Opening a Business in Oxnard

Before committing to a location, be sure that location is appropriate for your type of business. If you will be conducting a business from a commercial, industrial or home location, you will need to contact the Planning Division first to verify that your business meets the guidelines set per city zoning code. A planner will review your business plans and discuss your best options. If the location of your business if appropriate for the zone, then you can apply for a Zone Clearance or Home Occupation Application.

Commercial Business-Zone Clearance Application This application ties with a Business Tax Certificate for your business to operate at a commercial or industrial location. This application essentially clears your business to operate within a specific zone. Zone Clearances will also reveal if your proposed business location will require building improvements, parking requirements and/or building occupancy requirements.

Listed below are some of the permits that your business may require. Additional information on specific applications is available on the City’s permit page.

Hazardous Materials If your proposed business will store hazardous materials, the fire department will require a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) permit. If your business will discharge waste water such as from auto car wash or repair, restaurants, etc. Your application will be reviewed by Water Resources Division (Source Control).

Grand Openings/ Temporary Use Permits (TUP) To help advertise most commercial businesses, you may want to have a grand opening. A Temporary Use Permit allows you to advertise a grand opening for 30-days. Inquire with a planner regarding a grand opening event.

Signs A separate sign permit is required if your business will be installing, modifying or replacing a sign.

Home Based Business-Home Occupation Permit (HOP) If your business will operate out of your home such as a home office, it will require a Home Occupation Permit in addition to a Business Tax Certificate. A planner will inquire about the type of business you intend to operate and disclose any limitations or restrictions. Generally, a home office is intended to use your home as a business address without modifying the existing residential use of the home.

Once you have determined a business plan, have all the necessary Federal, State and County requirements, an approved location identified for your business, you will be ready to apply for a Oxnard Business Tax Certificate. The City of Oxnard issues a Business Tax Certificate instead of a business license.

A Business Tax Certificate is required before conducting any business, trade, profession, enterprise, establishment or occupation within the City of Oxnard. Even if your business physical address is outside the city but you are conducting business in the city, you will require a Business Tax Certificate.

The City of Oxnard created a business startup flowchart to help new businesses determine what type of permit you will need for your business.