Ridgecrest, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Business license, Classification G
- Covers
- Scrap metal, bottles, rags, used goods
- Issued by
- Director of finance
- Unlicensed operation
- Unlawful; misdemeanor for false info
Summary
Ridgecrest requires anyone who buys, sells, or deals in scrap metal, old bottles, rags, or other used goods to hold a city business license under the Junk Dealer classification.
Junk dealer means any person who engages in the business of buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in or acquiring, old bottles, scraps, pieces of metal, rags, old rope, or any old or used article not to be used in its former state or condition. ... Classification "G" shall consist of: ... (7) Junk dealer as defined in section 9-179.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
Ridgecrest's business license code defines a 'junk dealer' as anyone who buys, sells, or otherwise deals in or acquires old bottles, scrap metal, rags, old rope, or other used articles not to be reused in their former condition (§ 9-179). Junk dealers fall under License Classification 'G,' alongside itinerant merchants, solicitors, and transient photographers, and, like every business operating in the city, must obtain a license from the director of finance and pay the classification's tax rate before transacting business (§ 9-205(g)(7); § 9-183).
Violations & Fines
Transacting business without the required license is unlawful under the general licensing article, and knowingly misrepresenting facts to procure a license is a misdemeanor (§ 9-183; § 9-180).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ridgecrest require a special license for a scrap or junk dealer?
What counts as a 'junk dealer' under Ridgecrest's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgecrest
California rules heatmap·Compare Ridgecrest to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.