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1. Who needs a business license?

Any individual, corporation, sole proprietor, partnership or any entity that wishes to conduct a business within the City of Ventura must secure a business license. City law states that no person shall engage in business or transact and carry on a business, trade, profession, calling, or occupation in the City without having procured a license from the City to do so or without complying with any and all applicable provision of Title 3 of the City ordinance relating to business license. (A separate license is required for each branch or location of business.)        

2. My business is in my home in Ventura but all my work is done outside the City limits - am I required to have a license?

Yes, because your business is within City limits

3. I am a contractor and have hired sub-contractors to complete a job - am I required to include them on my business license?

Sub-contractors are required to have their own business license as they are not your employees

4. If we have more than one location, is a business license required for each location?

Yes, you may have to hold multiple licenses. Licenses are site specific. If you have three locations from which you operate, you will hold three separate licenses. If you are a mobile business, with only one fixed base of operations, then only one license is required.

5. When can I use a seasonal license?

Seasonal licenses are primarily for seasonal events such as Christmas tree sales, 4th of July fireworks sales, holiday related events.  
You determine the start date of the business period and the license will be active for 4 months from the beginning of that month.  The charge is $25 for each “season”.    

6. Do I need to get a business license as the new owner of an existing business in the City of Ventura?

Yes, business licenses are not transferable to the new owner when a business is sold