Mining Permits

For any new mining projects a discretionary permit application must be obtained from the Planning Division.

Mining Projects: Conditional Use Permits and Reclamation Plans

The two principal mineral resources located in Ventura County are petroleum (oil and gas) and aggregate (principally sand and gravel).   Aggregates include sand, gravel and rock which are used for fill, construction-grade concrete and riprap, among others.  To ensure proper reclamation of these mining sites, the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) requires all jurisdictions in which mining occurs to adopt a reclamation ordinance and have it certified by the state mining and geology board.  There are also general guidelines that are used in the development of conditions which help ensure that mining projects generate minimal negative impacts on the environment and that mineral sites will be appropriately reclaimed.

Contact the Discretionary Permit Coordinator, Winston Wright at (805) 654-2468 or via email at winston.wright@ventura.org  for application submittal information or to schedule an appointment between the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

For more information regarding SMARA, please visit the Planning Division’s SMARA webpage.

For a Surface Mining Permit and Reclamation Plan Application, please contact the SMARA Coordinator, Ebony J. McGee at (805) 654-5037 or Ebony.McGee@ventura.org.
Conditional Use Permit (Surface Mining Permit) Application pdf
See Sec. 8107-9.5 of the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance Mining and Reclamation Guidelines pdf