Do I need a permit?
Ventura County issues two kinds of permits, ministerial (“over-the-counter”) and discretionary. Answer a question or two to find out which path is yours.
Which best describes your project?
Does your project need judgment or a public hearing?
Discretionary permits require the County to exercise judgment, and usually a public hearing, before a decision. Examples: Conditional Use Permits, Planned Development Permits, Variances, Tract & Parcel Maps, Conditional Certificates of Compliance, Zone Changes, or major/minor modifications to any of these.
You likely need a ministerial permit
Ministerial (“over-the-counter”) permits are granted when a project meets a specific set of standards in the Ventura County Zoning Ordinance. This One-Stop guide focuses on the discretionary process, so it won’t walk you through a ministerial permit, but here’s where to go:
You’re on the discretionary path
Most discretionary permits require analysis by the Planning Division and other County departments, plus a public hearing. That’s exactly what this site is built to guide you through. Begin with Phase 1 to confirm your permit type, then follow the nine phases.
Let’s get you a quick answer
When a project could go either way, the best next step is a pre-application meeting with the Discretionary Permit Coordinator, who can confirm your permit type and submittal requirements.
Pre-Application Review (Phase 3) Contact the Planning Division
Still have questions about your project?
The Planning Division’s public counter can point you to the right permit and the right department.