Home Occupation Permits: Ojai vs Santa Paula
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Ojai, CA and Santa Paula, CA?
Ojai and Santa Paula have similar restriction levels.
Ojai, CA
Ventura County
A home occupation in unincorporated Ventura County requires a Zoning Clearance from the Planning Division plus a Business Tax Certificate. Standards under Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance Sec. 8107-1.2 limit client hours to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and a maximum of six clients per day, with a neighbor-waiver option to expand those limits.
View full Ojai rules →Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula requires a Home Occupation Permit from Community Development for any business operating from a residential property. The permit is ministerial (no public hearing) with an annual fee, provided the business meets all home occupation conditions.
View full Santa Paula rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Santa Paula |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Home Occupation Zoning Clearance (Planning) | - |
| Also required | Business Tax Certificate (Tax Collector) | - |
| Client hours | 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday | - |
| Max clients per day | Six, with no overlapping visits | - |
| Waiver upgrade | Up to 10 clients/day, until 9 p.m., Saturdays | - |
| Governing section | NCZO Sec. 8107-1.2 | - |
| Application | - | Community Development (805) 933-4214 |
| Approval Type | - | Ministerial — no hearing |
| Business License | - | Also required — Finance Dept |
| Renewal | - | Annual |
| Revocation | - | After 2 substantiated complaints |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ojai FAQ
What permit do I need for a home occupation?
You need a Home Occupation Zoning Clearance from the RMA Planning Division and a Business Tax Certificate from the Tax Collector's Business License Bureau. Apply at the Planning counter or via the Citizen Access portal.
How many clients can visit my home business per day?
Under NCZO Sec. 8107-1.2, the maximum is six clients per day with no overlapping visits, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. With a signed neighbor waiver you may increase to ten clients, allow overlap, extend to 9 p.m., and add Saturdays.
Santa Paula FAQ
How do I get a home occupation permit in Santa Paula?
Apply through Community Development at (805) 933-4214. The permit is ministerial (no hearing) if you meet all standard conditions. You also need a city business license.
How much does the permit cost?
Contact Community Development for the current fee schedule. The permit requires annual renewal.
Can my permit be revoked?
Yes, after two substantiated complaints about noise, traffic, or other violations. Revoked permits require a 12-month waiting period before reapplication.
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