In order for businesses to legally operate, business owners will need to obtain several permits, pay certain fees, and meet other requirements.

City of Simi Valley Requirements

Home-Based Businesses

If you plan to operate your business out of a residence, a Home Occupation Permit will be required from the City's Planning Division. The permit places common sense limits on home-based businesses that are appropriate for residential zones; for example, home-based businesses cannot store hazardous materials.

Please familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations governing Home Occupations by downloading our brochure. You can then apply online for a Home Occupation Permit, using our Online Permit Submittal Instructions for guidance. If you have any questions regarding Home Occupation Permits, please call the Planning Division at (805) 583-6769.

Business Tax Certificate

Every new business is required to obtain a Business Tax Certificate prior to conducting business in the City. The tax for most businesses is based on annual gross receipts for the previous year.

For more information regarding the City's Business Tax requirements, visit our Business Tax Certificate section of the City's website.

Business Permits

Certain types of businesses also need to obtain a Business Permit through the City of Simi Valley. These include billiard rooms, Bingo halls, carnivals, dance halls, firearm dealers, massage therapists, parades and shows, pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers, solicitors, and taxicabs.

Environmental Compliance Permits

Some businesses will be required to obtain an Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit through the Public Works Department's Environmental Compliance Division. These businesses include food service establishments, auto related businesses, some medical facilities, manufacturing, and laundries to name a few.

Visit the City's Environmental Compliance Division for more information regarding permits.

Building Permits

Most owners opening a business in Simi Valley will go through a process called a "tenant improvement." A tenant improvement involves an alteration to an existing building and may include adding new electrical or plumbing fixtures, moving or adding walls, or more extensive construction remodels.

The Building & Safety Division provides construction plan reviews and inspections of all developments and projects to ensure that the requirements of the California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Energy Codes are met. If opening your business involves new construction or a modification to an existing building, it is likely that one or more of the four building permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy) will be required.

Visit the Building & Safety Division on the City's website for more details related to plan check services and building permits, as well as the Building Construction Overview and Tenant Improvement Process sections.

Zoning Clearance

Prior to signing a lease agreement or moving into a location, contact the Planning Division to ensure that the proposed land use is allowed in your location's zoning district. The City's Planning staff is happy to assist you, or you may view the City's Zoning Maps to identify how a proposed location is zoned.

Once zoning is identified, check the Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts in the City's Development Code (Chapter 9-26) to determine if the proposed use is allowed.

If the location is not zoned for the intended use, you may have to apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and should speak with Planning staff at (805) 583-6769.

Signage

Signage is an important part of any business plan, letting the community know where to find you! Before placing a sign at your storefront or constructing a monument sign, you will need to obtain a Permanent Sign Permit. The Planning Division will issue a Permanent Sign Permit after reviewing the size and design of the signage.

For more information regarding the City's sign ordinance and requirements, visit the Planning Division's Temporary and Permanent Sign section on our website.

Other Government Requirements

Fictitious Business Name

The California Business and Professions Code requires every person who operates a for-profit business in California under a fictitious business name to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement 40 days before the first business transaction.

To confirm a proposed name is not being used by someone else, visit the Ventura County Clerk & Recorder's Office website.

Alcohol Consumption or Sales

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will require a liquor license if your business sells alcohol or allows consumption of alcohol. Visit the ABC website for applications and more information.

Retail or Wholesale Sales

If your business involves the sale or lease of merchandise, vehicles, or other tangible personal property in California, the State requires a Seller's Permit. This permit allows you to sell items at the wholesale or retail level.

Visit the California State Board of Equalization's website for more information about permit requirements.

Ventura County Health Licenses & Permits

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD)

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District works with businesses and industry to reduce emissions from both new and existing sources. If your business utilizes combustion equipment, uses equipment/processes that emit solvents or other reactive organic compounds, and/or emits any toxins that may cause a nuisance, you will be required to obtain a permit from VCAPCD.

The VCAPCD website will provide you with more information regarding their requirements.

Ventura County Environmental Health Division (VCEHD)

If your business involves the handling of food, hazardous materials and waste, medical waste, and/or other contaminants, you will need a permit from the Ventura County Environmental Health Division.

Visit the VCEHD website for additional information about the County's requirements.

Ventura County Fire Protection District

If the opening or expansion of your business involves construction or the storage and/or manufacturing of various items, you will need approval of the Ventura County Fire Protection District.

Additional Permits

To determine if your business requires additional permits and/or licenses with the State of California, please visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration or the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for a list of required permits and licenses.

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