes of applying for your business license, we require at least one of the following: FEIN, SSN, Taxpayer ID Number, Driver's License Number, or other Municipal ID Number.
State Employer ID Number (SEIN)
An SEIN is a State Employer ID Number obtained number by registering with the Employment Development Department (EDD). You may or may not be required to register with EDD. To find out if you need to register your business, contact the EDD by phone at (888)745-3886 or visit their webpage Am I Required to Register as an Employer?
Seller's Permit
A sellers permit is a state license that allows you to sell items at the wholesale or retail level and to issue resale certificates to suppliers. If you are a retail business, then the City of Ventura Business Tax Office does require you to obtain a seller's permit before completing your Business License Application. If you are offering a service and selling product, then you may or may not be required to obtain a seller's permit. To find out if you need to obtain a seller's permit, contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration by phone at (805)677-2700 or visit their webpage Obtaining a Seller's Permit
Fictitious Business Name (DBA)
A fictitious business name (DBA) is a business name that does not include your sir name (last name) in the business name. A fictitious business name is filed with the County of Ventura through the County Clerk's Office.
If you have your last name is being used in your business name, then you do not need to file for a fictitious business name. If your last name is not in your business name, then you DO need to file for a fictitious business name.
If you need to file for a fictitious business name, or for any other questions regarding a fictitious business name, please contact the County of Ventura County Clerk's Office by phone at (805)654-2263.
Forms with Helpful Information
- Business License Office - Information & Phone Numbers
- New Business Handbook
- Home Occupation Zoning Requirements (PDF)
- Guidelines to Prepare for Your Fire Inspection (PDF)
- Tax Rates and Information - Commercial Rental Property Owners
- Tax Rates and Information - General
- Tax Rates and Information - Realtors
- Tax Rates and Information - Contractors
Special Business Type Information
Massage Services
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.
You may read the full Code by clicking on the following link: Ventura Municipal Code - 8.300
For more information on operating a massage establishment and/or providing massage services, contact the Business Tax Office by phone at (805)658-4715 or by email at BL@cityofventura.ca.gov
Tobacco Retailer License
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.
Note: You must have Planning and Zoning Approval, (805) 654-7869, prior to submitting Tobacco Retailer License Application.
For a copy of the Tobacco Retailer License application, click here.
To review the Tobacco Retailer License ordinance, click here.
Alcohol Sales (ABE Permit Required)
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.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Products
Any business that sells industrial hemp products containing no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is required to come to the Business Tax Office to sign an affidavit before opening a business license. To see a sample of the form click here.
Note: This form must be signed at the Business Tax Office.
Cannabis Business
Cannabis Physical Location Within Ventura City Limits
Any cannabis business operating out of a physical location within the City must obtain a Cannabis Business Permit pursuant to the San Buenaventura Municipal Code (SBMC) Chapter 6.420. You must complete the Cannabis Business Permit application process which is a merit-based application process that is only open at certain times during the year.
Note: The application window is currently closed and will not open until sometime in 2023.
To deliver cannabis from a location within the City, you must first obtain a Cannabis Business Permit and then a Cannabis Delivery Services Permit. See the “Cannabis Delivery Services Permit” tab for instructions.
As a cannabis business, you will be subject to pay Quarterly Cannabis Business Tax. Click on the “Quarterly Business Tax” tab for instructions.
Cannabis Delivery Services Permit Application
Delivery of cannabis is allowed in the City of Ventura with the issuance of a Cannabis Delivery Services Permit.
To engage in any commercial cannabis delivery activity within the City, the following must be provided to the City Business Tax Office:
- State license for retail sale of cannabis from a permitted facility that is directly linked to and responsible for the delivery activity;
- State seller’s permit;
- City of Ventura business license;
- Cannabis Delivery Services application; and
- Live Scan application and VPD 92A form for each owner, manager, and delivery driver.
Note: If you intend to operate out of a physical location located within the City you must first obtain a Cannabis Business Permit pursuant to the San Buenaventura Municipal Code (SBMC) Chapter 6.420. The grant of a Cannabis Delivery Service Permit does not create any right for the Cannabis Delivery Service to a Cannabis Business Permit.
Quarterly Cannabis Business Tax
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 (SBMC) chapter 4.170, titled “Cannabis Business Tax” was adopted.
Beginning January 1, 2021, a Cannabis Business Tax was imposed upon each person who is engages in a Cannabis Business to be paid, in arrears, on a quarterly basis, SBMC chapter 4.170.060.A.
Business Resources
| ORGANIZATION NAME | PHONE | WEBSITE |
| Economic Development Collaborative | (805) 384-1800 | www.edcollaborative.com |
| Women's Economic Ventures | (805) 667-8004 | www.wevonline.org |
| SCORE | (805) 204-6022 | www.score.org |
| Ventura Chamber of Commerce | (805) 643-7222 | www.venturachamber.com |