Operating Permit

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Hazardous Materials (Non-Retail) - Regulated Quantities


Section 255503.5 of California Health and Safety Code (HSC) requires any facility having hazardous materials/wastes on-site, in quantities at or in excess of 55 gallons, 500 pounds and/or 200 cubed feet, for a period exceeding 30 days, to obtain an annual operating permit issued through the CUPA. The HSC does provide program exemptions - specifically for retail operations, dispensing of medical gases (1,000 cubed foot limit), and unused lubricating oil (55 gallon limit). Check with the Fire Prevention Division for details on how they may apply.

Within the City of Ventura, an operating permit is issued upon submission and approval of a Hazardous Material Business Plan (HMBP) to the Fire Prevention Division. A completed plan must be submitted to this office within 30 days of commencing operations, undertaking change in ownership/operator, or carrying out process modification.

HMBP Requirements


  • Each of the HMBP elements needing to be completed by the facility and can be accessed and downloaded directly through Unidocs Quicklinks (Item Number: UN-020UPCF).
  • Businesses mandated to complete a HMBP are also obliged to provide on site personnel with annual, process-specific safety training. This action is to address the proper handling and transfer of the regulated materials, as well as response procedures in the event of a fire, spill or explosion.
  • Forms for documenting individual safety training can be accessed and downloaded directly through Unidocs Miscellaneous (Item Number: UN-074).
For additional information, view the HM-14 Hazmat FAQs (PDF).

Commercial Operations


California Fire Code (Section 105.6.10) requires commercial facilities having a storage capacity of cryogenic O² exceeding 10 gallons (indoors) and 50 gallons (outdoors) to maintain an annual operating permit issued through the Fire Prevention Division.

Regulated facilities are not required to maintain concurrent permits - both H&SC Section 25503.5 and CFC Section 105.6.

To submit a permit, view the HM-03 Limited Quantity Storage Application Form (PDF).

Commercial Operations - Cryogenic Carbon Dioxide, Cryogenic Oxygen, & Other Cryogenics


Section 105.6.10 of the California Fire Code requires commercial facilities having a storage capacity of cryogenic CO² exceeding 60 gallons (indoors) to maintain an annual operating permit issued through the Fire Prevention Services.

For more information, view the HM-21 Liquified Carbon Dioxide Storage Containers Form (PDF).

Commercial Operations - Flammable & Combustible Liquids


California Fire Code (Section 105.6.16) requires commercial facilities having more than 5 gallons of flammable (Class I) liquids and/or 25 gallons combustible (Class II and III) liquids on-hand to maintain an annual operating permit issued through the Fire Prevention Division.

To submit a permit, view the HM-03 Limited Quantity Storage Application Form (PDF).

Commercial Operations - Refrigerant Systems


California Fire Code (Section 105.6.38) requires commercial facilities utilizing mechanical systems having in excess 220 pounds of Group A1 refrigerant per circuit to maintain an annual operating permit issued through the Fire Prevention Services.

To submit a permit, view the HM-03 Limited Quantity Storage Application Form (PDF).

Application of Flammable or Combustible Finishes - Spray Booths


California Fire Code (Section 105.6.41) requires commercial facilities undertaking the application of flammable an/or combustible finishes to maintain an annual operating permit issued through the Fire Prevention Services.

For more information, view HM-18 Spray Booth Installation (PDF).