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1. What are your business hours?

City Hall is open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Code Compliance staff are often in the field, so we strongly recommend that you call us at (805) 517-6232 or send an email to glozano@moorparkca.gov to be sure we can meet when it is convenient for you.

2. What is the best way to contact Code Compliance staff?

Send us a message at codecompliance@moorparkca.gov.

3. Do I need a permit?

If you are establishing a new business, constructing tenant improvements, a new addition or a new structure, then you likely need permits. Before getting started on a project, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 517-6200.  We’ll help make sure you’re on the right track with respect to the having the required paperwork.

If you suspect someone of working without permits, please contact the Code Compliance Division via email at codecompliance@moorparkca.gov or phone at (805) 517-6232.

4. Are my neighbors violating the Municipal Code?

It depends on the activity.  Generally, the City has regulations pertaining to noise, property maintenance, property usage, signage, etc.  Give us a call at (805) 517-6232 or send an email to codecompliance@moorparkca.gov to discuss your concerns.

5. I’d like to do business in Moorpark. What do I need to do?

Before signing a lease or commencing operation, please call the Planning Division at (805) 517 6230, or contact us via email at pneumann@moorparkca.gov. We want to help you succeed and would appreciate the opportunity to work with you early in the process to ensure the best possible outcome.

At a minimum, you will need to obtain a Business Registration from the City of Moorpark. This can be done over the counter at City Hall during our normal business hours.

Folks who intend to sell products or services door-to-door will need a Street Vendor Permit. Please email the Code Compliance Division at codecompliance@moorparkca.gov to obtain an application form and schedule an appointment for issuance.

6. Can I operate a business from my home?

Home-based businesses are allowed in Moorpark. Please take a look at the requirements in Municipal Code Section 17.28.020 (B), and submit an application for a Home Occupation Permit and a Business Registration. Give us a call at (805) 517-6232 or send an email to codecompliance@moorparkca.gov for more information or to get copies of the application forms. The forms are also available through the city’s website here and here.

7. I’d like to advertise my business with a sign. Is that okay?

We understand that signage is an important aspect of most businesses. Sign regulations can be found in Municipal Code Section 17.40. Signs are regulated differently in different parts of the City, so please call us at (805) 517-6232 or send an email to codecompliance@moorparkca.gov before you move forward.

Please note that temporary yard signs, feather signs, and mobile signs are generally prohibited throughout Moorpark.

8. Are my neighbors allowed to park in front of my house?

If you live on a public street, yes. Public streets are for the benefit of everyone and parking spaces are not reserved or restricted.  However, vehicles may not be stored in the public right of way for periods greater than 72 hours. If a vehicle appears to have been abandoned or left in the same spot for 72 hours or more, give us a call at (805) 517-6232 or send an email to codecompliance@moorparkca.gov, and we will work with Parking Enforcement and the Moorpark Police Department to address the problem.

9. Can I put my trashcans or other objects in the right of way to save a parking spot?

Streets are considered public right of way. Consequently, residents may not reserve parking for their use on any public street by any means.

 Per Moorpark Municipal Code Section 8.36.070 (C), trashcans may only be placed in the street between 5:30 p.m. the day before collection and 10:00 p.m. the day of collection.

10. Can I place building materials, a mobile storage unit (such as a POD or a shipping container) on the street?

Placing objects in the right of way without an Encroachment Permit is a violation of Moorpark Municipal Code Section 12.04.230. Generally speaking, the public right of way is reserved for vehicle traffic and parking; privately owned storage is not permitted.

11. Do I need a permit to put up a garden shed?

Structures that are less than 120 square feet and have no utility connections do not require a permit.  The structure must comply with required property line and adjacent structure setbacks. Sheds may not be used as habitable structures under any circumstances.

12. I’d like to get a dog/pony/chicken/wildebeest. Is that permitted in my neighborhood?

Most residential zones in the City are limited to a total of four dogs and cats per property. Per Moorpark Municipal Code Section 17.28.030 (5)(a), up to fifteen smaller pets, such as hamsters, rats and guinea pigs and small birds (less than 6” in height) may be kept on any residentially zoned property. If animals are to be kept outside, enclosures must be at least 15’ from the property line.

In order to keep larger animals such as equines, bovines, porcines, and fowl, such as chickens or ducks, you must be located in a Rural or Agricultural zone.

Before you purchase or adopt that adorable animal, check you property’s zoning by checking the City’s Zoning Map, or with the City’s GIS system, and consult Moorpark Municipal Code Section 17.28.030. 

Please note that all dogs and cats in the City of Moorpark must have a pet license.

13. I’d like to rent my house on Airbnb or VRBO. Is that okay?

No, the City of Moorpark prohibits short term rentals (i.e. for periods less than thirty days) throughout the City.  Homes may be rented for periods greater than thirty days.

14. Can I convert my garage into extra dwelling space?

Recent changes in state law allow property owners to develop accessory dwelling units, including garage conversions, on residential properties. However, such modifications require a permit and must be completed in compliance with all applicable building and safety codes. Contact the Planning Division via email at pneumann@moorparkca.gov or via phone at (805) 517-6226 with questions regarding Accessory Dwelling Units.

Conversion of a garage, shed, or other space without the benefit of permits poses a serious health and safety risk and is a violation of the Moorpark Municipal Code.  Work done without proper permits may be required to be removed.

15. My property has been graffitied. What should I do?

We’re sorry to hear that; the City takes incidents of graffiti very seriously. We recommend that you contact the Moorpark Police Department at (805) 532-2700 so that Deputies may take a report. The MPD works hard to track down individuals responsible for vandalism and graffiti. When they are successful, victims can sometimes collect restitution.

Once a police report has been taken, property owners are required to remove or paint over graffiti within five days. Left alone, one instance of graffiti tends to attract further vandalism and property damage.

16. I’m planning to have party at my house. How loud can my music be?

Awesome! We hope you and your guests have a great time!  First and foremost, be a good neighbor and advise those around you of your plans.  Good communication goes a long way.  In terms of City regulations, you will want to keep any noise below 75 dB as measured at the property line. After 10:00 p.m., any noise disturbance becomes a violation of Moorpark Municipal Code Section 17.53.070, so plan to turn off any amplified sound before that time.

If you’re not sure how much noise you are generating, you can get an idea by downloading one of several free apps available for your smartphone.