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 $75,000 in gross receipts without proof. If the company is sending an agent to apply for a business license, he or she must provide an Agent Authorization letter with a photo I.D.

For any Building Permit questions please contact the Building & Safety department at (805) 654-7869 or click here.

Useful Links

• Ventura Municipal Code - 6.100.020
• Contractors State License Board

To Qualify for the Disabled Veteran Exemption, you must be:

1. Honorably discharged from the United States Armed Services as a soldier, sailor, marine or airman.
   2. Certification of medical or physical inability to obtain a livelihood by manual labor.
   3. Voter registration from the State of California.
   4. A detailed description of proposed business activity.

Persons applying for a Business License who qualify under the Disabled Veteran Exemption only pay an administrative fee ($20) for a Business Tax Certificate, and do not have to pay the Business License tax. 

All businesses MUST have a Business Tax Certificate, even those exempt from the Business Tax. Exempt businesses only pay an administrative fee for a Business Tax Certificate.

Useful Links

• Ventura Municipal Code - 4.155 Article 4

Persons applying for a Business License who qualify under the Limited Income Exemption only pay an administrative fee for a Business Tax Certificate, and do not have to pay the Business License tax.

To Qualify as Limited Income:

1. A copy of the previous year's tax return showing income of $2,400 or less
2. An Administrative fee of $20

A Nonprofit exemption is available for a Nonprofit organization or corporation conducting, managing or carrying on of any business, occupation or activity from a fixed place of business in the city. Those who qualify only pay an administrative fee for a Business Tax Certificate, and do not have to pay the Business License tax. 

To qualify as non-profit:

1. The organization's articles of incorporation is changed within the last 5 years
2. Evidence of the organization's non-profit status (i.e. federal or state tax exempt status letter or a recent tax return)
3. Administrative fee of $20