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Community Development

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1. How far does the front of a garage have to setback from the back of the sidewalk?

The distance between the front wall or garage door of a single-family residential development to the back of the sidewalk along the length of a driveway shall be at least 25 feet in order to permit a vehicle to park in the driveway without blocking the sidewalk.

2. What if only temporary access is needed?

Temporary access may be granted to underdeveloped property prior to development of a final development plan if access is need for construction or preliminary site access. Temporary accesses are subject to removal, relocation, or redesign after the final development plan is approved.

3. What sight distance is required at driveways?

At least 350 feet of clear sight distance shall be provided for drivers entering or leaving all accesses onto local streets, 400 feet for collector streets, and 500 feet for arterial streets.

4. What clearances are required from appurtenances?

The nearest edge of any driveway curb cut shall be a minimum of three feet from a property line or at grade utility such as a drainage drop inlet. The nearest edge of the driveway shall also be a minimum of 5 feet from the projection of any above ground utility such as utility pole, traffic signal, fire hydrant, etc. the driveway shall be a minimum of 12 feet from any street tree. Water and sewer lines from the street to the house must be located outside of the driveway.

5. What spacing can driveways have?

Where 2 or more accesses serve adjacent single-family residential property, the minimum distance between the nearest points of the 2 accesses shall be at least 20 feet. Where 2 or more accesses serve the same or adjacent non-single family residential development, the minimum distance between the centerlines of access should be preferably at least 200 feet on streets with design speeds below 30 miles per hour (mph) and 300 feet on streets with design speed above 30 mph. If adjacent driveways cannot be separated by these distances, the should be combined into a single joint access. For corner and double frontage residential lots, 1 access on each frontage may be permitted if it is determined by the City Engineer that 2 driveways are needed to provide safe access for traffic entering and leaving the lot because of site distance and geometric design consideration.

6. How wide can the driveway be?

Single-family residential access driveways shall be a minimum of 12 feet in width and a maximum of 16 feet for single garage. 20 feet for a double garage, and 24 feet for a triple garage. Accesses serving multifamily and commercial uses shall be a minimum of 25 feet in width and a maximum of 35 feet in width. Curb return radii shall be a minimum of 20 feet where curb returns are deemed to be necessary. Accesses serving industrial uses shall be a minimum of 35 feet in width and a maximum of 40 feet in width with minimum curb return radius of 25 feet or as specified by the City Engineer.

7. Where can the driveways be located?

No portion of a driveway access shall be permitted within corner curb returns. The edge of the access shall not be less than 5 feet from the end of the curb return for single-family residential developments. For all other developments, these distance shall not be less than 150 feet. Where the lot size does not permit the access to be located 150 feet from the end of curb return, the access shall be located the maximum distance possible from the end of the curb return. This distance does not include the three foot transition or wing sections on each side of the driveway.

8. How many driveways can a property have?

One driveway access point per property owner shall be permitted unless a development or circulation plan is provided to the City Engineer indicating that more than one access is required to handle traffic volumes. Additional access shall not be permitted if it is determined to be detrimental to traffic flow and safety of adjacent public streets. Whenever a property has access to more than one road, access shall be generally limited to the lowest volume road where the impact of a new access is minimized.

9. Why was this driveway policy developed?

This driveway and curb cut policy was developed to establish a policy regulating the location, spacing, width, alignment, number and design of driveway access on public streets servicing adjacent private property. The policy also establishes sight distance criteria and the setback of garage fronts from the street curb.

10. Will I need anything else?

Yes, we may need a plan or sketch showing the work you plan to do. A traffic control plan may be required depending on where the work occurs. The person performing the work must be insured and provide the City with a Certificate of Insurance with an Endorsement naming the City as "Additional Insured." Insurance Guidelines (PDF)

11. What do I need to submit?

You will need to obtain and complete a Permit Application Form at:
City Hall
501 Poli Street
Room 117
Land Development Engineering Counter

12. What conditions will the City require my project to meet?

For the Land Development Engineering portion (streets, sewer, water, storm drain, grading) you may expect your project's conditions to be based on one of the two following categories. Select a category for a sampling of conditions you may expect to have placed on your project.

13. Whom can I contact with additional questions?

For more information, contact the Economic Development.

14. Whom can I contact for business loans?

In addition to commercial lenders, the City offers help in financing façade improvements, code compliance issues, and start-up costs. The Business Assistance Program offers low-interest loans totaling up to $125,000.

Loan Programs

15. Who can help me recruit qualified employees?

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County offers recruitment, screening, training and business services for employers, workers and job seekers. Workforce Development Board - Employers

16. Will I need a business tax license from the City of Ventura?

Yes, all businesses, residential rental properties, and commercial properties in Ventura must obtain a business tax certificate. For detailed information and applications, contact the City's Business Tax Office at 805-658-4715.

17. Where should I locate my business?

The City's Economic Development and Revitalization Division can assist you in finding an appropriate location for your Ventura business operation. When considering a business location, keep in mind zoning regulations. This information can be obtained by calling the City's Planning Division at 805-654-7893.

Economic Development and Revitalization Page

18. I'm thinking of starting a business in Ventura. Whom should I contact?

If you need help starting or growing a small business, contact the City's Economic Development and Revitalization Division at 805-677-3935. We can steer you to the right resources. Learn the 10 easy steps of starting a business in Ventura.

19. Are you open Fridays?

We are open every other Friday from 7:30am to 5pm. View City Hall hours.

20. Who is my planner?

Within 2 weeks of filing your application, you will receive a letter/email from the planner assigned to your case.

21. What is my zoning?

Please call the Planning counter at 805-654-7725 and be ready to provide your address, or check the City Map and select the 'Zoning' tab (below the top of the page) to change the view to Zoning. Other views included the '2007 Aerial' imagery and the '1946 Aerial'. City Mapping