About this Guide
The City created this guide to make starting a new business or relocating your business to Oxnard as easy as possible. Learn which City departments can assist you with the resources you need to operate your business.
Startup Resources
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Commercial Zone Clearance Guide
Zone Clearance Guide for commercial or industrial type businesses.
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Home Occupation Permit Guide
Home Occupation Guide for businesses operating out of a home.
Application Resources
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Business Permit Applications
Click the link to access business and all other permit application information.
City Departments
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Department of Billing & Licensing
License Services will assist you with the application of your Business Tax Certificate (BTC) and additional permits that may be applicable.
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Planning & Environmental Services
Will assist with the planning and zoning process and establishing a commercial or home-based business.
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Building & Engineering
Building & Engineering can assist with permits, inspections, and Certificates of Occupancy that may be needed before opening.
FAQs
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.
Business Startup Flowchart
Find the permits your business will need
469.32 KB PDF | Updated 10/19/23
Other Resources & Helpful Links
Write your business plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a business plan quickly and efficiently with a business plan template.
Web Link
Federal resources
For tax administration, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about an Employer Identification Tax Number (EIN) and if applicable, a Self-Employed Individuals (SE) tax.
Web Link
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
The agency to contact for a sellers permit, which may be required or a business with any type of sales within the state or other types of business such as automotive repair.
Web Link
Employment Development Department
Find resources for employers
Web Link
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
Access information regarding applying for a new ABC license
Web Link
Ventura County Assessor’s Office
Unlike real property, business property is reappraised annually. For assessment purposes, the owner of a business must file a property statement each year with the County Assessor’s Office.
Web Link
Ventura County Environmental Health Division
Contact the County if if your business is food sales, public pools/spas, tattooing, body piercing, permanent cosmetics, cosmetology, or is a business that may require a health permit.
Web Link
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District
Air Quality permits are required for any equipment or process at a facility that may emit air pollutants. Contact the County for information
Web Link
Questions? Need more help?
Contact our Economic Development Division at (805) 385-7932.