Simi Valley, CA Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Carports in Simi Valley are treated as accessory structures and as covered parking. As accessory structures, setback and separation requirements come from Simi Valley Municipal Code section 9-30.080, which incorporates Table 3-2 for architectural features and accessory structures and limits accessory-structure coverage to no more than 40 percent of any yard. Specific yard, height, and separation distances are set in Table 3-2 within Title 9 of the Development Code. As covered parking, carports must satisfy Chapter 9-34 (Parking and Loading Standards): under SVMC 9-34.080, a parking stall in a multiple-bay structure such as a carport must provide a clear minimum dimension of 9 feet by 18 feet with no encroachment from pillars or posts that support the roof. Carports therefore cannot be installed where they reduce the legal parking stall below the clear-dimension requirement. When a garage or carport is converted to an Accessory Dwelling Unit, SVMC 9-44.160 (Accessory Dwelling Units, Ministerial) governs replacement parking: the displaced spaces must be replaced as covered, uncovered, or tandem parking on a paved surface with paved access, anywhere on the lot, subject to traffic-safety review. State law on ADUs (California Government Code 65852.2) caps how strict the city may be on ADU parking replacement and on certain setbacks. Building permits are required from the Simi Valley Building and Safety Division for the carport structure, and any electrical work (lighting or EV charging) requires a separate trade permit.