MINING ORDINANCE UPDATE
The County of Ventura (County) is updating the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (NCZO) to be consistent with the State Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) statutes and regulations. This webpage includes information regarding the SMARA update process, which can be accessed by clicking on the following links.
Project Overview
What's New?
The County held an outreach event for mining operators on May 6, 2025. Below are links to the recording of the presentation and the PowerPoint slides:
Background
The State Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) requires cities and counties to establish procedures for the review and approval of surface mining operations. On November 11, 1999, the State Mining and Geology Board certified the County’s current SMARA ordinance. Since this certification, the state has amended SMARA, most recently in 2018.
To support this effort, the County has hired Senior Associate Nash Gonzalez from Land Logistics. Land Logistics is a firm specializing in SMARA, with experience in preparing SMARA ordinances, annual mine inspections, and reclamation plan reviews.
This update focuses on incorporating current state regulations into the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (NCZO). The State Mining and Geology Board prepared a mining ordinance guidance document that the County will consult during the mining ordinance update.
Below are links to the existing mining regulations (NCZO Section 8107-9 and related definitions) and a map of the current mining operations:
Upcoming
County staff and Land Logistics will prepare a draft ordinance with State Mining staff. This draft is scheduled to be completed by the end of Summer 2025.
Process
A draft ordinance will be prepared by County staff and Land Logistics in coordination with State Mining and Geology (State Mining) staff focused on incorporating current state regulations. Once State Mining staff have approved of the draft ordinance, they will present it to the State Mining and Geology Board (State Board) for a prescreening. At the prescreening, the State Board will determine if the draft ordinance meets the state requirements. The ordinance will then be presented to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors for adoption. After the Board of Supervisors adopts the ordinance, it will be returned to the State Board for a hearing final certification. The ordinance will be effective after certified by the State Board.
Below is a general summary of the SMARA ordinance update process.
Prepare Ordinance
- Coordinate with State Mining staff
- Pre-screen by State Board
Public Hearings
- Planning Commission
- Board of Supervisors
Certification
- State Mining and Geology Board Certification
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the County updating the mining ordinance regulations?
The County is updating the mining regulations to incorporate current state regulations and satisfy the General Plan Program COS-MM. This Program directs the Planning Division to evaluate and update the mining ordinance. For permits issued since the last ordinance certification 1999, the County has continued to follow state guidance in administering and enforcing SMARA.
How will this impact mines?
This is not expected to impact existing mines, unless the mine expands or changes the reclamation plan. Existing mines can continue to operate under their approved permit.
New mines will be required to comply with the revised ordinance.
What is expected to change?
Since the County’s ordinance was certified in 1999, there have been changes to financial assurances, inspections, reclamation plans, idle mines, and addressing violations of SMARA.
What is the Mineral Resources Protection Overlay ?
The purpose of the Mineral Resources Protection Overlay is to safeguard access to mineral resources, facilitate a long-term supply of mineral resources, minimize land use conflicts, and provide public notice about the presence of mineral resources, but not obligate the County to issue permits for development of mineral resources (NCZO Section 8104-7.2). A map of the Mineral Resources Protection Overlay is available here.
This overlay will not be amended in the ordinance update.
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Mining Ordinance Update
Contact Us
Inquiries may be directed to the Case Planner, Brittany Webber
By Phone: (805) 654-2469
By e-mail: Brittany.Webber@ventura.org
By mail: Resource Management Agency
800 S Victoria Ave, L #1740
Ventura, CA 93009
