Simi Valley, CA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Simi Valley, CA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Code section
- SVMC 9-30.080 Table 3-2 (Ord. 1316)
- Shed setbacks
- Front 20 ft; side 3 ft; rear 3 ft
- Maximum height
- 18 ft (Figure 3-7)
- Yard coverage
- ≤ 40% of any yard, cumulative
- Permit threshold
- Building permit required if > 120 sq ft
- Permit counter
- (805) 583-6723, enviroservices@simivalley.org
Summary
Detached freestanding sheds and similar nonresidential accessory structures must sit at least 20 ft from the front, 3 ft from side and rear lot lines per SVMC 9-30.080 Table 3-2, may cover no more than 40% of any yard, and require a building permit if the floor area exceeds 120 square feet.
TABLE 3-2 - SETBACKS FOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES ... Gazebos, carports, sheds, and similar nonresidential structures that are freestanding: Front 20 feet; Street Side / Side / Rear 3 feet. ... * Accessory structures shall not cover more than 40 percent of any yard except for Accessory Dwelling Units which are subject to yard coverages as outlined in Section 9-44.160.
Full Breakdown
080, Table 3-2 (Setbacks for Architectural Features and Accessory Structures), as amended by Ordinance No. 1316, gazebos, carports, sheds, and similar freestanding nonresidential structures must observe a 20-ft front setback and 3-ft setbacks on the street side, side, and rear yards. A footnote to the table specifies that accessory structures shall not cumulatively cover more than 40 percent of any yard. The City's Planning Division separately confirms that one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds with a floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft do not need a Building Permit (mirroring the California Residential Code Sec.
2 exemption), but any shed larger than 120 sq ft requires a Building Permit from the Building & Safety Division. Accessory mechanical equipment (HVAC) gets its own row in Table 3-2 with a 5-ft side and 3-ft rear setback (4 ft for combustion product vents). Accessory structures are also limited to 18 ft in maximum height under the Figure 3-7 diagram in the same section.
Violations & Fines
Constructing a shed over 120 sq ft without a building permit, or placing any shed inside the required 3-ft setback, can trigger code enforcement, fines, and an order to relocate or remove the structure under SVMC Title 1 enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can I put a shed to my back fence?
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed?
How tall can my accessory structure be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
How Simi Valley compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·California rules heatmap·Compare Simi Valley to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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