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Pesticide Use Enforcement staff issue permits and operator identification numbers for all agricultural uses of pesticides. This allows California Restricted Materials to be used under conditions which protect residential areas, schools, industrial sites and other sensitive areas. Operator identification numbers allow tracking of agricultural and commercial uses of pesticides. Agricultural inspectors conduct inspections where pesticides are being applied and where agricultural workers are working in treated fields. Businesses who apply pesticides or employ pesticide handlers and agricultural workers are required to make records available for inspection.

The Agricultural Commissioner conducts over 500 pesticide use inspections per year. The majority of these inspections are unannounced to assess whether employees are following regulations regarding worker safety and using pesticides according to the registered label. In addition, inspectors do over 400 presite inspections for uses of Restricted Materials. This allows the staff to assess whether the application can be made safely and consistently with permit conditions prior to the time that the pesticide is applied. Some of the things checked during an inspection are personal protective equipment, training, consistency with the label, and whether the equipment is functioning property.

California has the most stringent pesticide regulations in the nation. Licenses are required for businesses who apply pesticides for hire in either agricultural, residential or industrial/institutional settings and for persons who apply restricted materials to public property. Licensees must complete from 20 to 40 hours of continuing education in each two year period in order to renew their licenses. Licensees who wish to conduct business in the county must first register with the Agricultural Commissioner at the beginning of each calendar year. Farm labor contractors who intend to do business in the county must also register each calendar year.

Violations of pesticide laws and regulations can result in fines of up to $1000 per violation levied by the Agricultural Commissioner. In addition more serious violations can be referred to the Ventura County District Attorney for criminal or civil action.