FAQs • Moorpark, CA • CivicEngage

I want to Operate a Business in the City. Where do I start?

Prior to signing a lease, buying a property, or initiating a use, we strongly recommend that you meet a city planner to verify that your business can be permitted in the location of your choice and go over the permitting process.

A Zone Clearance and Business Registration are required in order to conduct any business from a non- residential location. A Zone Clearance must also be obtained for new businesses and when an existing business changes locations. In some cases, a new business may require an Administrative Permit or Conditional Use Permit.

Often, a new business or a business moving to a new location will need an Occupancy Inspection. Please contact the Building and Safety Department at (805) 517-6272 for more information.

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Planning

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1. When is the Public Planning Counter Open?: Our Public Counter is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are welcome during public counter hours. Appointments are recommended for entitlement application submittals.

2. How can I obtain more information?: For general questions regarding zoning or application submittals, please contact a planner at (805) 517-6200, or stop by City Hall at 799 Moorpark Avenue, Moorpark.

3. Where can I view Planning Commission agendas?: Click here to view current and past Planning Commission Agendas. Agendas are generally posted the Friday before the scheduled Planning Commission meeting.

4. Do I Need a permit(s) from the Planning Department for my project?: A planning permit is required for most projects that involve exterior modifications to a structure, modifications to an existing commercial or industrial property (such as landscape or parking lot changes), development of a property, and certain uses within an existing or proposed structure.

5. What is the Zoning and General Plan designation of my property?: The Zoning map is available in the City’s website here, and the General Plan map can also be found here. Additional information is available through the City’s public GIS system You may speak with a planner at (805) 517-6200, or visit us during open counter hours.

6. What Uses are Allowed on my Property?: Once you determine your property’s zone, review the table of permitted uses in the Moorpark Municipal Code, Section 17.20. If you have any questions or need help navigating the use table, please e-mail the Planning Division at pneumann@moorparkca.gov or the Code Compliance Division at mdouglass@moorparkca.gov for assistance.

7. How can I stay up to date on major projects in the City of Moorpark?: The Planning Division maintains a list of pending major projects, which is available here. A list of all entitlement applications received by the City can be found here.

8. I Want to Operate a Business from my Home. Where do I start?: You will need to obtain a Home Occupation Permit and Business Registration prior to operating a business from a residential property.Typical home occupations include mobile businesses such as landscapers, car washing services, contractors, and home- based businesses such as internet sales. Moorpark Municipal Code Section 17.28.020 (B) for a full list of regulations and operating standards.

9. What type of fence/wall can I have on my property?: Moorpark Municipal Code Section 17.24.030 provides standards for residential walls and fences. Please be aware that walls over 3’ in height may require an engineered footing. If your project falls into that category, please contact the Building and Safety Division at (805) 517-6272 for more information.

10. Can I build an Accessory Structure, Room Addition, Accessory Dwelling Unit, or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit?: In many cases, the answer is yes! Please e-mail the planning department at pneumann@moorparkca.gov to verify the feasibility of your proposed improvements.

11. Can I have a shipping/storage container on my property?: Short term use of storage containers may be permitted during construction on residential properties for which a Building Permit has been obtained. Please contact the Code Compliance Division at mdouglass@moorparkca.gov for information.

12. Can you provide me with my property dimensions?: This information is available from the Ventura County Assessor’s Office.

13. I want to Operate a Business in the City. Where do I start?

Often, a new business or a business moving to a new location will need an Occupancy Inspection. Please contact the Building and Safety Department at (805) 517-6272 for more information.

14. What are the sign standards for my Building/Business? What steps do I need to take?

With few exceptions, business signs will require the issuance of a Sign Permit or a Temporary Sign Permit.

Signs are regulated somewhat differently in various zones and Specific Plan areas, and are covered by Moorpark Municipal Code Section 17.40. Additionally, it is recommended you contact the Planning Department to see if your sign would be required to follow specific guidelines assigned by a Master Sign Program, (frequently associated with a commercial development), or other conditions of approval associated with industrial projects. Approved sign programs are available online here.

Contact the Planning Division or the Code Compliance Division for more help on determining which regulations might apply to your sign.

15. Can I have a shipping/storage container on my property?: For a commercial or industrial zoned property, shipping storage containers are considered “outdoor storage” and are generally prohibited. However, outdoor storage may be considered on a temporary basis through a Temporary Use Permit (TUP), when the use of the containers is in conjunction with a permitted business or construction activity. A Temporary Use Permit, if approved, will allow the container on the property for a maximum of 90 (ninety) days, with a possible extension of an additional 90 (ninety) days.

16. What do I need to know about starting a food truck business?

If you are starting a food truck/food cart business, you will need a Business Registration. You also need to contact the Ventura County Environmental Health Division at (805) 654-2813 regarding their requirements.

If located on private property, you will also need to obtain a Temporary Use Permit, with up to one extension (if approved). After that, you would be required to obtain an Administrative Permit (if approved).

If located on a public street, you will also need to submit a Vendor Form and obtain a Badge from the City. A vendor may not stop a vehicle for more than thirty (30) minutes in any one (1) location, unless a Temporary Use Permit has been applied for and approved.

If located at Moorpark College, food vendors do not need to obtain a Business Registration, but will need permits from Ventura County Environmental Health Division and from the college.

Additional requirements and restrictions can be found in the Moorpark Municipal Code Section 5.64.

17. What is a Temporary Use Permit (TUP), and do I need one?

A “temporary use” is one which occupies a parcel of land for a period of more than one hour within a 24- hour period. Temporary use permits (TUP) are often granted for construction signs, Christmas tree lots, community events, carnivals, and outdoor sales. Generally, TUPs are only issued for events on private property.

If you would like to hold an event in a City Park contact the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department for a Park Rental Permit at (805) 517-6305.