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 Planning Counter Staff at (805) 654-2488 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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 web page.
For a Surface Mining Permit and Reclamation Plan Application, please contact the SMARA Coordinator, Mindy Fogg at (805) 654-5192 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.