ADU rules in Simi Valley, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Simi Valley permits one ADU plus one JADU per single-family lot ministerially under SVMC 9-44.160, conforming the city to state law (Gov't Code 65852.2 and 65852.22) with 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 18-ft height, and up to 1,200 sq ft detached.
Per Ordinance No. 1316 (adopted November 2, 2020; subsequently updated by 2023 amendments), SVMC 9-44.160 makes the creation of an ADU or JADU subject to ministerial Zoning Clearance review — no discretionary hearing — when the lot contains an existing or proposed single-family or multi-family dwelling in the OS, RE, RVL, RL, RM, RMod, RH, MH, RVH, or MU Overlay districts. Front setback is 20 ft; rear and side setbacks are 4 ft. ADUs are limited to a single story and 18 ft in height. A detached ADU may be up to 1,000 sq ft on parcels up to 8,000 sq ft and up to 1,200 sq ft on parcels over 8,000 sq ft, subject to lot-coverage limits in Table 4-4. Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the existing SFD or 800 sq ft (whichever is larger), up to 1,000 sq ft. The minimum size is 220 sq ft (California Building Code efficiency unit). A JADU is limited to 500 sq ft, must be located within the existing single-family dwelling, and requires a recorded owner-occupancy deed restriction. ADUs do not count toward allowable density, and the City must act within 60 days of a complete application. Rentals must be 30 days or longer — short-term ADU rentals are prohibited.
Building or occupying an ADU without a Zoning Clearance and building permit can trigger code enforcement, stop-work orders, and a requirement to remove or legalize the structure; a JADU rented out without the recorded owner-occupancy deed restriction must be vacated within 90 days of a new owner taking title.
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