business checklist (PDF)

STARTING A NEW BUSINESS
Starting a business can be an intimidating process. Rest assured that the friendly, knowledgeable staff at the
City of Ventura will help you every step of the way. You will likely need licenses and permits from various levels
of government. Here are some guidelines to help you get started.

ALL NEW BUSINESSES MAY BE REQUIRED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax ID Number. Check the IRS website to
see if you need an EIN. Click here to apply online
http://www.irs.gov/
Determine a business name that is not already in use. Check name availability on the CA Secretary of State website.
Record a Fictitious Business Name if your business name differs from your personal name. Visit the Ventura County
Clerk and Recorder's Office website or call 805-654-2263.
SOS: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/name-availability.htm
Ventura County Clerk Recorder: http://recorder.countyofventura.org/county-clerk/fictitious-business-name/
Determine the business legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited
liability company, corporation) and register with the California Secretary of State. (See above for contact information)
Obtain a Sales Tax (Reseller's) License if your business involves selling products. Visit the State Board of Equalization
website, or call or visit the Ventura Sales Tax Field Office at 805-677-2700, 4820 McGrath St., Ste 260, Ventura.
http://www.boe.ca.gov/info/reg.htm
Contact the Planning Division to ensure that your business complies with zoning regulations. Call 805-654-7894 or
654-7725, email vledesma@cityofventura.net, or visit in person at City Hall, 501 Poli St., Room 117.
Obtain a City Business License before operating. Applications are available online or at the Business License Office
located at City Hall, 501 Poli St., Room 107. Call 805-658-4715 or email businesslicense@cityofventura.net.
http://www.cityofventura.net/businesslicense

ARE YOU HIRING EMPLOYEES?
Register as an employer with the State of California Employment Development Department. For more information,
visit the Ventura Job and Career Center located at 4651 Telephone Road and review the annual Employer’s Guide.
EDD website: https://eddservices.edd.ca.gov
Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage through the California Department of Industrial Relations.
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/Employer.htm

ARE YOU BUILDING A NEW STRUCTURE OR RENOVATING AN EXISTING STRUCTURE?

Visit the Planning Division website for information on required permits or call 805-654-7894 or 805-654-7725, email
vledesma@cityofventura.net, or visit in person at City Hall, 501 Poli St., Room 117.
http://www.cityofventura.net/page/development-review-process
Visit the Building & Safety Division website for building permits, building inspections, and a Certificate of Occupancy or
call 805-654-7869 or 805-677-3941. Visit in person at City Hall, 501 Poli St., Room 117.
http://www.cityofventura.net/cd/buildsafe
Visit the Land Development website for encroachment or grading, or call 805-654-7829. Visit in person at City Hall, 501
Poli St., Room 117.
http://www.cityofventura.net/page/land-development-engineering
Visit the Fire Department website for review of fire protection systems or call 805-658-4717.
http://www.cityofventura.net/fire/prevention

DOES YOUR BUSINESS INVOLVE INDUSTRIAL OR MEDICAL USES (E.G., HAZARDOUS OR MEDICAL
MATERIALS/WASTE, UNDERGROUND FUEL TANKS, FUMES?
Contact the Fire Department at 805-658-4717. You may also be required to obtain permits from the Ventura County
Department of Environmental Health (805-654-2811) and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (805-645-1400 or
info@vcapcd.org)
City hazardous materials website: http://www.cityofventura.net/fire/hazmat-forms
Ventura County Environmental Health website: http://www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District website: http://www.vcapcd.org/

WILL YOU BE PREPARING OR SERVING FOOD?
Ventura Water is dedicated to working with food service businesses to prevent grease from entering the wastewater
drainage system. Visit the Fats, Oils, and Grease Program website for more information.
You may be required to obtain Ventura County Department of Environmental Health permits. Call 805-654-2811 for
information.
FOG website: http://www.cityofventura.net/water/fog/fse
Ventura County Environmental Health website: http://www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/

WILL YOU BE SELLING ALCOHOL?
Alcohol sales are regulated by the City of Ventura and the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. For
information on alcohol permits, contact Officer Bernadette Compean at bcompean@ci.ventura.ca.us or 805-339-4453.
City of Ventura Alcohol Enforcement Program website: http://www.cityofventura.net/pd/community/abc
ABC website: http://www.abc.ca.gov/
The City of Ventura Economic Development Division provides assistance with permit processes, location scouting,
business loans, and free confidential consulting. Contact us at 805-677-3958 or econdev@cityofventura.net, or visit us
online at venturabusiness.org. The Economic Development Office is located at City Hall, 501 Poli St., Room 205.