Business Licensing & Operations in Ontario, CA

Ontario maintains 126 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ontario falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Towing Companies

Ontario requires any company towing vehicles for the Police Department without owner consent to hold both a City business license and a towing carrier permit issued by City Council resolution. Permits are non-exclusive, tied to a written towing services agreement, and carriers rotate on an on-call list the Chief of Police maintains.

Key details: License needed: City business license + Council-granted permit. Permit grantor: City Council by resolution. Storage lot capacity: Minimum 150 vehicles. Enclosure height: 6-foot wall or fence minimum. Audit underpayment penalty: Audit cost + 50% of error.

Any towing carrier, driver, or employee who violates Chapter 19 is guilty of a misdemeanor or an infraction, at the City Attorney's discretion (Sec. 4-19.17). Beyond criminal exposure, a violation triggers suspension or revocation of the carrier's privilege to tow for the City: the Chief of Police can suspend a permit for up to 30 days, and the City Manager or City Council can revoke it outright after notice and a hearing.

Compared to other cities, Ontario takes a harder line on towing companies. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Adult Entertainment

Ontario requires every adult business and adult business performer to register with the City Manager under § 3-1.801 before operating, submitting fingerprints, photographs, criminal history and ownership details, and § 3-1.802 bars anyone convicted of a specified sexual offense within the statutory look-back period from owning, managing or performing at one.

Key details: Who must register: Adult businesses and performers, separately. Approving authority: City Manager or designee. Processing time: 3 business days to check completeness. Conviction bar (misdemeanor): 2 years since conviction/release. Conviction bar (felony): 5 years since conviction/release.

Operating an adult business, or performing as an adult business performer, without a current registration certificate, or with an owner, officer, 10%-plus stockholder or performer within the disqualifying conviction window under § 3-1.802, is grounds to refuse or void the registration; the certificate must be displayed on site at all times and any change in ownership or operating information must be reported within 30 days.

This is one of the stricter rules in Ontario's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Secondhand Dealers

Ontario Municipal Code Sec. 5-6.01 lets the Chief of Police grant secondhand-dealer licenses under California's secondhand dealer law, Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 21625 et seq. Section 5-6.02 requires applicants to pay the state-set fee for an initial license and a Chief-of-Police-set, Council-approved fee for renewals.

Key details: Licensing authority: Chief of Police. State law incorporated: Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 21625 et seq.. Initial fee: set by state law. Renewal fee: Chief of Police sets, Council approves. Adopted: Ord. 2126, April 16, 1981.

Operating as a secondhand dealer in Ontario without the Chief of Police's license, or in violation of state secondhand-dealer law incorporated by Sec. 5-6.01, is punished under the Code's general penalty section, Sec. 1-2.01: a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and up to six months in County Jail, or, if reduced to an infraction, escalating fines of $100, $200, and $500 for repeat violations within a year.

The Bottom Line

Ontario is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ontario, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Ontario's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.