Permitting Your Business in Camarillo
Whether you’re just thinking about getting started or are ready to tackle every detail, permitting your business in Camarillo can sometimes feel overwhelming. In Camarillo, we’re all about supporting businesses, both small and large, right from the beginning. In this article, explore the steps needed establish a business here in the city.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
What structure will your business take? If you’re planning to operate as anything other than a sole proprietorship, you’ll need to register with the Secretary of State. What are the business structures that aren’t sole proprietorships? There are many, but some of the most common are limited partnerships, corporations, and LLCs.
Step 2: File Your Fictitious Business Name
If you’ve decided on a sole proprietor business structure, keep reading. Otherwise, move to the next step.
If the business name you’d like to operate under is different from your own legal name, you are required to file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) statement with the County Clerk. You’ll need your FBN to open a bank account for your business, too.
Step 3: Find the Right Location
Consider the ideal place for your business to be located. Retail business need to locate in commercial areas, whereas an industrial operation needs to be located in a manufacturing area. Take a look at the city’s zoning map to determine where those zones are. Then, look at the Camarillo municipal code to determine the specific zone that your business would be allowed in.
Some uses are allowed by right in various zones, while others may be a discretionary process. We can walk you through the process and if necessary, schedule a meeting with our Get-To-Yes Consultation Team. This team is available at no-cost to you to let you know what it will take if you end up needing to modify the interior of the building, develop a site, or redevelop an existing one.
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, you can search for available properties on our website, or by working with a commercial real estate agent.
Step 4: Get Zoning Approval
Once you’ve negotiated with the property owner, or purchased your own property, you’ll need a zoning approval from the City’s Community Development Department. Businesses operating in commercial locations need to apply for zoning approval, and those operating in residential locations need to apply for a home occupation permit. You can find the applications on the City of Camarillo’s website. This process will verify that your business operations are allowed in the area you’ve selected, and let you know if you need additional permits.
Step 5: Get Your City Business License
Once your zoning has been approved, register for a City of Camarillo Business License. If you have questions about the licensing process, contact the Business Tax division at 805-388-5330.
Certain businesses, such as massage establishments or venues providing live entertainment, will require additional permits from business tax to operate.
Step 6: Apply for Additional Permits in Camarillo (if necessary)
Depending on your business, plans for your space and more, you may need to get permits from the following offices:
- Ventura County Fire Department
- State Water Resources Control Board : required for industrial businesses (info)
Signage and Tenant Improvements
- Community Development: apply for entitlement to do work
- Building and Safety: work permits
Food Facilities
Step WHENEVER: Get Help, Ask Questions, Join the Community
At any point in the process of spinning up your business, the Camarillo Economic Development Division is here to help! From the first steps of formation to business plans, hiring, training, finances and more, there are many resources to help you here in Camarillo. Explore our small business resources online or reach out to us with any questions. Just ask us! We can help you discover your best way forward.